Bradenton to Long Island, one round at a time.
Every once in a while, a story reminds you why we love this game. Robbie Higgins wrote one of those stories this June.
The Bradenton, Florida native and Fringe athlete earned his way into the 126th U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, marking his first career major start. And he did it the hard way, through the grind that veterans call Golf's Longest Day: local qualifying, then 36 holes of final qualifying, all in a single Monday.
The road there
Robbie's road started early. He picked up his first club at age three. He built his game at the University of North Florida, becoming one of the program's most accomplished Ospreys, and turned professional in 2024. Since then, he's been putting in the quiet work that fans rarely see, chasing a dream most players never touch.
This year, the dream came into focus.
At local qualifying at Plantation Bay Country Club in Ormond Beach, Robbie fired a 64 to earn medalist honors. Then came the harder day. At Hawks Ridge Golf Club in Ball Ground, Georgia, he played 36 holes and shot 11-under 133, carding 14 birdies and an eagle to finish tied for fourth in a field of 78. He was one of just 43 golfers worldwide to earn their spot at Shinnecock through the qualifying gauntlet.
In his own words: "It's my first major and something I always dreamed about."
Shinnecock
On Thursday, June 18, Robbie teed it up alongside Greyson Leach and amateur Logan Reilly on the fabled Long Island links. Shinnecock Hills is one of the five original clubs of the USGA and one of the most demanding tests in the game. Getting there is the accomplishment. Playing there is the reward.
He wore The Atlantic on his back while he did it.
Why we're proud
We started Fringe Golf to build a brand that stands for more than polos and hats. It stands for brain health, purpose, and the pursuit of something bigger than ourselves. Robbie represents everything we hope this brand comes to mean: grit that shows up on the range at 6 a.m., positivity that carries through a bad break, and poise that holds under Monday qualifier pressure.
Congratulations, Robbie. From all of us at Fringe. Onward.
Follow Robbie on the PGA Tour player page.