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Harry Higgs won the Visit Knoxville Open on the Korn Ferry Tour in a playoff on Sunday afternoon, but he didn’t offer the usual closing comments that are common after winning a golf tournament.
Instead, he took the time to speak about the death of Grayson Murray, whose parents confirmed in a statement Sunday that he “took his own life” on Saturday. Murray, 30, had completed the second round of the PGA Tour’s Charles Schwab Challenge on Friday before withdrawing, citing illness.
The sports world was shocked to learn of Murray’s death, especially the PGA Tour, which, after discussions with Commissioner Jay Monahan, suggested suspending the tour until Murray’s parents agreed to allow the tour to continue.
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Harry Higgs hits a 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 Asplan/Getty Images)
The Korn Ferry Tour is just below the PGA Tour in terms of competitive level, but Murray once competed on it for the tour card that every professional golfer dreams of.
In addition to taking the time to remember Murray, Higgs also delivered a powerful message during his speech to everyone in attendance and those watching at home.
“I just want to say something, so bear with me if this gets a little serious,” Higgs began his speech. “Yesterday morning we lost one of our own. I don’t know if you heard the news, but it was someone who’d been through a lot, and was very open and honest about it. And last night, I realized, even though I’m very good at sleeping, I couldn’t sleep at all.
“As I was thinking about this moment and how I wanted to remember Grayson, it occurred to me to say thank you to everyone here, first of all, for welcoming me, congratulating me and supporting me all this time. But the golf game and the result, while great, don’t mean as much.”
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“One of the things I thought about last night, especially as I was laying in bed, is to encourage everyone here, and I intend to do the same for myself, to try to say something nice every day to someone you love, and to try to say something nice to someone you don’t know.”
As Higgs noted, Murray has been open about his mental health issues and struggles with alcoholism, saying in January that he had been sober for several months but that it was something he would always have to battle.
“The world is a very difficult place and it’s getting harder,” Higgs continued. “I’ve been blessed with great parents and a great support system and I’ve never really struggled mentally apart from being frustrated at times, but God knows how many people are struggling, and it’s getting more and more.”
Harry Higgs poses with the trophy after winning the Visit Knoxville Open on May 26, 2024. (Brennan Asplan/Getty Images)
“Everyone here can make a difference. of Make a difference. Brighten someone’s day. It could mean the world.”
Higgs modeled the challenge he took on for all in the audience and expressed his gratitude to the people of Knoxville for their hospitality during the convention.
“I’m truly grateful,” he said. “The people of Knoxville were such warm and gracious hosts. This is something I treasure every time I think about it, but I’ll never forget the wonderful people I met in Knoxville.”
Many people offered condolences and shared memories of their interactions with Murray.
What Higgs did here wasn’t just a memorial to Murray, it was also a call to action: You never know what kind of day someone is having, so random acts of kindness can make all the difference in the world.
Murray’s parents, Eric and Terry, said in a statement Sunday that their son was surrounded by love.
Grayson Murray reacts during the trophy ceremony after winning for the Snedeker Foundation at the Simmons Bank Open at The Grove on September 17, 2023 in College Grove, Tennessee. (Alex Suritz/Getty Images)
“There are so many unanswered questions, but one,” the statement read. “Was Grayson loved? Yes. By us, his brother Cameron, his sister Erica, all of his extended family, friends, fellow players and, apparently, many of you reading this. He was loved and will be missed.”
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“We want to thank the PGA Tour and the golf community at large for the tremendous support they have shown us. Life hasn’t always been easy for Grayson, and although he has taken his own life, we know he is now resting peacefully.”
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