Garrick Higgo’s ‘I was there on time, but was late’ comment baffles golf fans at PGA Championship

Garrick Higgo endured a bizarre start to his PGA Championship campaign at Aronimink after being handed a two-shot penalty for arriving late to the first tee — before later offering an explanation that left golf fans confused on social media.

The PGA of America Rules Committee confirmed Higgo was penalised under Rule 5.3a after failing to be inside the designated starting area at his scheduled 7:18am tee time during the opening round.

“Garrick Higgo, from South Africa, was penalised two-strokes for being late to the tee during round one of the PGA Championship,” the committee said in a statement.

One of Higgo’s playing partners had already struck their opening tee shot before the South African arrived at the tee, despite his caddie already being in position.

Under PGA of America local rules, players must be inside the designated starting area — marked by blue markings — with a club and ball when their group is called to the tee.

Players who arrive ready to play within five minutes of their allotted start time receive the general penalty of two strokes instead of disqualification.

Despite the early setback, Higgo recovered impressively to post a one-under-par round, although he was visibly frustrated while discussing the ruling with officials in the recorder’s hut after signing his scorecard.

Speaking to Sky Sports Golf after his round, Higgo admitted he had badly misjudged the timing before heading to the tee.

“I always cut it fine,” said Higgo. 

“It was pretty cold this morning and I never want to stand on the tee 10 minutes early and get cold before hitting driver.

“I usually hit five putts before I go to the tee. My caddie dropped my Trackman in the locker and I went to the putting green thinking I still had five minutes.

“I hit one putt, then heard my name and my caddie yelling at me. I ran down and got a two-shot penalty.”

Higgo also revealed he tried to clarify the ruling with an official during his round.

“When I was told it was a two-shot penalty on the tee, I said fine, I’ll sort it out later,” he added.

“I actually called a rules official in the fairway and from then on I just tried to focus on the golf knowing I was effectively even par with the penalty.”

However, it was another interview with ESPN that appeared to spark the biggest reaction online.

“I was there on time, but was late,” Higgo said, in a clip you can watch below. 

Higgo's comment quickly baffled golf fans on social media, with many struggling to understand exactly what the South African meant following the costly rules infringement.

It was a truly bizarre way for Higgo to begin his PGA Championship week, and one he will likely learn from moving forward.

The 27-year-old is making just his eighth appearance at a major championship.

Higgo has won twice on the PGA Tour and three times on the DP World Tour, arriving at Aronimink ranked 85th in the world.