Here's a slightly modified and SEO-optimized title that maintains the core meaning but is more newsworthy: Monday Finish: Inside the Cut Line Drama, Costly Triple Bogeys and LaCava's Rising Star
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Joe LaCava, Jr. has already built an impressive caddie career, working with notable players like Charlie Woods, Fred Couples, and most recently Joe Highsmith. His journey exemplifies the fascinating connections in professional golf.
Two meaningful cuts stood out this week:
Florida State junior Luke Clanton secured his PGA Tour card with an emotional second-round 66. Tour veterans Joel Dahmen and Keith Mitchell praised his talent and emotional finish, which brought tears as Clanton celebrated with family.
Joe Highsmith faced a nerve-wracking 5-foot par putt on Friday just to make the cut. After draining it, he shot back-to-back 64s on the weekend to claim victory. This made him only the fifth player in 20 seasons to win after making the cut on the number.
The win transformed Highsmith's career, earning him:
- Entry into Signature Events
- A spot in the top 60 world rankings
- An invitation to the Masters
Other notable victories this week:
- Lydia Ko dominated the HSBC Women's World Championship
- Ryan Peake completed an incredible comeback story to win the New Zealand Open
- Dylan Naidoo captured his first DP World Tour event at the South African Open
- Justin Suh won the Argentina Open on the Korn Ferry Tour
Two costly triple bogeys impacted the tournament:
- Jake Knapp's aggressive play from the mud on hole 11 ended his chances
- Taylor Montgomery's water ball on 16 cost him crucial Tour status points
The Seminole Pro-Member featured interesting pairings:
- Tom Brady with club pro Matt Cahill
- Tiger Woods making a rare appearance
- The Korda sisters playing together
- Rory McIlroy with his father
- Cameron Young alongside MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred
Jordan Spieth showed continued progress after wrist surgery, securing another top 10 finish. He expressed confidence in his recovery, noting he's "not searching for answers" anymore.
The story comes full circle in Seattle, where local product Joe Highsmith's victory connects back to Fred Couples, who recommended Joe LaCava Jr. as his caddie. It marks another milestone for Washington golf, with Couples himself receiving a lifetime achievement award from the Seattle Sports Commission this week.