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Harry Higgs made no comment after his victory in a playoff at the Korn Ferry Tour’s Visit Knoxville Open on Sunday afternoon. Typical closing remarks.
Instead, he took the time to address the death of Grayson Murray, who “took his own life” on Saturday, his parents confirmed in a statement Sunday. Murray, 30, completed the second round of the PGA Tour’s Charles Schwab Challenge on Friday but withdrew due to illness.
The sports world was shocked to learn of Murray’s death, especially the PGA Tour, which recommended that play be suspended until Murray’s parents agreed to continue after speaking with commissioner Jay Monahan.
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Harry Higgs hits his shot on the 18th hole during the final round of the Visit Knoxville Open at Holston Hills Country Club on May 26, 2024 in Tennessee. (Brennan Asplun/Getty Images)
Although the level of play on the Korn Ferry Tour is just below that of the PGA Tour, Murray once fought for his tour card on the tour, like every professional golfer dreams of doing.
Higgs not only took the time to honor Murray, but also sent a powerful message to everyone in attendance and those watching at home.
“I just have a message, so please forgive me if things get a little deep,” Higgs began. “We lost a guy yesterday morning. I don’t know if you guys heard the news, but he was going through a lot of hard things. Someone who was open and honest about it, and I thought last night – I didn’t sleep at all. It’s worth mentioning, and I’m really good at sleeping.
“I thought about this moment and how to remember Grayson, and I suddenly realized, everyone here — one, thank you so much for hosting me, congratulating me, cheering me on. But the golf thing and the outcome, it was lovely ,certainly.
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“One of the things I thought about last night, especially lying in bed, is that I challenge everyone here — and I’ll do it myself — to say something nice to the people you love every day. And, make it a Point out and say something nice to someone you don’t even know.
As Higgs mentioned, Murray has been open about his mental health issues and struggles with alcohol addiction. He said in January that he had been sober for a few months, although it was always something he had to contend with.
“The world is a very difficult place, and it’s only getting more difficult,” Higgs continued. “I’ve been blessed with great parents and a great support system, and I haven’t experienced any mental struggles other than being depressed at times. But God knows how many people do, and it’s only going to grow .
Harry Higgs poses with the trophy after winning the Visit Knoxville Open on May 26, 2024. (Brennan Asplun/Getty Images)
“Everyone here can make a difference— this the difference. Brighten someone’s day, it could mean the world.
Setting the example for the challenge he posed to everyone in the audience, Higgs went on to thank everyone in Knoxville for their hospitality during the game.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he said. “Knoxville, you were warm and gracious hosts. When I think back, it means the world to me, but I will only remember the great people I met in Knoxville.”
Many people expressed their condolences and shared stories of their interactions with Murray.
What Higgs is doing here is not just to commemorate Murray, but also to call people to action. You never know what someone will go through on a given day, so a random act of kindness can make a huge difference in the world.
Murray’s parents, Eric and Terry, said in a statement on Sunday that their son was surrounded by love.
Grayson Murray wins Simon Award for the Snedeker Foundation on September 17, 2023 at The Grove in College Grove, Tennessee Reacting at the awards ceremony after the Simmons Bank Open. (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
“We have so many questions we don’t have answers to. There’s just one question,” the statement read. “Was Grayson loved? Yes. By us, by his brother Cameron, by his sister Erica, by all his Extended family, his friends, his teammates and – it seems – loved by many who read this.
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“We would like to thank the PGA Tour and the entire golf community for their outpouring of support. Grayson’s life was not always easy, and although he took his own life, we know he is now resting in peace.”
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