Garrick Higgo Incurs Two-Stroke Penalty for Late Tee Time at PGA Championship

South African golfer Garrick Higgo suffered a costly start to the PGA Championship after arriving late to his tee time at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. Despite arriving at the course before sunrise and completing his warm-up routine, Higgo remained on a practice putting green when his playing partner, Shaun Micheel, was called to the first tee at 7:18 a.m. Under Rule 5.3a, players must be ready to play at their scheduled tee time. Higgo arrived at the tee at 7:19 a.m., one minute late, resulting in an automatic two-stroke penalty. Although his caddie urgently called for him, Higgo did not reach the tee in time. This incident marked a bizarre and disadvantageous beginning to his eighth major championship appearance. Higgo, known for his relaxed demeanor, was grouped with Micheel and Michael Brennan. The penalty was applied immediately upon his arrival, highlighting the strict enforcement of timing rules in professional golf tournaments regardless of a player's status or intent.