South Africa’s Garrick Higgo opened the US PGA Championship with a rare two-shot penalty after stepping onto the first tee a minute late. The infraction turned a potential par on the opening hole into a double‑bogey six, immediately putting him behind the early leaders.

Despite the setback, Higgo rallied with four birdies to finish the round at one-under 69. His steady play kept him within striking distance of the clubhouse lead, and without the penalty he would have shared the top spot with compatriot Aldrich Potgieter.

Tournament officials ruled Higgo was not in the defined starting area at his scheduled tee time of 07:18, alongside Shaun Micheel and Michael Brennan. A rules official informed him after his partner had already driven, and Higgo accepted the decision without protest, aware that a five‑minute delay would have meant disqualification.

After his round, Higgo discussed the incident with PGA of America representatives in the clubhouse, but the ruling stood. The episode underscores the strict timing regulations at majors and leaves Higgo with a missed opportunity to contend for the lead on day one.