JACKSON, Miss. — Garrick Higgo delivered a composed performance on Friday, keeping his ball in play while converting enough birdie opportunities to shoot 6-under 66 and take a slender one-shot lead at the Sanderson Farms Championship, a Fall Series event that represents a fresh start for the South African.
Late in his round at the Country Club of Jackson, Higgo rattled off three consecutive birdies, including one on the short par-4 15th, where he nearly holed his bunker shot before tapping in. That surge put him at 13-under 131, a stroke ahead of Eric Cole (67) and Taylor Montgomery (63), who went on a spectacular run of nine birdies in ten holes—his only blemish being a bogey. Montgomery buried a 25-foot birdie on his final hole to clinch the 63 and bolster his bid to preserve his PGA Tour card for 2026.
Only the top 100 players in the Fall Series standings will retain full PGA Tour privileges at season’s end in November. With five tournaments remaining, each round carries heightened importance.
Chasing the Leader: Cole, Montgomery, Walker & Whaley
Cole opened his week with ten birdies—but offset them with a double bogey late in the round. On Friday, he added seven more birdies under calm, sunny conditions to stay in contention. The win is yet to come for Cole on the PGA Tour.
Danny Walker (68) lies two strokes behind in a pivotal week; he currently sits at No. 104 in the FedEx Cup standings. Vince Whaley (No. 102) shot a second 67, and Tom Kim (No. 99) escaped from a bunker to save par on the 18th, carding a 66. All three trail Higgo by three shots.
“It’s getting harder and harder out here, and you need those big finishes,” Whaley said. “I don’t feel like I’ve had that.”
Overcoming Injury, Rebuilding Confidence
Earlier this season, Higgo claimed a PGA Tour win in an opposite-field event in the Dominican Republic—just a week after the Masters. However, a labrum injury nearly derailed the rest of his campaign.
He considered surgery but ultimately opted to revise his fitness regimen, reducing the load and adopting a more strategic strength plan. “Walking was killing me, pinching the next day,” he explained. “So I had to find ways to avoid that.” Today, his pain register is just “1 out of 10,” though he still tires more quickly than usual. Still, he believes he’s trending in the right direction.
Higgo recently played in the final group alongside Scottie Scheffler at the Procore Championship, finishing in a tie for seventh. Now in Jackson, he appears to be riding that form again.
Unlike many others in the field, Higgo’s FedEx Cup standing holds little sway—thanks to his earlier victory at Puntacana, he already secured his PGA Tour card and earned entry into The Players Championship. Fall Series success no longer leads to a Masters invitation, but pride, momentum, and confidence remain on the line.
Observing how the world No. 1 operates gave him invaluable insight. “I don’t know how much I learned,” Higgo reflected, “but just by watching, you soak it in. Scheffler sets the bar so high—he’s an inspiration.”
Conclusion
Garrick Higgo’s composed 6-under 66 has earned him a narrow lead at the Sanderson Farms Championship, fueled by late-round birdies and a courageous comeback from injury. With only five events remaining in the Fall Series, the pressure intensifies: every stroke could determine who retains full PGA Tour cards. For Higgo, already exempt, it’s about form, confidence, and momentum. His competitors—Cole, Montgomery, Walker, Whaley, and Kim—must push hard to overtake him as the season descends into its final stretch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Garrick Higgo build his lead in Jackson?
He holed multiple birdies—especially three in a row late in the round—including one on the 15th, and maintained consistency across his round to post 66 and reach 13-under.
Why is the Fall Series so critical for many players?
Only the top 100 at the conclusion of the Fall Series retain full PGA Tour cards. With just a few events left, every round matters for those on the fringe of the cutoff.
What role does Higgo’s injury recovery play in his performance?
He opted against surgery, instead adjusting his fitness regimen to reduce pain and manage his labrum issue. His recovery has allowed better mobility and confidence, though he still fatigues faster than normal.
