The split is official: Garrick Higgo and his caddie Austin Gaugert have ended their collaboration after the late tee time drama at the PGA Championship. A bombshell that once again vividly demonstrates how quickly seemingly minor details on the green can turn into real game-changers.
The Fatal Split Second
PGA officials confirmed that Higgo was on the putting green, but not in the designated starting area at the appointed time. Higgo himself later confessed that Gaugert had practically shouted at him to get to the tee. A detail that in retrospect takes on a whole new meaning and already at the time suggested that perhaps not all was well between the two.
The Bitter Consequence and a New Beginning
The two penalty strokes ultimately cost Higgo on the following Friday: He missed the cut by exactly one stroke. One stroke that cost him his place in the tournament and now also his long-time caddie. For this week's CJ Cup Byron Nelson tournament, Higgo will tee off with Nick Cavendish-Pell. A new beginning that seems necessary, as Higgo describes himself as 'very laid-back and relaxed,' which likely stood in stark contrast to the meticulous punctuality required on a tournament morning.
