Garrick Higgo's PGA Championship got off to a nightmare start after the South African was penalized two shots for arriving late to his tee time at Aronimink Golf Club. He was due to tee off at 7:18am local time alongside former major champion Shaun Micheel and Michael Brennan, but was still on the practice putting green when his group started.

Under Rule 5.3a, a player must be ready at the starting point by their tee time. Higgo arrived within five minutes, so he avoided disqualification but saw his opening par turn into a double-bogey six. The PGA of America defined the starting area by ropes, stakes and blue markings – Higgo was not in that zone.

Commentating for Sky Sports, former Solheim Cup player Mel Reid called it "a bit silly", adding that players are in full control of their schedule. Higgo entered the week as world No 85 with a season best of tied-40th on the PGA Tour. His last win came at the Corales Puntacana Championship in April 2025.