Higgo Shoots 69 After Two-Stroke Penalty for Late Tee Time at PGA Championship

South African golfer Garrick Higgo demonstrated significant mental resilience during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink. Despite arriving seconds late for his 7:18 a.m. tee time and incurring a two-stroke penalty, Higgo managed to shoot a one-under par 69. The penalty turned his opening hole into a double bogey, but he recovered with four birdies, including notable long putts on the third and 14th holes. Higgo admitted to being too casual and lacking a watch or phone while practicing, acknowledging that strict rules apply regardless of the delay magnitude. Although he argued his case post-round, the penalty stood, preventing him from sharing the early clubhouse lead with a potential 67. The 27-year-old, a winner of the 2021 Palmetto Championship and 2025 Corales Puntacana Championship, expressed pride in his ability to stay competitive under pressure. He emphasized his confidence in his game, stating he is dangerous when playing well. This incident highlights both the stringent nature of professional golf regulations and Higgo's capacity to overcome adverse starts in major tournaments.