After his very public embarrassment for missing his tee time at the PGA Championship, South African golfer Garrick Higgo has fired his caddie.
Higgo showed up to his first-round tee time at Aronimink Golf Club one minute late, leading to him being assessed a two-stroke penalty.
As a result, Higgo has parted ways with caddie Austin Gaugert – replacing him with Nick Cavendish-Pell, according to Golfweek.
The 27-year-old Higgo says Gaugert was yelling at him to get to the tee box for his 7:18am tee time on Thursday, only for the golfer to arrive just past the allotted time.
Higgo’s mistake proved catastrophic. His first-round score of a three-under 67 turned into a one-under 69.
Then, the following day, he plummeted to a six-over 76 to leave him at four-over – just one stroke shy of the cut line.
South African golfer Garrick Higgo has fired his caddie after arriving late to a tee time
Higgo has moved on from Austin Gaugert after his late arrival led to a two stroke penalty
Higgo was on the practice putting green, which isn’t considered the starting area, and was assessed the penalty.
‘I wouldn’t have been late if I knew I was running late,’ said Higgo. ‘I was there at 7:18 (and) 30 seconds.
‘I was there on time, but the rule is if you’re one second late, you’re late.’
He added, ‘If you know me, then you know I am very casual and laid back. I thought I had time. I was obviously too casual.’
