Garrick Higgo's Unlikely Triumph at the 2025 Corales Puntacana Championship

In a stunning display of skill and nerve, South African golfer Garrick Higgo emerged as the champion of the 2025 Corales Puntacana Championship, solidifying his status as the new "King of Corales." The event unfolded on April 22, 2025, in the picturesque setting of Puntacana in the Dominican Republic, where Higgo's impressive performance eclipsed that of American Joel Dahmen, who had dominated the tournament for the first three rounds.

Higgo completed his final round with a remarkable score of -14, setting the stage for an intense finish. With Dahmen trailing him by one hole, the pressure mounted as he approached the final stretch of the course. Despite leading until the 15th hole, Dahmen experienced a heartbreaking collapse, recording three consecutive bogeys on holes 16, 17, and 18, a treacherous stretch known as the "Devil's Elbow." This unexpected turn of events allowed Higgo to claim his second victory on the PGA Tour, walking away with a winner's check of USD$720,000 from a total purse of USD$4 million.

During the award ceremony, which took place on the 18th green, Higgo expressed empathy for his friend Dahmen, remarking, "I truly feel for Joel, who is a great friend. I would have preferred to win under different circumstances." The young golfer's humility and sportsmanship stood out, even amid the thrill of his triumph.

The championship saw a five-way tie for second place, with several talented players finishing just one stroke behind Higgo at -13. Among them were Alejandro Tosti from Argentina, Keith Mitchell from the USA, Jeremy Paul from Germany, Michael Thorbjornsen from the USA, and even Joel Dahmen himself. Meanwhile, the only Dominican player in the field, Willy Pumarol, wrapped up his tournament with a total score of -1, tying for 53rd place after a steady performance featuring a mix of birdies and bogeys.

Higgo's victory not only adds to his growing list of accolades but also reflects the tournament's broader impact on the golfing community. This year, the Corales Puntacana Championship reached an astounding media exposure of 4.8 billion impressions through various platforms across 153 countries, engaging an audience of 3.4 million viewers from the United States alone.

The trophy presentation was a grand affair, unfolding in front of thousands of jubilant fans who had gathered to witness this remarkable sporting achievement. Higgo was awarded not only the prestigious trophy but also the iconic white chacabana shirt and signature Corales hat, symbolizing his victory. Notable figures including Mr. Frank Elías Rainieri, President and CEO of Grupo Puntacana, presented the awards, marking a significant moment in the tournament's history.

As the tournament concludes, the anticipation for next year's event is already building. Higgo, a talented player at just 26 years old, expressed his hopes of returning in 2026, further igniting excitement among fans and players alike. With his recent success, the golfing world is undoubtedly keen to see how Higgo's career unfolds in the coming years, especially as he vies for more titles on the prestigious PGA Tour.

For more insights into the Corales Puntacana Championship, keep an eye on their official social media channels and stay tuned for the latest updates on tournament developments and player performances as the countdown to 2026 begins.