Garrick Higgo continued his meteoric rise through the highest echelons of world golf after the South African claimed a shock victory in just his second PGA TOUR appearance, winning the Palmetto Championship at Congaree by one stroke over six players including Tyrrell Hatton.
The 22-year-old left-hander has enjoyed a spectacular start to his career, winning three times in his first 26 appearances on the European Tour – first at last year’s Open de Portugal at Royal Óbidos, then twice in the 2021 campaign at April’s Gran Canaria Lopesan Open and last month’s Canary Islands Championship.
Having made the cut on his Major Championship debut in the recent US PGA Championship, finishing his week with an impressive 69 at Kiawah Island, Higgo has carried on his hot streak with a maiden PGA TOUR title which entitles him to full membership through the 2022-2023 season and an automatic berth in next year’s Masters Tournament.
“I'm just proud of the way I hung in there,” he said. “It was tough all the way from the start. I definitely didn't have my A game in terms of off the tee, but I like that sometimes. I like not having to play perfect golf. I enjoy scrambling and making a couple putts, which I did, which was awesome.”
Starting the day six shots off Chesson Hadley’s lead, Higgo had enjoyed a strong start to his final round at Ridgeland Golf Club, birdieing the third and fourth holes, but lost those shots to two bogeys before the turn.
He stayed strong mentally, however, and an eagle at the par five 12th and a birdie at the 14th earned the two-time Sunshine Tour winner a three under 68 for an 11 under total – enough to edge him clear of a packed leaderboard where he remained to earn an incredible victory.
Englishman Hatton also carded a closing 68 for a ten under total to share runner-up spot with five others, finishing as the highest European, while his compatriot Matt Fitzpatrick finished two shots further back in a share of tenth spot.
