PGA Tour star splits with caddie after costly PGA Championship rules blunder

Golfweek reported that Higgo and Gaugert have parted ways, with the two-time PGA Tour winner bringing back former caddie Nick Cavendish-Pell for this week’s CJ Cup Byron Nelson in Texas.

The timing is notable after Higgo’s bizarre week at Aronimink, where he was handed a two-shot penalty before even hitting his opening shot.

Tournament officials ruled that Higgo was not at the designated starting point in time for his 7.18am tee time, despite being on the nearby practice putting green.

Broadcast footage showed Gaugert shouting for Higgo to hurry to the tee, but the 27-year-old arrived too late and was hit with the general penalty under Rule 5.3a.

Despite effectively starting the tournament two-over-par, Higgo recovered impressively to post an opening-round 69.

But a second-round 76 proved costly, with the South African missing the cut by a single stroke – meaning the penalty ultimately proved decisive.

After the opening round, Higgo admitted he had not realized he was running late.

“I wouldn’t have been late if I knew,” said Higgo after Thursday’s opening round. “I hit one putt on the practice green, then I heard my caddie screaming my name,” he told Sky Sports. “I was bummed when he said I had a two-shot penalty.”

Higgo was seeing walking casually to the tee, before being told of the two-shot penalty.

Following his round, Higgo attempted to argue his case in the recorder’s hut, saying he was technically on time because he was on the tee at 7.18 and 30 seconds.

“I was just trying to get evidence,” he sighed. “I feel like any of you would have done the same.”

While player-caddie splits are hardly uncommon on the PGA Tour, the switch will inevitably draw attention given the circumstances.

Gaugert had been on Higgo’s bag for his victory at the 2025 Corales Puntacana Championship, while Cavendish-Pell is a familiar face, having helped him secure his maiden PGA Tour title at the 2021 Palmetto Championship.

Higgo will hope the reunion brings a timely reset as he returns to action this week in Dallas.