Rookie sensation sinks third ace of the season at Detroit Golf Club
Highsmith’s Ace Ignites Round in Motor City
Detroit, Michigan – June 28, 2024
Joe Highsmith delivered another magical moment in his breakout PGA Tour season by sinking a stunning hole-in-one on the par-3 fifth hole during Friday’s second round of the 2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic.
The shot not only electrified the gallery at Detroit Golf Club, but also marked his third ace of the season—making Highsmith just the third player since 1983 to achieve that feat in one Tour season, joining Robert Allenby and Y.E. Yang.
A Defining Shot
Highsmith’s ace came on the 167-yard fifth hole, where he pulled a 9-iron and struck a high, smooth shot with a slight draw. The ball landed just beyond the flagstick and spun back perfectly into the cup, prompting roars from the crowd and a fist bump from the 24-year-old.
“That one felt incredible,” Highsmith told reporters. “I couldn’t see it go in, but I heard the crowd erupt and knew it had to be close.”
This wasn’t just luck—it was clinical execution. Highsmith has shown uncanny precision on par-3s all season long, and this latest gem further boosts his rising star status.
Leaderboard Impact
The ace helped Highsmith card a 5-under 67, pushing him to -9 overall and placing him inside the Top 15 heading into the weekend. The momentum from the hole-in-one seemed to settle him, as he followed it up with a string of solid pars and a birdie on the par-5 seventh.
With the cut projected at -4, Highsmith comfortably advanced, keeping himself in contention for a possible top-10 finish—or better—come Sunday.
Other Notables
Cameron Young continued his hot streak with a blistering 62 to grab the solo lead at -14, while Rickie Fowler, a fan favorite in Detroit, sits three shots back after a bogey-free 65.
On the other end, Tony Finau, the 2022 champion, surprisingly missed the cut after two over-par rounds left him at +1.
What’s Next
As the weekend heats up at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, all eyes will be on Highsmith—who’s fast becoming a must-watch on the PGA Tour. With three holes-in-one already this season, his combination of flair and composure has caught the attention of golf fans and analysts alike.
Can he turn Friday’s ace into a full tournament run? Stay tuned—this Cinderella story might just be getting started.
