Golfer penalized for being late for his tee time at PGA Championship ruthlessly splits with caddie days later

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.

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.’