As Harry Higgs began his winner’s speech after winning back-to-back Korn Ferry Tour tournaments in a playoff, it was evident that the weight of his passing hung heavily in the air. Higgs, known for his wit, injected some humor into his address. However, his tone quickly shifted as he delved deeper into the significance of the occasion and spoke about the late Grayson Murray.
A Call to Kindness
Murray passed away on May 25th at the young age of 25 after openly struggling with his mental health. Higgs addressed this, talking about how Murray had openly gone through many difficult things, and saying he didn’t sleep at all the night before the tournament as he thought about his friend.
Acknowledging his golfing successes, Harry Higgs went on to say that in the grand scheme of things it just wasn’t that meaningful. He issued a compelling call to action to all those gathered, including himself, to encourage a culture of kindness and saying kind things to others, both people we love and those we don’t know.
Higgs’ Resonating Words
As Harry Higgs’s words reverberated through the crowd, a wave of applause swept across the gathering. Reflecting on the complexities of the world, Higgs aptly noted, how the world is already difficult and only gets more difficult with time, drawing attention to the growing mental health struggles experienced by many. In a stirring appeal, he implored everyone to consider their capacity to make a positive impact, emphasizing how it could mean the world to someone.
Following Murray’s tragic passing, his parents, Eric and Terry Murray, bravely shared their emotions and appreciation for the outpouring of support they received. Despite grappling with the immense pain of their loss, they found solace in the unwavering support extended by the PGA Tour and the broader golfing community.
Ted Kiegiel’s Lament
Ted Kiegiel, Murray’s longtime coach and mentor, also paid tribute to his memory, expressing profound sadness and disbelief, and how he felt like he was not only family but a “kindred spirit.”
As more and more people nowadays face mental health issues, it’s more important now than ever for us to remind those we love that we’re here for them and that they matter.