Rookie sensation sinks historic fifth ace of the season during FedExCup Playoffs race
Highsmith Delivers History-Making Moment in North Carolina
Greensboro, North Carolina – August 10, 2024
Joe Highsmith continued his electrifying rookie campaign by carding a remarkable hole-in-one on the par-3 12th hole during the third round of the 2024 Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club.
The ace marked Highsmith’s fifth of the season—a PGA Tour record for most holes-in-one in a single year since such stats began being tracked in 1983. The 24-year-old left-hander has officially turned heads across the Tour, cementing his place in history with a shot that could prove pivotal in his FedExCup Playoffs push.
A Defining Shot
Highsmith’s magic happened on the 228-yard par-3 12th, one of the toughest holes on the back nine. He pulled a 5-iron, launching a laser-straight shot that landed just right of the flag, took two hops, and disappeared into the cup—prompting a raucous reaction from the North Carolina gallery.
“Honestly, I just wanted to find the green,” Highsmith said with a grin. “The roar told me everything I needed to know.”
It’s not just the ace that was impressive, but how Highsmith handled the pressure. With a playoff spot on the line and a long approach required, his control and confidence stood tall.
Leaderboard Impact
The ace sparked a critical momentum shift. At the time, Highsmith was flirting with the projected cutline and needed a big move. The hole-in-one vaulted him to -8 for the tournament, placing him inside the Top 25 and well above the cut at -4.
It also propelled him up the FedExCup standings, keeping his postseason hopes alive as the final round approaches. Every point matters this week—and Highsmith just earned a few hundred the flashy way.
Other Notables
Russell Henley continues to lead the field at -16, displaying sharp form heading into Sunday. Meanwhile, Shane Lowry made a strong charge with a bogey-free 64, climbing into the top 10.
Surprisingly, Matt Fitzpatrick, one of the pre-tournament favorites, missed the cut after an uncharacteristically shaky short game left him at +2 through 36 holes.
What’s Next
Highsmith now heads into Sunday’s final round with history already on his side—but a chance at even more glory in reach. With a hot putter and the confidence of five aces this season, don’t count him out of a Cinderella finish.
One thing’s for sure: Joe Highsmith is no longer just a name to watch—he’s rewriting the headlines.
