NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. – South African Garrick Higgo was penalized two strokes for arriving late to his first round tee time at the PGA Championship, the PGA of America announced.

Higgo was scheduled to tee off at 7:18 a.m. alongside Michael Brennan and Shaun Micheel. As a result, Higgo made a double bogey on the first hole. He made birdies on Nos. 3 and 9 to get back to even par.

Higgo was on the putting green but not “within the area defined as the starting point at his starting time.” He arrived to the tee at 7:19 a.m. according to the ESPN broadcast.

Higgo, a two-time PGA TOUR winner, is making his fourth PGA Championship appearance. He’s searching for his first top-40 finish in any major.

According to Rule 5.3 in the Rules of Golf, a player is assessed a two-stroke penalty when arriving no more than five minutes late to their tee time. Any player arriving more than five minutes late is subject to disqualification.

Higgo impressively shrugged off the unfortunate start to a round of 1-under 69 with the added penalty.

“I was trying to stay as warm as possible,” Higgo said. “It wasn't a surprise. I was late. My caddie was yelling at me to get to the tee.”

Higgo was shown on the ESPN broadcast appearing to converse with multiple officials in the scoring tent where players sign their cards.

While the view inside the scoring area has no audio, Higgo was shown having an animated discussion with officials as they sorted out the situation regarding his penalty.

“I was just trying to get evidence. I feel like any of you would have done the same," Higgo said. "I was there on time, but the rule is, if you're one second late, you're late. So if you think about it, I was there on time, if you know what I mean.”

Higgo’s pre-round routine was consistent, but he admits he just got a bit too casual leading up to the 7:19 a.m. deadline.

“If you know me, then you know I am very casual and laid back … I don't want to be there 10 minutes early. I know that five minutes is fine. I thought I had time.”