PGA Championship golfer Garrick Higgo has split with his caddies just days after being punished for being late for his tee-off in the competition. The South African received a two-stroke penalty after missing his scheduled 7.18am tee time by one minute.
He made his way over from a nearby practice putting green and was seen being urged by his caddie Austin Gaugert. Higgo was the first player to be punished for being late at the tournament since David Lipsky in 2019.
The punishment proved to be crucial, with the 27-year-old missing the cut by one shot. It’s now emerged that Higgo has decided to change caddie for the CJ Cup Byron Nelson this week.
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! All the best sports news and much more on our dedicated Facebook page
The news has been confirmed by Higgo’s agent to GolfWeek , with former caddie Nick Cavendish-Pell the immediate replacement. The caddie worked for Higgo during his first PGA Tour title at the Palmetto Championship in 2021.
Speaking about the penalty for being late, Higgo said: “It wasn’t a surprise.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV packageThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
£44SkyGet the deal here
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
“I was late. My caddie was yelling at me to get to the tee. I knew it was probably going to happen.”
He added: “If you know me, then you know I am very casual and laid back.
“I don’t want to be there 10 minutes early. I know that five minutes is fine.
“I thought I had time. I was obviously too casual.”
View 2 ImagesGarrick Higgo has split with his caddie Austin Gaugert following the PGA Championship.(Image: Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
He later explained what happened in more detail.
“My caddie dropped my Trackman in the locker, and I went to the putting green thinking I still had five minutes,” he said.
“I hit one putt and then heard my name being called. My caddie was yelling at me and I ran down and got a two-shot penalty.”