A stunning victory in the Dominican Republic secures Higgo’s second PGA Tour title and solidifies his comeback season
Introduction
South African star Garrick Higgo captured his second PGA Tour title at the 2025 Corales Puntacana Championship, capitalizing on a dramatic final-round collapse by Joel Dahmen. Higgo’s win at the picturesque Corales Golf Club in the Dominican Republic marked a significant resurgence for the 25-year-old lefty, whose last win came in 2021. The tournament delivered heart-pounding drama, as Dahmen bogeyed his final three holes, allowing Higgo to take the title with a closing-round 72 and a winning score of 14-under-par (274).
Tournament Recap
🏆 Final Leaderboard & Key Standings:
- 🥇 Champion: Garrick Higgo (-14) – Steady final round; wins by 1 stroke
- 🥈 T2: Keith Mitchell (-13) – Solid finish despite final-round -1
- 🥈 T2: Jeremy Paul (-13) – Stayed in contention all week
- 🥈 T2: Alejandro Tosti (-13) – Surged with a 4-under final round
- 🥈 T2: Joel Dahmen (-13) – Late collapse with +4 in Round 4
📊 Key Tournament Stats:
- Winning Margin: 1 stroke
- Low Round of the Week: 64 (-8) by Joel Dahmen (Round 3)
- Total Birdies by Higgo: 21
- Bogey-Free Rounds: None by the winner – a gritty performance throughout
Key Moments & Player Highlights
Garrick Higgo Holds His Nerve
Higgo played steady golf all week, but Sunday demanded resilience. After making bogeys on holes 9 and 11, he rallied with a clutch birdie on the par-5 14th. His conservative strategy down the stretch paid off as Dahmen faltered behind him.
“I just tried to stay patient. This win means the world after everything I’ve worked on,” Higgo said post-round.
Joel Dahmen’s Late Collapse
Dahmen, who began the day with a one-shot lead, looked poised to win his second PGA Tour event. However, nerves or fatigue set in as he bogeyed 16, 17, and 18, missing short putts that ultimately cost him the championship.
Other Standout Performances
- Keith Mitchell: Quietly climbed the board with a composed -1 on Sunday.
- Alejandro Tosti: Surged into a share of second with a brilliant final round 68.
- Jeremy Paul: Represented Germany with poise and posted consistent numbers across all four days.
Impact on the Golf World
This victory marks Higgo’s first win since the 2021 Palmetto Championship, reinvigorating his career and likely moving him into the top 80 of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). With increased confidence and a full exemption through the 2026 season, Higgo has reasserted himself as one of the most promising young talents on tour.
He also earns a spot in the upcoming PGA Championship and improves his FedExCup standing significantly, likely ensuring a playoff berth.
Fan Experience & Tournament Atmosphere
Set against the stunning Caribbean backdrop of Corales Golf Club, this year’s championship again delivered beauty and drama. Windy coastal conditions tested shot-making skills, while fans enjoyed intimate viewing access.
The 18th hole, flanked by the ocean and swaying palms, became a crucible of pressure on Sunday – a setting that proved too much for Dahmen, but not for Higgo.
Local support for Rafael Campos brought an electrifying buzz, highlighting the event’s growing status in Latin America.
Conclusion & What’s Next?
Garrick Higgo’s dramatic triumph at the 2025 Corales Puntacana Championship not only reintroduces him as a PGA Tour force but also sets the tone for a potential breakout season.
With major starts ahead and newfound momentum, the golf world will be watching closely. Meanwhile, Dahmen will look to bounce back at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, while Higgo eyes a strong showing at the Wells Fargo Championship.
Stay tuned to YourGolfGOATS as we follow Higgo’s rise and preview the PGA Championship contenders in our next feature.
