South Africa’s Garrick Higgo began his PGA Championship with an unexpected two-stroke penalty after arriving late for his opening-round tee time, the PGA of America announced.

Higgo was scheduled to tee off at 7:18 a.m. alongside Michael Brennan and Shaun Micheel. Although he was on the putting green shortly before his start, he was not “within the area defined as the starting point at his starting time,” according to the ruling. BBC’s broadcast reported that Higgo arrived at the tee at 7:19 a.m., one minute after his official start time.

Under Rule 5.3 in the Rules of Golf, a player who arrives no more than five minutes late to the starting point receives a two-stroke penalty. If a player arrives more than five minutes late, they are subject to disqualification.

The penalty meant Higgo began his round with a double bogey on the first hole before hitting a shot. However, the two-time PGA TOUR winner responded impressively. He made birdies at Nos. 3 and 9 to get back to even par and later completed his round with a 1-under 69, despite 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, who is making his fourth career appearance at the PGA Championship, is still seeking his first top-40 finish in a major championship. His strong response after the penalty kept him in a competitive position, even after the unusual start.

Following the round, ESPN showed Higgo inside the scoring area speaking with multiple officials before signing his card. While the broadcast did not include audio from the scoring tent, Higgo appeared to be involved in an animated discussion as officials reviewed the circumstances around the 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 said his pre-round routine had not changed, but admitted he may have been too relaxed before the early-morning tee time.

“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.”