‘Justin Thomas Reached Out’: PGA Tour Pro’s Skin Cancer Diagnosis Had 2x Major Champ Concerned for a Deeply Personal Reason

PGA Tour golfer Harry Higgs recently opened up about his battle with skin cancer, an experience that served as a wake-up call for the entire golf community. On *The Smylie Show*, Higgs shared that he had undergone a relatively simple procedure to remove a cancerous spot near his ear.

The experience left him with a visible scar but more importantly, a renewed dedication to sun protection. As a golfer, spending countless hours in the sun, Higgs recognized the health risks involved and has since made sunscreen a priority. His story resonated deeply with fellow pro Justin Thomas, who reached out to offer support.

Thomas, himself a skin cancer survivor, knows all too well the dangers of prolonged sun exposure and was moved to start his own sunscreen line, Wear SPF, to spread awareness among athletes and fans alike.

Thomas’s journey with skin cancer began in 2019, when his dermatologist detected an early-stage melanoma on his leg. The scare pushed him not only to take his skin health seriously but also to inspire others to do the same. His story and Higgs’ experience echo the rising concerns within the golf community regarding skin cancer.

Studies, like one published in *BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine*, reveal that golfers are at a significantly higher risk for skin cancer than the general population, with one in four golfers facing a diagnosis at some point.

Many golfers, including notable names like Camilo Villegas and Stewart Cink, have opened up about their experiences with skin cancer, advocating for sun safety as a crucial aspect of professional and amateur golf.