Sunday afternoon set the stage for dreams to come true in more ways than one. The Cognizant Classic came to an end with 24-year-old Joe Highsmith, grabbing his first ever career win in impressive fashion. Not only did Highsmith fulfill a long awaited dream of his, but secured himself a spot in the prestigious Masters tournament to come in April. Just two days after barely making the cut, he finished with the lowest weekend ever at a PGA National. Truly making it a storybook ending to his weekend, yet with this win his career has now just jumped up a level.
Final Round Wins the Day
Joe Highsmith was able to overcome a stout four-shot deficit in the final round, answering back with three straight birdies with one coming on the 17th hole. His ability to be extremely efficient on the back-end, proved to be a helping hand in his first ever victory. It was not an easy accomplishment by any means, as five players had a share of the lead at one point in the round. It was going to take extreme confidence in his play to put himself as the sole leader, a part he explained as the last thing on his mind at the moment according to reports.
“That was the last thing I was expecting at the start of the day was a win,” he said. “And then I had kind of a feeling coming down the stretch that I was playing really good and made no mistakes and I was like, ‘Maybe I’ve got a chance.’ I played probably the best round of my life, for sure.”
Hitting four birdies in a five-hole stretch, just put the icing on the cake for Highsmith in his final round victory. Fighting his way back from a field that was once in the hands of Jake Knapp, seemed too good to be true. Knapp fell at the hands of continuous self inflicted mistakes after finding his way into the hazard Sunday evening.
Highsmith’s Career Prospects Ready for Takeoff
This victory for the Pepperdine University graduate, only has kicked his career into another gear. Highsmith has now jumped up 113 spots in the FedEx Cup standings, to a now eye opening No. 13 spot. Also securing his position in the Arnold Palmer Invitational including the signature events to come this season. This hard fought win has now allowed for Highsmith to set his sights on the upcoming Masters.
“It is just like the most incredible place on earth,” he said. “That tournament is going to be very special and something, obviously, you work towards your whole life but you never really know when you’re going to get that chance.”
Finishing two strokes ahead of Jacob Bridgeman and J.J. Spaun, who both finished tied for second place in the Cognizant Classic. Coming into this week, the total career earnings for Highsmith just totaled in at under $ 1.5 million. Yet, took home $ 1.656 million with his first ever career win. With a taste of victory now in the system of Highsmith, many will be eager to see how he can continue on this hot streak.
Main Photo Credit: © Jeff Romance / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
