What started as a sun-soaked Sunday in the Dominican Republic ended in sheer jubilation for South African golfer Garrick Higgo.

In a nail-biting finish at the 2025 Corales Punta Cana Championship, the 25-year-old held his nerve to clinch a one-stroke victory—his second career win on the PGA Tour.

For Higgo, it was more than just another trophy.

It was a moment of redemption, confidence, and a reminder to the golfing world that he’s not going anywhere.

A Hard-Fought Victory With a Sweet Payoff

Higgo’s win didn’t come easy. The leaderboard was crowded, and the pressure mounted as several players jostled for the top spot.

But Higgo edged out a cluster of five players tied just one shot behind him at 13-under-par, finishing at 14-under to claim the top prize.

That clutch performance earned him a cool $720,000 (R13.55 million) in winnings—and an emotional boost he was clearly proud of.

“This is unbelievable and this is why I play the game,” Higgo shared afterward.

“The journey has its ups and downs, and I know I’ll go through more of both. But I just truly enjoy it all.”

A Look at the Final Leaderboard

The final leaderboard tells the story of a tightly contested tournament.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how the top names finished:

🥇 1st Place – Garrick Higgo (-14): $720,000
🥈 Tied 2nd – Alejandro Tosti, Keith Mitchell, Jeremy Paul, Michael Thorbjornsen, Joel Dahmen (-13): $243,400 each
🥉 Tied 7th – Vince Whaley, Chan Kim (-12): $130,000 each

Other notable finishers included Charley Hoffman and Matti Schmid (both -11, earning $109,000), and a host of golfers tied at -10, including Matt Wallace, Matt NeSmith, and Dylan Wu, each taking home $77,000.

Beyond the Prize: A Comeback Story in Motion

This win wasn’t just about money or stats—it was a testament to Higgo’s perseverance.

After capturing his first PGA Tour victory at the 2021 Palmetto Championship in South Carolina, Higgo experienced a mix of highs and lows.

The road back to the winner’s circle has been long and filled with lessons.

At just 25, he’s already proven that he can weather the rollercoaster ride that is professional golf—and that he’s hungry for more.

The Bigger Picture for South African Golf

Higgo’s win is also a proud moment for South African golf.

With legends like Ernie Els and Gary Player laying the foundation, young stars like Higgo are carrying that legacy forward on the international stage.

It’s wins like these that not only boost a player’s confidence—but energize a whole nation of fans back home.

What’s Next for Higgo?

With momentum on his side and the confidence that only a hard-fought win can bring, Higgo is now well-positioned to chase more PGA Tour victories in 2025.

And if Sunday’s performance is any indication, we haven’t seen the best of him yet.

Full Prize Money Breakdown

For those curious about the financial side of things, here’s a quick glimpse into the 2025 Corales Punta Cana Championship prize payouts:

Top 5 finishers earned between $720,000 and $243,400
Top 10 finishers secured $130,000 or more
Players down to T70 still walked away with earnings, with even 70th place taking home $8,200

You can check the full detailed earnings list if you’re keen to see where your favorite golfer landed.