Corales Puntacana Championship 2026: Mazzoli Claims $720K Victory

Stefano Mazzoli turned a modest PGA Tour résumé into a landmark win at the Corales Puntacana Championship. The 2026 season’s final opposite‑field event saw the rookie—making only his third start—post a weekend total of 66‑66 and secure a birdie on the last hole to finish at 20 under. A one‑shot margin separated him from Gordon Sargent and Todd Clements, both shooting 19 under, cementing a dramatic debut performance.

The tournament’s prize pool tops $4 million, with the champion receiving 18 percent—$720,000—while the runner‑ups pocketed $356,000 each. Nicknamed the “final opposite‑field event,” Corales offers a different twist on the PGA Tour’s regular schedule, giving players a second chance to qualify for the FedEx Cup points race. Mazzoli’s victory also earned him 300 FedEx Cup points and a coveted two‑year exemption, a rewarding boost for a golfer still finding his footing on the circuit.

Top Finishers and Earnings

• Stefano Mazzoli – 20 under, $720,000
• Gordon Sargent – T‑19, $356,000
• Todd Clements – T‑19, $356,000
• Will Gordon – T‑18, $180,000
• Ben James – T‑18, $180,000

Beyond the prize money, the win marks a career‑defining moment for Mazzoli, highlighting how opposite‑field tournaments can serve as launchpads for emerging talent. His two‑year exemption means he’ll continue to compete on the premier tour through the 2028 season, adding stability to a promising trajectory.

Tournament Background

Puntacana Resort & Club’s Corales Course, ranked No. 9 on Golfweek’s Top 50 list for Mexico, Caribbean, Atlantic islands and Central America, again played host this year. Designed by Tom Fazio in 2010, the par‑72 layout stretches 7,670 yards, making it one of the longest courses on the PGA Tour and a true test of length and precision. The venue’s reputation for challenging rough and fast greens adds a strategic layer to the competition, rewarding players who can navigate both length and accuracy.

The 2026 Corales Puntacana Championship stands out as a showcase of how niche events can influence the broader tour landscape. As the season winds down, Mazzoli’s breakthrough performance will be watched closely by fans and competitors alike, illustrating the potential impact of opposite‑field stops on the overall FedEx Cup picture. The $4 million purse also reflects the PGA Tour’s investment in expanding opportunities across diverse courses worldwide.