SEAMGA-R.I.P. John Higgen

Seattle, WA--  The SEAMGA was sad to hear the news this week that they had lost one of their own.  John Higgen, also known as the Mexi Mamba lost his battle with lung cancer this week.  

Higgen came to the MGA by word of mouth from tour legend Zack McInelly and played at least 5 times on the tour.  From the first event played it was obvious that he fit right in.  He was actually Zack McInelly's boss at the time, and Zack was hopeful that he had not made a mistake inviting someone he reported to into our world. The very first tourney he played he was paired with McInelly and grouped with fan favorites Jesse "White Mamba" Glubrecht, as well as Hogie, two players who are known to have their share of fun on the course (in other words there is no shortage of tall boys on the day).  Any hesitation was quickly lost when John took to White Mamba and his style of play and mentioned how he wanted a tour nickname.  Hogie was the first to throw out the 'Mexi Mamba' moniker and it stuck.  John, as far as we know, had no Mexican heritage but due to his suave 'stache and good looks, and his many references to 'chili dipping' it stuck.  He continued to win many Low Gross Awards and was the highest penalized player of the chapter at time, something that is a true badge of honor.  We like to think that Higgen is in a better place, chili dipping the fairways in his trademark jeans and a work shirt while the jingle of his Low Gross awards dangling from his bag can be heard on the walk towards the clubhouse.  We will be thinking of you brother.