Joe Highsmith does something not seen on the PGA Tour since 2016 as he wins the Cognizant Classic with brilliant final round

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Joe Highsmith is the latest winner of a PGA Tour event as he came home top of the pile at the Cognizant Classic.

24-year-old Highsmith got his first win of what could be a big PGA Tour career as he shot a brilliant round of seven-under par to come out on top in Florida.

With the PGA National course being criticised all weekend, Highsmith took advantage of the likes of Jake Knapp and Jordan Spieth not producing to deliver the win.

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For Highsmith, the win puts him in line to compete in the some of the big events in 2025 while also boosting his bank balance to the tune of around $1.6m.

However, while some might point to him being a relative unknown, it can’t be argued that Highsmith deserved it as he set records along the way.

Joe Highsmith sets new records as he wins the Cognizant Classic

With Highsmith playing some remarkable golf in the final round, it was always going to be flag up some interesting stats.

One of the biggest and more impressive statistics was shared by Justin Ray, who confirmed that Highsmith became the first player to win after getting to the weekend right on the cut-line number since Brandt Snedeker managed it in 2016.

Highsmith’s performance from round three onwards was certainly eye-catching.

Indeed, he carded two successive rounds of 64 to set the lowest weekend score ever at the tournament at 14 under, while his final finish of 19-under also means he holds the best overall score at the PGA National course.

Highsmith joins a list of just four players to make the cut right on the line and win in the last 20 seasons, including a certain Rory McIlroy.

• READ MORE: Jack Nicklaus gives his verdict on the PGA National golf course after criticism during the Cognizant Classic

Who is Joe Highsmith?

At 24 and with just over 30 PGA Tour events played, Joe Highsmith is very much in the early stages of his career and this win will feel massive.

The Washington state native turned pro in 2022 and attended Pepperdine University. His best finish up to this point had been a fifth place finish at the World Wide Technology Championship at the back end of 2024.

According to the PGA Tour, Highsmith has made $1.3m in career earnings, meaning he’ll double his career earnings just by winning the Cognizant.

His current OWGR ranking has him down in 170th but this win will shoot him up the board.