PGA Tour: South Africa's Garrick Higgo storms into Sanderson Farms Championship lead

Having shared the overnight lead in a four-way tie, Higgo traded four birdies with two bogeys on the outward nine at the Country Club of Jackson before adding four more birdies on the back nine to reach 13-under-par 131.

That left him a shot ahead of American Eric Cole, another of the first-round leaders, who signed for a 67 to sit alongside compatriot Taylor Montgomery on 132 after Montgomery's superb 63. Danny Walker, also part of Thursday's leading group, carded a 68 to sit two back on 133.

Higgo is aiming for his second PGA Tour victory of the season, though his form since winning the Corales Puntacana Championship in April has fluctuated. He only recently found momentum again, finishing strongly at last month's Procore Championship while playing alongside world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.

"I learned so much just by watching," Higgo said. "He's an inspiration for all of us. He's set the bar so high. It's just phenomenal how high his skill level is.

"Obviously he's got a great mind too, but it's just amazing how good he hits the golf ball."

This week's event forms part of the PGA Tour's Fall Series, a stretch crucial for players trying to secure their playing privileges for next year. The top 100 in the standings will retain full status for 2026, while those inside the top 50 will earn entry into next season's signature events.

South Korea's Tom Kim, currently 99th on the list, surged into contention with a matching 66 that lifted him into a share of fifth on 134.

Kim, who made a sensational start to his PGA Tour career with two victories in 2022 before turning 21 - a feat last achieved by Tiger Woods - has endured a tougher season in 2025 but sees these autumn tournaments as a chance to rebuild form and confidence.

"I've just fundamentally gotten a lot better," Kim said. "I think mentally I've gotten a lot better, a lot clearer of what I need to do, how I need to do it, which I think is really big."

READ MORE: Spar Proteas in high spirits ahead of three-day test series against Australia