Highsmith's Redemption From Cut Line to Masters Bound

Joe Highsmith defied the odds at the Cognizant Classic, surging from a precarious cut line on Friday to a stunning victory on Sunday. Highsmith's historic weekend, featuring back-to-back 7-under 64s, marked the lowest weekend score ever recorded at PGA National.  

3RD MARCH 2025 | 12:00 AM

News for the 11 Eligible Official World Golf Ranking Tournaments


PGA Tour - Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches           

Joe Highsmith defied the odds at the Cognizant Classic, surging from a precarious cut line on Friday to a stunning victory on Sunday. Highsmith's historic weekend, featuring back-to-back 7-under 64s, marked the lowest weekend score ever recorded at PGA National.  

The 24-year-old left-hander's journey began with a clutch 5-foot par putt on Friday to avoid missing the cut. Two days later, he found himself hoisting the trophy, earning his first PGA TOUR win and a coveted spot at the Masters.  

Highsmith overcame a four-shot deficit, capitalizing on a costly triple bogey by overnight leader Jake Knapp, who struggled with a water hazard on the 11th hole. Highsmith's flawless finish, punctuated by crucial birdies, secured his victory, finishing at 19-under 265.  

Jacob Bridgeman and J.J. Spaun shared second place, while Knapp finished tied for sixth. Highsmith's triumph marks the first time since 2016 that a player has won after making the cut on the number. This victory not only sends Highsmith to the Masters and PGA Championship, but also into the remaining Signature Events.  

For the full story follow the link below:

https://www.pgatour.com/article/news/daily-wrapup/2025/03/02/joe-highsmith-goes-from-just-making-cut-to-winner-at-cognizant-classic-jake-knapp-jordan-spieth

Total Points - 48.9739

World Number 170 - 59

-             

Korn Ferry Tour - 118 Visa Argentina Open presented by Macro

Justin Suh triumphed at the 118 Visa Argentina Open presented by Macro, earning his second Korn Ferry Tour title with a dominant five-shot victory. Suh's final round of 5-under 65 at Jockey Club, featuring three birdies in his last four holes, propelled him to a 23-under 257 total.

The win not only boosts Suh to No. 2 on the Korn Ferry Tour Points List but also secures his spot in The Open Championship at Royal Portrush this summer, marking his fifth major championship appearance.  After losing his PGA TOUR card, the victory signifies a strong rebound for the former World Amateur No. 1, who previously won the 2022 Korn Ferry Tour Championship. Suh's bogey-free weekend performance in Argentina underscores his return to form as he aims for a 2026 PGA TOUR membership.         

For the full story follow the link below:

https://www.pgatour.com/korn-ferry-tour/article/news/daily-wrapup/2025/03/02/justin-suh-wins-visa-argentina-open-round-qualifies-for-the-british-open-championship-4-leaderboard-scores

Total Points - 14.4179

World Number 287 - 182

-             

DP World Tour & Sunshine Tour - Investec South African Open Championship    

Dylan Naidoo secured his first DP World Tour victory at the Investec South African Open Championship, winning in a playoff after the tournament was shortened to 54 holes due to severe weather. The final round at Durban Country Club was cancelled due to flooding, leaving Naidoo and England’s Laurie Canter tied at 14-under par.

In the playoff on the 18th hole, Naidoo’s skilful chip to four feet set up a decisive birdie putt, which he converted after Canter missed his own longer attempt. The victory sparked celebrations from the home crowd, marking the sixth consecutive year a South African has won the event.

Naidoo’s win earns him a coveted spot in The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush, alongside Marco Penge and Darren Fichardt, who also qualified. Canter, despite his playoff loss, leads the Race to Dubai Rankings and secures a $200,000 bonus by topping the International Swing standings.  

Penge finished third, while South Africans Fichardt, Branden Grace, and amateur Christiaan Maas tied for fourth. Naidoo expressed his overwhelming joy, crediting the supportive crowd and his practiced chipping technique for his success.

For the full story follow the link below:

https://www.europeantour.com/dpworld-tour/news/articles/detail/home-favourite-dylan-naidoo-wins-play-off-to-secure-maiden-dp-world-tour-win/

https://sunshinetour.com/naidoo-makes-history-with-investec-south-african-open-triumph

Total Points - 15.5854

World Number 466 - 246

-             

PGA Tour of Australasia & Asian Tour - 104th New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport              

Ryan Peake of Western Australia has achieved a stunning one-stroke victory at the 104th New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport, capping a remarkable personal journey. Trailing by four strokes entering the final round, Peake's 5-under 66, highlighted by a crucial 10-foot par putt on the 18th, secured his win at 23-under par.  

