Garrick Higgo faces unusual penalty at PGA Championship
Garrick Higgo encountered a rare and unexpected two-shot penalty before even hitting a ball at the PGA Championship, leading to his admission that he was “bummed”, reports BritPanorama.
The South African golfer, currently ranked 85th in the world, was penalised for arriving at the first tee just after his scheduled starting time at Aronimink Golf Club. Tournament officials determined that Higgo was not present in the designated starting area when his tee time arrived, despite him being on the nearby practice putting green.
Under the Rules of Golf, a player must be within a clearly defined zone at their allotted start time, which may include ropes, fencing, stakes, or marked lines surrounding the tee. Because he was only marginally late, Higgo avoided disqualification but was automatically assessed the two-stroke penalty.
In response to the setback, Higgo produced a commendable performance, carding a one-under-par 69, positioning himself just two shots off the lead held by Scottie Scheffler and several others. “I was bummed when I was told I had a two-shot penalty,” he said, acknowledging the unusual nature of the situation. “This is the first time it happened, so I wasn’t sure what was going on. I was just happy that they allowed me to tee off.”
Despite the challenge, Higgo demonstrated resilience, crediting his motivation with the phrase, “I just said to myself that it was going to be a great opportunity to shoot a low score. I wasn’t going to give up and shoot 80.”
Reflecting on the incident, Higgo recognised that his relaxed nature may have contributed to his late arrival. “If you know me, I am very casual and laid-back,” he said. “I thought I had time, but I was obviously too casual.” He later informed ESPN that the cool morning conditions had prompted him to remain on the practice range longer than intended, seeking warmth before play.
Higgo’s ability to manage the situation and still compete strongly underscores his mental resolve. This marks his fourth appearance at the PGA Championship, where he aims to make the cut for a second consecutive year, illustrating how professional sports often test not just skill but the ability to navigate unexpected challenges.
