Garrick Higgo splits with caddie after tee-time penalty at PGA Championship

South African golfer Garrick Higgo has reportedly parted ways with his caddie just days after a frustrating week at the PGA Championship, where he was handed a costly tee-time penalty after arriving late to his starting time.

The incident quickly became one of the more talked-about moments of the tournament. Higgo was assessed a penalty before even hitting his opening shot after failing to arrive at the tee on time, putting him immediately behind the field in one of golf’s biggest events. While players occasionally receive fines or warnings for timing issues, penalties at a major championship are rare and often attract heavy attention from fans and media alike.

The aftermath appears to have led to significant changes within Higgo’s team. Reports indicate the former PGA Tour winner has now split from the caddie involved during the championship week, signaling a reset as he looks to move past the disappointing episode. Neither Higgo nor his former caddie publicly detailed the exact reasons behind the separation, but the timing has fueled speculation that the tee-time controversy played a major role in the decision.

For Higgo, the situation marks another difficult moment in what has been an up-and-down period in his career. Once regarded as one of golf’s rising young stars after multiple international victories and a breakthrough win on the PGA Tour, the 26-year-old has struggled at times to find consistency against elite competition. The PGA Championship setback only added to the pressure during an important week on the major calendar.

Despite the disappointment, many within the golf world believe Higgo still possesses the talent to bounce back quickly. His powerful ball-striking and aggressive style have already proven capable of winning at the highest level, and a fresh start with a new caddie could help restore momentum heading into the rest of the season.

The story also sparked wider discussion among fans about the importance of communication and preparation between player and caddie during major championships, where every minute matters and even small mistakes can carry massive consequences.