In a tournament known for producing unexpected storylines, the 2025 Sanderson Farms Championship delivered yet another classic. With birdies pouring in, contenders rising and fading, and even a close encounter with an alligator, this year’s event at the Country Club of Jackson had everything — including a rookie’s first taste of glory.
That rookie was Steven Fisk, who stormed from behind on Sunday with an ice-cold 64 to claim his first PGA Tour title in dramatic fashion.
Part of the PGA Tour’s Fall Series, the Sanderson Farms Championship carries high stakes for players trying to lock up FedExCup points and secure their cards for next season. The Jackson, Mississippi, layout — lush, tree-lined, and deceptively demanding — served as a fitting backdrop for those seeking redemption or reinvention.
The field was wide open: defending champion Kevin Yu looked to repeat, while South African Garrick Higgo arrived with confidence after a string of solid finishes. The mix of veterans and hungry newcomers set the stage for four days of competitive, unpredictable golf.
Through the opening rounds, Garrick Higgo was the man to beat. The 25-year-old lefty blitzed the course with rounds of 66 and 67 to take control at the halfway mark. His effortless rhythm and pinpoint ball striking gave him a two-shot cushion heading into the weekend.
Behind him, a collection of rookies and journeymen — including Fisk, Rasmus Højgaard, and Vince Whaley — quietly stayed within striking distance. The atmosphere was lively: two aces were recorded, an NCAA champion incurred a rare penalty, and one drive went viral after traveling just 104 yards thanks to a well-placed tree.
Championship Sunday belonged to Steven Fisk.
Starting three shots behind, the Georgia Southern alum put on a clinic, carding eight birdies, including a flawless stretch of three straight to finish. Each putt seemed to build his confidence, while Higgo’s steady play turned tentative down the stretch.
When Fisk rolled in his final birdie on the 18th green, the crowd erupted. The rookie dropped his putter, looked skyward, and embraced his wife as the magnitude of the moment sank in.
His final score of 22-under-par was enough to edge Higgo by two shots and seal a victory that could define his career.
As Fisk was lighting up the scoreboard, Vince Whaley was facing a different kind of challenge — of the reptilian variety. On the par-5 11th hole, Whaley splashed a shot near a lurking alligator, then calmly waded into the water to play it. He saved par — and likely his heartbeat — earning laughs and applause from nearby fans.
Whaley’s gutsy play helped him tie for third alongside Højgaard and Danny Walker, both of whom recorded their best PGA Tour finishes to date. Doc Redman, who had Monday-qualified just days earlier, closed with a 65 to finish inside the top 10 — a huge payday and a ticket to more starts this fall.
Fisk’s win came with more than pride. The rookie collected $1.08 million from the $6 million purse and secured full PGA Tour status through 2026. He also joined an impressive list of first-year winners this season, including Karl Vilips, Aldrich Potgieter, and William Mouw — proof that a new wave of talent is reshaping the Tour.
For Garrick Higgo, the week still counted as a success. His runner-up finish continued a strong run of form and hinted that another victory may be near. For the rest of the field, the event underscored just how deep and competitive modern PGA Tour golf has become.
The Sanderson Farms Championship once again delivered everything fans could ask for — drama, surprise, and a glimpse of golf’s next generation.
Steven Fisk’s breakthrough wasn’t just about perfect swings and timely birdies; it was about belief. On a stage that has often crowned first-time winners, Fisk’s composure and conviction set him apart. As he raised the rooster trophy high over the Mississippi sunset, one thing was clear: a new name has arrived on the PGA Tour.
