South African golfer Garrick Higgo received a rare two-stroke penalty during the opening round of the 108th PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, on Thursday. The 27-year-old was penalized for arriving a minute late to his scheduled 7:18 a.m. tee time.
Higgo, a two-time PGA Tour winner, was scheduled to tee off from the par-four first hole alongside Michael Brennan and former champion Shaun Micheel. Although he was on the practice putting green, he was not within the defined starting point area at his assigned time. Higgo arrived at the tee within five minutes of his scheduled time, avoiding disqualification from the tournament.
The penalty resulted in a double bogey on the opening hole, denying Higgo a share of the lead. However, he birdied the third and ninth holes to make the turn at even par. Ranked No. 85 in the world, Higgo is making his fourth PGA Championship appearance and is seeking his first top-40 finish in any major.