‘In Remembrance: PGA Tour Players and Officials Honour Late Defending Champion with Heartfelt Tributes’

This week, the Sony Open took on a more poignant tone as a group of players, caddies, and PGA Tour officials assembled with the family of Grayson Murray by the shores behind the 16th green at Waialae. They gathered to honour the memory of the defending champion who tragically took his own life four months earlier.

Murray secured victory at the Sony Open last year with a birdie on the 18th hole, culminating in a playoff win with a stunning 40-foot putt.

The commemoration of his life occurred just a day after the PGA Tour unveiled the establishment of the Grayson Murray Foundation, which aims to raise awareness and support for mental health and addiction issues.

“Grayson touched the hearts of many by openly discussing his mental health struggles,” remarked his parents, Eric and Terry Murray, in a statement.

“He used his platform as a multi-time champion on the PGA Tour to connect with and inspire those in need, and we are committed to continuing his legacy of generosity and unwavering commitment to effect positive change in the lives of others.”

During the ceremony, Eric Murray struggled to maintain his composure, twice resisting the urge to speak as emotions overwhelmed him. Corbett Kalama, president of Friends of Hawaii Charities, led the service, sharing a Hawaiian prayer as the sun rose over the water.

Eventually, Eric implored Murray’s friends to celebrate his son’s zest for life.

“Through the foundation, we aim to keep that passion alive,” he commented.

Kalama then invited family members — Murray’s parents, his brother and sister, along with caddie Jay Green — to toss white orchid petals into the ocean.

Some thirty players, caddies, officials, and PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan stood alongside them. Monahan, barefoot in the sand, held his blue blazer across his chest.

Peter Malnati, who shared a round with Murray at the Colonial in May, raised the alarm when Murray withdrew from the tournament, prompting concern among officials. Tragically, Murray passed away at his home in Florida just a day later on May 25.

Emerging as a raw talent after picking up golf at eight years old, Murray achieved remarkable success, winning his age division three consecutive years at the prestigious Junior World Championship in San Diego. However, he encountered challenges fitting in during his college years, which included stints at Wake Forest, East Carolina, and Arizona State.

Throughout his career, he was candid about his mental health struggles. Notably, he announced his sobriety for eight months when he claimed victory at the Sony Open.

“It’s not easy,” Murray shared following his win in Hawaii.

“There were many moments when I wanted to give up — on myself, on the game of golf, and even on life.”

Webb Simpson, who has known Murray since he was a child, expressed his condolences, stating, “I can’t imagine how painful it must be to lose a child. I hope they take some comfort in knowing how much he was celebrated. The support shown was incredible. I miss him dearly.”

The president of the foundation set up in Murray’s memory, Jeff Maness, highlighted how it emerged from Murray’s desire to assist others facing difficulties.

“As Grayson courageously battled his own depression and addiction issues, he recognised the many challenges those seeking help encounter, whether financially or in terms of accessibility,” Maness said.

“Grayson was determined to leverage his position as a PGA Tour player to support others in need. … We honour his legacy by continuing his mission.”

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