Peake's victory is a story of redemption, as he overcame a past that included a five-year prison sentence. His win makes him the first left-hander to win the NZ Open since Sir Bob Charles in 1973, and earns him a spot in the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush.  

His journey to the tournament was also dramatic, arriving in Queenstown only on Tuesday due to visa issues. After a bogey-free final 55 holes, Peake's triumph marks a significant turning point in his career. His coach, Ritchie Smith, played a key role in his resurgence, believing in Peake's potential even during his incarceration.  

The tournament, held at Millbrook Resort, saw intense competition, with Guntaek Koh faltering in the final holes, opening the door for Peake, Jack Thompson, Kazuki Higa, and Ian Snyman. Millbrook Resort has been confirmed as the host venue for the next seven years.       

For the full story follow the link below:

https://pga.org.au/news/peake-completes-redemption-with-nz-open-triumph/

https://asiantour.com/blog/peake-records-inspirational-lifechanging-victory-in-new-zealand-open

Total Points - 9.7288

World Number 1215 - 432

-             

Nordic Golf League - INFINITUM Championship

Tobias Edén of Sweden emerged victorious at the Infinitum Championship, the second leg of the ECCO Tour Spring Series, after a dramatic playoff against Denmark’s Jeppe Kristian Andersen. The two golfers finished 54 holes tied, forcing a sudden-death playoff.

Andersen's tee shot on the first playoff hole found trouble, leading to a bogey despite a strong recovery. Edén capitalized with a steady two-putt birdie, securing the win. Edoardo Molinari, who entered the final round tied for the lead, struggled and finished tied for fourth. Oliver Gillberg took third place, while Frederik Birkelund delivered a strong final round to finish as the second-best Dane in ninth. The ECCO Tour's Spanish Spring Series concludes with the final event beginning Monday at Infinitum.    

For the full story follow the link below:

https://danish.golf/svensk-sejr-efter-dramatisk-omspil-i-infinitum-championship/

Total Points - 2.7679

World Number 1044 - 700

-             

ProGolf Tour - Golf Mad Open  

Michael Hirmer successfully defended his title at the Golf Mad Open at Lykia Links Golf Club, overcoming challenging weather conditions for a triumphant start to the 2025 Pro Golf Tour season. Hirmer’s victory was hard-fought, beginning with a difficult opening round plagued by gale-force winds. Despite a six-over-par start, Hirmer rallied, salvaging his round and setting the stage for a comeback. Strong performances in the subsequent rounds, including a bogey-free second round and a decisive final round featuring an eagle on the 16th hole, secured his win.

The 27-year-old German golfer, who is familiar with links-style courses from his time in Scotland, showcased his strength in long-game play. Philipp Macionga, another German talent, finished second, achieving his best Pro Golf Tour result to date. Hirmer praised the course conditions and the smooth operation of the tournament, sponsored by Golf Mad Travel and Events. He now sets his sights on the Lykia Links Open, beginning Wednesday, aiming to quickly refocus after his victory.

For the full story follow the link below:

https://www.progolftour.de/press-detail/perfect-start-to-the-season-hirmer-defends-title-in-turkey

Total Points - 1.116

World Number 937 - 793

-             

Gira de Golf Professional Mexicana - Chapultepec Championship            

Luis Gerardo Garza, a Korn Ferry Tour player, triumphed at the Chapultepec Championship, the seventh stage of the Mexican Professional Tour (GPM), marking his first victory on the tour in nearly two years. A final round of 68 strokes, for a 12-under-par total of 204, secured his win at the historic Chapultepec Golf Club.

Garza's round featured early birdies and a resilient recovery from a double bogey, showcasing his composure. He expressed his happiness with the victory and praised the growing talent on the GPM. Alejandro Madariaga finished second, with Chris Nido in third.

For the full story follow the link below:

https://www.giramx.golf/post/el-chapultepec-championship-fue-para-luis-gerardo-garza

Total Points - 1.4999

World Number 1047 - 858

-             

Nordic Golf League - INFINITUM Spanish Masters            

Oliver Hundebøll emerged victorious at the Infinitum Spanish Masters after a tense playoff against Edoardo Molinari, following a dramatic final round. The tournament saw a late surge from Molinari, who carded a stunning 63, and a faltering finish from leader Albin Tidén, leading to a three-way tie at 13-under.

The playoff on the 18th hole proved to be a nail-biter, requiring three extra holes to determine a winner. Both Hundebøll and Molinari matched each other with birdies in the first two playoff holes. In the third playoff hole, Molinari's errant drive into the rough gave Hundebøll the advantage. Despite a strong approach from Hundebøll, Molinari missed his par putt, allowing Hundebøll to secure the win with a tap-in.

