‘Palmetto Champ’ Higo "22-Year-Old Rookie Sensation"..."I'm the Eye of the Typhoon~"

Paran, who won 3 European Tour titles in the last 10 months and topped 2 PGA Tour events, praised as "resembling Woods"

Garrick Higo is putting on the 18th hole on the final day of the Palmetto Championship. Ridgeland, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Already ranked 39th in the world."

The ‘22-year-old rookie’ Garrick Higgo (South Africa) has emerged as the ‘eye of the storm.’ On the 14th (Korean time), he won the Palmetto Championship (total prize money $7.3 million) held at Congaree Golf Club (par 71, 7,655 yards) in Ridgeland, South Carolina, USA, instantly rising to the ranks of PGA Tour champions. This came just two tournaments after finishing tied for 64th at last month’s PGA Championship. It is noteworthy that he secured a two-year tour card.

Higgo has already claimed three victories in Europe, all within the last 10 months. After turning professional in 2019, he progressed through the African Sunshine Tour and entered the European Tour in 2020. He earned his first win at the Open de Portugal in September, followed by his second and third wins at the Gran Canaria Lopesan Open in April and the Canary Islands Championship in May. Notably, at the Lopesan Open, he set the record for the lowest 72-hole score (25-under 255).

The European Tour reported at the time, "Higgo made history by winning twice within three weeks," adding, "Since 1990, only 26 players have won three tournaments after playing in both the PGA Tour and European Tour, and Higgo is the first since Tiger Woods." Higgo’s Palmetto Championship victory also led to various remarkable records. His win in only his second PGA Tour start was a highlight. He became the second player to achieve this milestone since Jim Benepe won the BMW Championship in his PGA Tour debut in 1988.

Additionally, he is the first South African under 22 to win on the PGA Tour in 63 years since Gary Player in 1958. South Africa is truly celebrating. Player exclaimed, "I was moved to tears," and said, "This is the first time I have been so happy about someone else’s achievement." He advised, "You have enough talent," and encouraged, "Always work hard and set high goals." Higgo also called Player immediately after his victory to share the good news.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.