Garrick Higgo is one of the brightest young talents on the PGA Tour, who has garnered many people’s attention for his skill, composure, and some of his early victories. “He just had a calmness about him that exceeded his age,” is what Trevor Immelman added when he captained the Junior Presidents Cup. But given all of his success at his age, he carries more than golf clubs to the course; he carries the memory of his father, Michael Higgo.

At just nine years old, he lost his dad in a car accident when he and his family were out on vacation. “My family made the 13-hour drive to Johannesburg to visit our newborn cousin. I can barely talk about what happened. My dad, Michael, my mom, Susan, my older brother, Michael, and my younger sister, Calista, and I were all in the car when another vehicle struck us. My father didn’t survive,” was what he added when asked about the incident.  

Garrick Higgo has often spoken about how his father’s passing motivated him rather than leaving him defeated. He often talks about how a letter from his father motivates him every time he feels depressed or when things aren’t going his way. To him, that letter was a reminder of how his father believed in him, even though he wasn’t really present at the moment,  “and he’s been such a support since then through the letters he sent me,” is what he added when asked about it in a press conference. To this day, Garrick plays with an almost spiritual sense of purpose, channeling the memory of his father into every swing.

Another key pillar in Garrick Higgo’s life is golf legend Gary Player. Gary has supported Higgo in his golfing endeavors throughout his career, as Gary resonates with Higgo around the emotion of losing his father at a very young age. “We have that connection,” Higgo said, as he credits Gary for the mentorship he provided, both emotional guidance and professional wisdom. Through this mentorship, Garrick refined his game and also learnt how to balance grief with greatness. 

Garrick Higgo’s strength is rooted in his family

After Michael Higgo’s passing, Garrick’s mother, Susan Higgo, became the central pillar in his life. Her unwavering support and dedication became the pillar for his success as he continued to pursue his passion for golf. Though Susan has kept herself away from the spotlight, she has been a constant support for him, as she was the one who encouraged Garrick to chase his dreams even through the pressure and expectations from his family. This resilience is reflected in his plays on the course, showing us that his success is built as much on emotional support as on talent and training.

Garrick’s professional breakthrough came in 2021 when he won his first PGA Tour title at the Palmetto Championship. That milestone represented more than a victory; it was a tribute to the values of his father being passed on to Garrick. With the continued support of his mother and siblings, Garrick’s journey serves as a reminder that resilience, love, and family can shape champions both on and off the golf course.