RIDGELAND, S.C. – Garrick Higgo’s day began with a call from nine-time major winner Gary Player, one South African golfer chatting with another. It ended in triumph, just like so many of Player’s Sundays did in his legendary career.
The 22-year-old Higgo won the Palmetto Championship at Congaree for his first career victory on the PGA Tour, taking the tournament title after Chesson Hadley, who after 54 holes had a four-shot lead over Harris English and a six-shot edge over Higgo, squandered a two-shot advantage with bogeys on his final three holes.
The 85-year-old Player told his young countryman not to worry about starting the final round with a good bit of ground to make up.
“He told me he’s done it before, won quite a few times from six behind, seven behind,” Higgo recalled. “Just try and do your thing and stay up there. You don’t know what can happen.”
Player was right as Higgo remained patient and steady throughout – and made sure to take advantage when opportunities arose. The left-hander closed with a 3-under-par 68 charged by an eagle on the par-5 12th hole and a birdie on the 14th to reach 11 under, the winning score in relation to par. Higgo kept himself in position on the challenging 17th hole – rolling in a 10-foot par save after not hitting the fairway on his first two shots – and closed with another par to finish at 273 built by four rounds in the 60s.