PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic — In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Joel Dahmen shot a 1-under 71 on Saturday, April 19, 2025, to take a three-stroke lead into the final round of the Corales Puntacana Championship. This tournament holds a special place for Dahmen, as it is the site of his only PGA Tour victory back in 2021. With a strong finish on Sunday, April 20, he aims to complete a wire-to-wire victory, a feat that would not only solidify his status but also grant him a two-year exemption on the tour after narrowly keeping his PGA Tour card last year.
Dahmen's performance has been nothing short of impressive. He currently stands at a total of 17-under 199, having opened the tournament with rounds of 62 and 66, which broke the tournament's 36-hole record. His consistent play has put him in a commanding position as he heads into the final round, but the competition is fierce.
In pursuit of Dahmen are three players tied for second place at 14 under: Michael Thorbjornsen, Chan Kim, and Garrick Higgo. Thorbjornsen, a Stanford alum who earned his tour card through the PGA Tour University ranking, has shown remarkable poise throughout the tournament. His third-round score of 70 keeps him firmly in contention. Similarly, Chan Kim shot a 69, demonstrating his ability to keep pace with the leaders.
Garrick Higgo, the South African golfer, also shares the second spot after carding a 70 in the third round, leaving him at 14-under 202. Higgo's performance has been steady, and he is determined to make a move on the final day.
As the tournament unfolds, other notable players include Vince Whaley, who shot a 66, and Jeremy Paul and Ben Martin, both of whom posted rounds of 67. They sit at 13 under, just four strokes off the lead, proving that the final round could still bring surprises. Meanwhile, Ben Polland, who is set to defend his title next week in the PGA Professional Championship, is tied for 54th at 3 under after a round of 72.
The Corales Puntacana Championship is taking place concurrently with the RBC Heritage, a Signature Event in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, adding an extra layer of excitement as players showcase their talents in different venues. The stakes are high as Dahmen, along with his competitors, prepares for what promises to be an exhilarating final round.
As the sun rises on the final day, all eyes will be on Joel Dahmen to see if he can maintain his lead and clinch the title. Will he rise to the occasion and secure his second victory at this prestigious event? The golf world eagerly awaits the outcome of this gripping showdown.
