When the clock strikes tee time, every second counts—just ask Garrick Higgo. The South African golfer sparked debate on day one of the PGA Championship at Aronimink after arriving late to his opening tee. The PGA of America didn't hesitate, slapping him with a two-stroke penalty before he even took a swing.

Despite the setback, Higgo showed remarkable resilience. The 27-year-old carded a 69, featuring four birdies and just one bogey—a score that would have been even more impressive without the penalty. But it was his post-round comments that really stirred the pot.

Higgo argued he was "only one second late," which, technically, is still late. Some fans and analysts felt the two-stroke penalty was harsh for such a marginal delay, but the rules are the rules. As golf journalist Ryan Lavner pointed out on The Golf Channel Podcast with Rex and Lav, "There has to be a cut off. It could be one second, 10 seconds, or 10 minutes."

Lavner and co-host Rex Hoggard dissected the incident, noting that Higgo's lack of accountability stood out. "I thought afterwards there was a complete lack of responsibility in how he addressed this," Lavner said. "Shaun Micheel had already hit his shot down the first hole while Garrick was still making his way to the tee."

Micheel, the 2003 PGA Champion, later confirmed he didn't even realize Higgo was late until he turned around and saw him walking onto the tee. The moment was surreal, but the message is clear: punctuality isn't just polite—it's part of the game.

Whether you're a weekend warrior or a pro, showing up on time is a fundamental part of golf etiquette. For Higgo, a two-stroke penalty was a tough lesson. But for the rest of us, it's a reminder that even in the heat of competition, the little things—like being on time—can make or break your round.