CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 15: Garrick Higgo of South Africa looks on while playing the 16th hole during the first round of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club on May 15, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Garrick Higgo was given a two-stroke penalty for being late to his tee time on Thursday morning of Round 1 of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania.
Higgo was scheduled to tee off on hole one at 7:18 a.m. EST. However, Higgo arrived at the tee box one minute late. Per Rule 5.3a of the PGA of America’s Local Rules and Terms of the Competition, players must be ready to play at the starting time and starting point. Higgo did not arrive at his hole 1 starting point prior to his starting time and was assessed the two-stroke penalty prior to teeing off. The PGA of America stated in a press release that Higgo was on the practice green, but not within the area defined under Rule 5.3a as the starting point at his starting time.
Despite the penalty, Higgo went on to card a one under par 69, which put him in a tie for 13th with a host of other players. Without the penalty, Higgo would have been tied for the lead at the end of Round 1.