Tidén, who had led for much of the final round, finished third. Swedes Oliver Jacobsson and Sebastian Petersen shared fourth place, while Spain's Pep Angles finished sixth. Among other Danish players, Jeppe Kristian Andersen finished tied for 10th, Jens Kristian Thysted and Peter Launer Bæk tied for 12th, and Søren Kjeldsen tied for 20th.

For the full story follow the link below:

https://danish.golf/hundeboell-vinder-dramatisk-omspil-mod-molinari/

Total Points - 2.7638

World Number 1493 - 934

-             

Professional Golf Tour of India - SECL Chhattisgarh Open Golf Championship      

Shaurya Bhattacharya of Delhi delivered a stunning six-under 63 in the final round of the SECL Chhattisgarh Open Golf Championship securing a decisive five-shot victory. His total of 27-under 249 at the Fairway Golf & Lake Resort earned him his second professional win.

The 22-year-old, 2024’s PGTI Emerging Player of the Year, maintained his overnight lead with an error-free performance, dropping only one bogey throughout the tournament. Bhattacharya's victory earned him INR 15 lakh, propelling him to second place in the TATA Steel PGTI Ranking.

Sachin Baisoya, also from Delhi, surged to runner-up position with a remarkable 61, while Sri Lanka's N Thangaraja finished third. Bhattacharya's composed final round, featuring an eagle and key birdies, showcased his mental fortitude and consistent play. He attributed his success to staying present and focusing on his breathing, solidifying his position as a rising star on the PGTI.

For the full story follow the link below:

https://pgtofindia.com/news/2695

Points Won - 1.0486

Multi Win Bonus Points - 0.6292

Total Points - 1.6778

World Number 1603 - 1071

-             

Alps Tour Golf - Red Sea Little Venice Open        

Spain's Alvaro Hernandez Cabezuela emerged victorious from a tightly contested 2025 Red Sea Little Venice Open at Sokhna Golf Club, finishing with an 11-under-par total (69-67-69). The 28-year-old secured his first Alps Tour victory, edging out France's Quentin Debove by a single stroke. Debove finished at 10-under-par, while Italy’s Jacopo Vecchi Fossa took third place at 8-under-par.

Hernandez Cabezuela, a rising star from Tenerife, credited his perseverance and skill for the win, highlighting his ability to handle challenging windy conditions. He stated, “I’m incredibly happy! This is what I’ve been practicing for.” Debove, despite a strong performance, expressed slight disappointment with missed putts, but remained optimistic for the next tournament. Vecchi Fossa, a seasoned Alps Tour veteran, was pleased with his third-place finish after a difficult round.

Hernandez Cabezuela's win earned him €6,200 and valuable Order of Merit points. The Alps Tour now moves to Cairo for the 2025 New Giza Open, beginning March 1st.          

For the full story follow the link below:

https://alpstourgolf.com/news/11142

Total Points - 1.1154

World Number 1518 - 1157

-             

ProGolf Tour - Lykia Links Open

Carl Siemens emerged victorious at the Golf Mad Open, claiming his first professional title in an all-German playoff against teammate Philipp Katich. The 20-year-old’s birdie on the first extra hole sealed the win after both players finished the tournament at four-under-par.

The final round saw a dramatic shift in leaderboard positions. Michael Hirmer, the season opener winner, held a strong position but faltered with two late bogeys, opening the door for Siemens and Katich, both from GC St. Leon-Rot. Siemens’ final round of 68, featuring an eagle on the sixth hole, highlighted his solid play, but he credited his mental fortitude as the key to his success.

The playoff was a unique situation, with Siemens and Katich sharing a coach and playing regularly together. Siemens described the atmosphere as “relaxed” due to their familiarity. He emphasized staying present throughout the tournament, a strategy that proved crucial in the demanding conditions at Lykia Links Golf, which featured strong winds and interruptions.

Siemens, a member of the Bundeswehr’s sports promotion group, had recently completed basic training, adding to the challenge of preparing for the tournament. The win continues a strong start to the Pro Golf Tour season for German players, with Germans now occupying the top four spots in the Order of Merit. The tour now moves to Egypt for the Red Sea Ain Sokhna Open and the Red Sea Egyptian Classic.         

For the full story follow the link below:

https://www.progolftour.de/press-detail/title-debut-siemens-wins-team-mate-duel

Total Points - 1.1158

World Number 2026 - 1316

-             

LATEST NEWS
VIEW ALL LATEST NEWS