Garrick Higgo has officially parted ways with caddie Austin Gaugert following a controversy that led to a penalty for tardiness during the US PGA Championship. This incident ultimately contributed to Higgo's failure to make the cut at the tournament.

During the first round at Aronimink, Higgo, aged 27, received a two-stroke penalty for not being present at the defined starting area on time. Tournament officials confirmed that he was not in position when his tee time arrived, which cost him the opportunity to tie for the lead at 67 in the first round. As a result, the South African missed the cut by just one shot.

In a twist of fate, Aaron Rai from England clinched victory at the US PGA, marking a historic win as the first Englishman to do so in 107 years.

Higgo's agent informed Golfweek that the two-time PGA Tour winner has decided to re-hire his former caddie, Nick Cavendish-Pell, who was instrumental in Higgo's first tour title at the Palmetto Championship in 2021. Cavendish-Pell is set to accompany Higgo for the upcoming CJ Cup Byron Nelson in Texas this week.

After the first round at Aronimink, Higgo acknowledged the penalty, stating, "It wasn't a surprise. I was late. I mean, my caddie was yelling at me to get to the tee." Footage from the broadcast showed Gaugert urging Higgo to hurry from the practice green to the first tee. Despite discussions with the PGA of America in the clubhouse, the penalty was ultimately upheld.