Garrick splits with Hugo Caddy after arriving late and missing US PGA cut

Garrick Hugo has parted ways with caddy Austin Gaggart after a penalty for being late to his tee time contributed to him missing the cut at the US PGA Championship.

Higo, 27, Received a two-stroke penalty For consistency during the first round at Aronimink last week.

Tournament officials said Higo “was not within the area defined as the starting point at the time of his start”.

After squandering a first-round 67 from the penalty spot to take the lead, the South African missed the cut by one shot.

England’s Aaron Rye went on to win the US PGA, becoming the first Englishman in 107 years.

Higgo’s agent told Golfweek that the two-time PGA Tour winner has rehired his former caddy Nick Cavendish-Pell, with whom he won his first title on tour in 2021 at the Palmetto Championship.

Cavendish-Pell will join Higo for the CJ Cup Byron Nelson in Texas this week.

After the first round at Aronimink last week, Higo said his penalty “wasn’t amazing. I was late. I mean, my caddy was yelling at me to get to the tee”.

Broadcast footage caught Gozart urging Higgo to rush off the practice green to the first tee.

At the end of his round, Higo was seen discussing his case with the PGA of America in the clubhouse, but the penalty was not overturned.