PGA Tour Honors Grayson Murray at Sony Open After Tragic Death

HONOLULU — The PGA Tour community gathered Tuesday morning at Waialae Country Club to honor Grayson Murray, the defending Sony Open champion who tragically took his own life in May 2024. The emotional ceremony, attended by Murray’s family, fellow players, caddies, and PGA Tour officials, took place along the shore behind the 16th green, where Murray clinched his victory last year with a dramatic 40-foot putt in a playoff.

Murray’s parents, Eric and Terry Murray, shared a heartfelt statement during the tribute, emphasizing their son’s courage in openly discussing his mental health struggles. “Grayson touched the heart of so many by sharing his own mental health challenges,” they said. “He utilized his platform as a multi-time champion on the PGA Tour to reach and inspire those in need.”

The ceremony, led by Corbett Kalama, president of Friends of Hawaii Charities, included a Hawaiian prayer as the sun rose over the ocean. Murray’s family, including his brother, sister, and caddie Jay Green, tossed white orchid petals into the water in his memory. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan stood barefoot in the sand, visibly moved by the occasion.

Murray’s death at age 30 shocked the golf world. He had been open about his battles with depression, anxiety, and alcoholism, revealing after his Sony Open victory that he had been sober for eight months. “It’s not easy,” Murray said at the time. “I wanted to give up a lot of times. Give up on myself. Give up on the game of golf. Give up on life, at times.”

Webb Simpson, a close friend of Murray, reflected on the golfer’s legacy. “I can only imagine how hard it must be to lose a child,” Simpson said. “I hope they can see how celebrated he was. It was a great outpouring of support. I miss him.”

In the wake of Murray’s passing, his family has established the Grayson Murray Foundation, aimed at supporting individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges. Jeff Maness, the foundation’s president, said the initiative reflects Murray’s desire to help others. “Grayson was intent on using his position as a PGA Tour player to help others,” Maness said. “We honor him as we carry forward his mission.”

The Sony Open, where Murray secured his second PGA Tour victory, holds special significance for his family. “It was very, very painful, but it was the kind of pain that made you want to be proud that this was the place he won last,” Eric Murray said. Terry Murray added, “He was so thrilled and so proud of what he had accomplished because of all the obstacles he had overcome.”

Murray’s legacy continues to inspire, with his family urging kindness and compassion. “The one thing we hope people remember is to be kind to one another,” Terry Murray said. The Grayson Murray Foundation aims to ensure his message of hope and resilience lives on.