How an Old Swing Feel Could Save This PGA Tour Rookie’s Career

A simple swing change might just save Joe Highsmith’s PGA Tour dreams.

The 24-year-old rookie put on a masterclass Saturday at the World Wide Technology Championship, hitting every single green in regulation on his way to a sizzling 7-under 65.

He’s now just one shot behind leaders Justin Lower, Carson Young and last week’s champion Nico Echavarria heading into Sunday’s final round.

Talk about perfect timing. Highsmith came into this week in Mexico ranked 126th in FedExCup points – just one heartbreaking spot away from keeping his Tour card for next year.

It’s been a tough rookie season for the lefty. Before fall, he missed 13 cuts in his first 20 starts, with just one decent finish – a tie for 6th at Puerto Rico.

But everything changed thanks to a phone call with his old college coach.

When Highsmith was struggling with shots going both left and right, Pepperdine coach Michael Beard suggested going back to an old swing feel – what Highsmith calls “a pull cut.”

“Now I have a one-way miss instead of the ball going both ways all year,” Highsmith explained after his round. “It’s made such a difference.”

The numbers are pretty incredible. This week he’s:
– Hit 49 of 54 greens (best in the field)
– Found 41 of 42 fairways (tied for first)
– Averaging 312.5 yards off the tee (second longest)

He hasn’t made a single bogey in three of his last six rounds – something he hadn’t done since March.

“Entirely thanks to Beard,” Highsmith said with a laugh.

Sunday will be the real test. He’s only made it to 11 final rounds all year, but his confidence is growing. Just last week he fired a closing 65 in Las Vegas.

“You can’t play defensive out here – you’ll get absolutely lapped,” Highsmith said. “I know I need to make seven, eight, nine birdies tomorrow just to finish in the top 5. You’ve got to stay aggressive.”

One more solid round could be all it takes to secure his future on the PGA Tour.