Gaugert accepts blame in Higgo split after PGA Championship penalty

Austin Gaugert, the former caddie for South African golfer Garrick Higgo, has released a public statement via Instagram following their separation five days after the PGA Championship at Aronimink. The split occurred shortly after Higgo missed the cut by a single shot, a result influenced by a two-stroke penalty received for arriving late to his first-round tee time on Thursday.

Gaugert addressed the incident directly in his statement, accepting responsibility for failing to prepare his player adequately for the competition. He noted that as a caddie, he tried to do everything possible to ensure readiness but acknowledged he fell short. The statement praised Higgo’s professionalism and class in handling the difficult situation, describing the golfer as a friend rather than just a boss.

Higgo, 27, shot a 69 in the first round and a 76 in the second, resulting in a total score that left him one shot outside the qualifying mark. The source material indicates that the two-stroke penalty for lateness was the decisive factor, suggesting that had Higgo arrived on time and posted a 67 instead of a 69, he would have advanced to the weekend rounds.

Despite Gaugert’s acceptance of fault, the source suggests that Higgo did not take personal responsibility for the delay. The separation is interpreted as a move by Higgo to shift blame for his tardiness onto his caddie, rather than acknowledging his own role in the incident. Gaugert wished Higgo success moving forward, noting the incident had happened to players before and would likely happen again.

The PGA Championship at Aronimink concluded with Higgo’s elimination, marking the end of his campaign in the tournament. The public statement from Gaugert comes just one day after the confirmation of their professional split, bringing attention to the internal dynamics surrounding the penalty and the subsequent decision to part ways.