Harry Higgs Surprises at U.S. Open After Nearly Quitting Golf

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — Harry Higgs found himself in an unexpected position at Shinnecock Hills, an unlikely contender in a field of elite golfers. On one memorable moment, from 30 yards out behind the 11th green, he used his putter to skillfully navigate the slope, watching as his ball rolled into the hole for a par. This impressive play showcased Higgs's journey at the U.S. Open, where he seems to defy the odds.

The 34-year-old golfer, often seen as the lovable underdog, shot a 68 on Friday, securing him a spot for a late Saturday tee time. "I don't know that I've had enough time to wrap my head around it after the finish," Higgs remarked. He expressed hope for a smooth drive home, emphasizing the importance of confidence in his game. "Do more of what I did today. Make the choice to be simply just, like, confident and believe in yourself no matter what happens," he added.

Higgs, known for his laid-back style and humorous personality, has faced significant challenges in recent years. Having lost his tour card in two of the last three seasons and struggling with missed cuts, he entered the week ranked 354th in the world. He narrowly missed qualifying at Golf's Longest Day, leading to a moment of despair just ten days ago when he contemplated quitting the sport altogether.

The week began on a comical note when Higgs accidentally packed shorts instead of pants. "Still wild how many people know this," he joked, crediting his wife for quickly bringing him the correct attire before his tee time. However, the more profound takeaway was his commitment to maintaining a positive mindset on the course. "For the rest of this week I'm going to say yes," he declared, recognizing that happiness is essential for success.

Despite a rocky start to his week, Higgs's performance has shown signs of resilience. He managed to keep his composure, with a one-over 71 on Thursday followed by an impressive front nine on Friday. Currently sitting within the top ten, he reflects on his journey with newfound clarity. "I was going to keep my shoulders back, my head up. I was going to walk around like I owned this place," he shared, acknowledging the challenges ahead but embracing the joy of competing at such a high level.