In a rare and dramatic start to the 2026 PGA Championship, South African golfer Garrick Higgo found himself in hot water before even hitting his first shot. The 27-year-old was slapped with a two-stroke penalty for being late to his 7:18 a.m. tee time at the event in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.

According to PGA officials, Higgo was still warming up on the practice green when his scheduled start arrived, rather than being at the designated starting point—an area clearly defined by ropes, gallery stakes, and blue markers. While tardiness typically results in disqualification, there's a crucial exception: if a player arrives less than five minutes late, they receive a two-shot penalty instead. That's exactly what happened to Higgo, turning what should have been a routine par on his first hole into a double-bogey six.

It's a tough break for any golfer, especially at a major championship where every stroke counts. But credit to Higgo for showing some resilience—he bounced back with a birdie on the third hole and managed to steady the ship as he made the turn. Currently ranked No. 85 in the Official World Golf Ranking, this marks his fourth appearance at the PGA Championship, and he'll be looking to shake off the early setback and make a run up the leaderboard.

For fans and players alike, it's a reminder that in golf, punctuality matters just as much as precision. Whether you're teeing off at a major or just hitting the local course, being on time is part of the game—and the penalties can be just as painful as a shanked drive.