Higgo penalised for arriving late to opening tee time

Garrick Higgo criticised the two-shot penalty he received after arriving late to his opening tee time at the PGA Championship 2026.

The 27-year-old actually made par on the opening hole at Aronimink Golf Club, but the penalty turned his score into a double bogey.

According to the PGA of America Rules Committee, Higgo arrived late for his 7:18 a.m. tee time. Under Rule 5.3a, players who are late automatically receive a two-shot penalty, while arriving more than five minutes late results in disqualification.

Higgo accepted the ruling but admitted he disagreed with it.

“I feel like there should be a minute grace,” he said after the round.

Despite the unusual setback, Higgo recovered impressively to post a first-round 69, finishing just two shots off the lead