US PGA Tour: Twitter
South Africa’s Garrick Higgo pulled off his first US PGA Tour win in only his second start in America with a one shot win at the Palmetto Championship in South Carolina.
The 22-year-old lefty from Stellenbosch, who also owns three European Tour titles, shot a final round 3-under par 68 for an 11 under par total.
He then watched as the likes of world number one Dustin Johnson and a hard charging Hudson Swafford were unable to catch him.
With the win, Higgo is eligible as a full member of the US PGA Tour until the end of the 2023 season and is also elibible for the 2021 FedExCup playoffs.
Erik van Rooyen tied for 10th on 8 under par and Higgo’s contemporary Wilco Nienaber, who was playing in his first event in America, finished in a highly credible share of 14th place on 7 under par.
They will all be in action along with the likes of fellow South Africans Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel and Brandon Grace at this week’s US Open at Torrey Pines in California.
Higgo has now climbed to 39th on the Official World Golf Ranking, making him the country’s second best ranked golfer after Louis Oosthuizen. With Christiaan Bezuidenhout, South Africa now has three golfers ranked within the top 50 in the world.
He also earns an invite to the Masters next year.
Higgo’s fellow South African professionals were quick to congratulate him on his triumph on social media.
“Congrats @garrick_higgo. What a way to start your PGA Tour career!!” Tweeted Ernie Els.
“Proud to see another South African on the @PGATOUR. Congrats on your win @garrick_higgo! Here’s to many more,” added Louis Oosthuizen.
“Well done @garrick_higgo. World class!” said Charl Schwartzel.
“So stoked for @garrick_higgo!! Unreal!! Lekker ou bul! @PGATOUR,” said Erik van Rooyen.
“Big congrats to @garrick_higgo on his 1st PGA Tour win. Well done!” said Branden Grace.
