News Summary
Joe Highsmith showcased exceptional talent to win his first PGA Tour title at the Cognizant Classic, finishing with a remarkable score of 19-under-par. His performance, aided by high-quality Titleist equipment, set a precedent as he became the first player in nine years to clinch the title after barely making the cut. Highsmith’s strategic play and impeccable equipment choice distinguished his win, leaving fans and enthusiasts eager for his future endeavors.
Joe Highsmith Steals the Show at the Cognizant Classic!
In an exhilarating showdown, Joe Highsmith demonstrated his remarkable talent by clinching his first PGA Tour title at the Cognizant Classic. Playing like a veteran, Highsmith made the cut just right, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. With a jaw-dropping 19-under-par, highlighted by back-to-back rounds of 64 during the third and final days, he secured the win by a comfortable two shots, leaving fans buzzing with excitement.
A Historic Win
What adds to the thrill of Highsmith’s victory is that he’s made history as the first player in nine years to snag a PGA Tour title after cutting it so close. This achievement showcases not only his incredible skill but also his ability to perform under pressure — a trait that every golfer dreams of possessing. Golf lovers were glued to their screens, witnessing this nail-biter unfold shot by shot.
Equipment That Shined
Highsmith’s triumph wouldn’t be complete without giving a nod to the impressive Titleist equipment that helped him soar during the tournament. Leading the charge was his Titleist GT3 driver, finely tuned to an 8-degree angle and paired with a Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 6.5 60g shaft. This powerhouse setup catapulted him to rank 12th in strokes gained off-the-tee, making it clear why his driving was a force to be reckoned with.
In addition to his driver, his trusty Titleist GT3 fairway wood — set at 15 degrees and utilizing the Project X HZRDUS Smoke Yellow 6.5 70 TX shaft — continually delivered critical shots, allowing him to keep up the momentum throughout the swinging weekend.
Iron Play & Wedges
As for his iron game, Highsmith gained precision with Titleist T200 irons for his 2-iron and Titleist T100 irons for the 4-9 range. With Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 80HY 6.5 shafts combined with Project X LS 6.5 shafts for the T100, this combo highlighted his blend of power and accuracy.
When it came to his wedge game, he showcased the Titleist Vokey Design SM10 wedges, featuring lofts of 46, 50, 54, and 58 degrees. With the True Temper AMT Tour White shafts on the 46-54 lofts and the 58-degree utilizing the True Temper Dynamic Golf S300 shaft, we saw a precision-focused performance that elevated his short game.
Putting Like a Pro
Let’s not forget about Highsmith’s putting prowess, which brought him to the top of the leaderboard. He wielded a Scotty Cameron 009M tour prototype like a true artist, draining over 200 feet of putts during the course of the tournament. The stats don’t lie — he ranked seventh in strokes gained putting and third in putts per GIR (Greens in Regulation), our friend clearly had his short game locked in. Major highlight moments included impressive birdie putts of 18 feet at both the fourth and 11th holes, along with a crucial 15-footer on the 13th that showed just how in tune he was with his game.
Highsmith’s deft execution of an up-and-down for par from behind the green on the 14th hole, using his trusty Vokey SM10 wedge, was a testament to his skill and rock-solid confidence throughout the tournament. It was an all-around exhibition of solid driving, a reliable short game, and superior putting rolled into one electrifying performance.
Looking Ahead
With this noteworthy victory under his belt, Highsmith is set to gain invaluable experience, which will undoubtedly prove advantageous in future tournaments. His consistent performance has marked him as a rising star in the PGA Tour, and golf enthusiasts can rightly expect to see more fantastic feats from him as the season rolls on.
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Additional Resources
- Golfweek: Joe Highsmith’s Winning Golf Equipment
- Golf Digest: Joe Highsmith’s Clubs
- Golf.com: Clubs Used by Joe Highsmith
- GolfWRX: Joe Highsmith’s Winning WITB
- PGA Tour: Joe Highsmith’s Clubs and Equipment
- Wikipedia: Professional Golf
- Google Search: Joe Highsmith News
- Google Scholar: Joe Highsmith PGA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Joe Highsmith
- Google News: Cognizant Classic 2025
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
