Garrick Higgo Had Perfect Excuse For Being Late To PGA Championship

Garrick Higgo's first round at the PGA Championship started off on the wrong foot, and yet, he's in the locker room at one-under par.

Higgo was penalized two strokes on Thursday for showing up late to his first-round tee time at Aronimink Golf Course. The PGA of America said Higgo was still on the practice green when he was supposed to be on the tee at 7:18 a.m. ET.

Despite starting off his day with a double bogey, Higgo rebounded nicely and put himself just two shots back of the current leaders. He then spoke to ESPN's Marty Smith about his controversial start to the tournament.

Higgo suggested that he was on time for the start of Thursday's round. Clearly, the officials at Aronimink disagree with that claim.

"The rule is if you're one second late, you're late. I was obviously there on time, but late - that's a two-stroke penalty," Higgo told Smith. "I guess I could have taken five minutes longer. Obviously, it's unfortunate. It was cold this morning so I was trying to stay as warm as possible."

Golf fans sound off on Higgo.

Higgo's interview with ESPN didn't exactly sit well with golf fans at home. They believe he came off as uncountable and flat-out unlikable.

"Embarrassing for him and embarrassing for ESPN devoting this much time to it," one fan wrote on X.

"Somebody needs to put this guy in check," a second fan said. "Maybe don't show up late to your tee time and complain about an established rule."

"Not gonna lie… Garrick Higgo sounded a bit entitled," another fan commented. "Kind of made a fool out of himself."

Higgo will try to redeem his image on the PGA Tour when his second round at Aronimink begins.

We highly doubt Higgo will show up late for Friday's tee time.

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This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 10:45 AM.