Garrick Higgo claims victory after Joel Dahmen's stunning collapse
- Garrick Higgo won the Corales Puntacana Championship after a dramatic final round.
- Joel Dahmen, who had led the tournament, lost the lead with late bogeys on the last holes.
- The victory earned Higgo a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour.
In the Dominican Republic, Garrick Higgo capitalized on Joel Dahmen's late-game struggles to win the Corales Puntacana Championship. The tournament was held on a windy Sunday, and Higgo's victory marked his second win on the PGA Tour. Until the 17th hole, Dahmen held a commanding lead built over the tournament’s earlier rounds, including a first-round score of 62. However, his performance faltered in the final stretch, allowing Higgo to seize the opportunity. Dahmen, who had led for most of the tournament, experienced a significant setback when he missed a short par putt on the 17th hole, resulting in back-to-back bogeys that gave Higgo a share of the lead. Higgo, despite also bogeying the 17th, managed to par the 18th hole to secure the win. Dahmen entered the day with a three-shot advantage but ultimately shot a 76, lack of timely putting costing him the title. This turn of events demonstrated the high-pressure nature of professional golf, where momentum can shift dramatically in mere moments. The tournament concluded with Higgo finishing at 14-under par for the event, which provided him with a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour, although it did not grant him entry to prestigious tournaments like the Masters. Meanwhile, Dahmen, who was previously crowned champion of this event in 2021, fell into a five-way tie for second place alongside several competitors. Despite his disappointment, Dahmen’s overall performance throughout the tournament showcased his capabilities as a strong contender on the tour. Beyond the dramatic changes in rankings, the match highlighted the emotional and sometimes heartbreaking nature of competitive sports. Players invest tremendous effort and commitment to perform well under intense scrutiny, and a single hole can alter the trajectory of their careers. The Corales Puntacana Championship served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of golf, where talent meets the unpredictability of pressure. The tournament was not only significant for Higgo's career; it also sparked conversations about Dahmen's performance under duress, especially following his notable appearance on the Netflix docu-series 'Full Swing,' which increased his visibility and fan support.