Garrick Higgo Receives Two-Stroke Penalty for Late Arrival at PGA Championship

Garrick Higgo received a two-stroke penalty for arriving one minute late to his Round 1 tee time at the PGA Championship on Thursday. m. EST at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania. Officials applied the penalty under Rule 5.3a of the PGA of America’s Local Rules and Terms of the Competition, which requires players to be ready to play at the starting time and starting point.

The PGA of America stated in a press release that Higgo was on the practice green but not within the area defined as the starting point at his starting time. Higgo arrived at the tee box as his caddie called out to him. The penalty was assessed prior to him teeing off.

Despite the two-stroke addition, Higgo carded a one-under-par 69. That score left him tied for 13th place after the first round. Without the penalty, he would have been tied for the lead. "The rule is if you’re one second late, you’re late. I was obviously there on time, but late, and that’s a two-shot penalty," Higgo said after his round.

" Higgo added that it was the first time the situation had occurred for him. He said he was uncertain about the exact procedure but was permitted to start his round. Higgo had arrived at the golf course before sunrise to work out, warm up on the practice range, and practice his short game and putting.

m. EST on Friday.

5.3a defines the starting point area and mandates that players be present there at their assigned start time. The PGA of America’s local rules specify a two-stroke penalty for violations rather than disqualification in this instance. Officials determined Higgo had not met the requirement even though he reached the broader tee area shortly after the scheduled time.