Imagine having a hip injury so bad that it hurt when you walked, fighting a brutal battle with your body where surgery felt inevitable. Now, fast forward to a few months, and you’re suddenly leading a $6M PGA Tour event. This is the story of South African golfer Garrick Higgo, who is defying the odds and pushing his body to the limit in a last-ditch effort to avoid surgery.
Higgo’s journey to the top of the leaderboard at the 2021 Palmetto Championship in South Carolina is nothing short of remarkable. Just a few months ago, he was struggling with a hip injury that threatened to end his promising career. But instead of giving up, Higgo decided to take a chance and play through the pain.
The 22-year-old golfer has always been a rising star in the golfing world. He turned professional in 2019 and quickly made a name for himself on the Sunshine Tour in his home country of South Africa. But it was his performance at the European Tour’s Gran Canaria Lopesan Open in April this year that really put him on the map. Higgo won the tournament in spectacular fashion, with a final round of 63, and became the youngest South African to win two European Tour titles.
However, shortly after his victory in Gran Canaria, Higgo’s hip problems resurfaced. He was forced to withdraw from the Byron Nelson Championship and was unsure if he would be able to compete in the PGA Championship. But Higgo refused to let his injury get the best of him. He underwent intense rehabilitation and physiotherapy to get back on the course as quickly as possible.
Finally, at the Palmetto Championship, Higgo was back in action. And he didn’t just play, he dominated. He finished the first two rounds at 13-under, setting a new 36-hole scoring record for this event. His impressive performance included back-to-back rounds of 66, with a string of birdies and eagles that left the rest of the field in awe.
But it’s not just Higgo’s golf skills that have caught everyone’s attention. It’s his positive attitude and determination to overcome his injury that have truly inspired fans and fellow golfers alike. Despite the pain and uncertainty, Higgo has been all smiles on and off the course. He has shown incredible mental strength and resilience, refusing to let his injury define him.
Higgo’s story is a reminder that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and a positive attitude. He could have easily given up and opted for surgery, but he chose to take a risk and push his body to the limit. And now, he is reaping the rewards.
His performance at the Palmetto Championship has also silenced any doubts about his ability to compete at the highest level. Higgo has proven that he is not just a one-hit-wonder, but a true champion who can overcome any obstacle.
But Higgo’s journey is far from over. He still has two more rounds to play at the Palmetto Championship, and he is determined to finish strong and secure his third professional title. And even if he doesn’t win, he has already achieved so much by simply being on the course and competing.
In a sport where injuries can be career-ending, Higgo’s determination and perseverance are truly commendable. He is an inspiration to all of us, showing that with a positive attitude and a never-give-up mentality, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way.
So, let us all take a page from Garrick Higgo’s book and remember that no matter how tough the circumstances may seem, we are capable of achieving greatness if we believe in ourselves and stay positive. Higgo has shown us that the human spirit is unbreakable, and anything is possible if we keep pushing forward.