Grayson Murray: How former PGA Tour golfer’s legacy lives on with new foundations and new accolades at Sony Open | Golf news
When PGA Tour stars take center stage at the Sony Open in Hawaii this week, the absence of defending champion Grayson Murray will not go unnoticed.
Murray defeated USA Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley and Presidents Cup player Byeong Hun An in a dramatic finish last January, where he birdied the final hole before draining a 40-footer in a play-off to claim his second PGA Tour title.
The win was his first on the PGA Tour since 2017 and added to his two wins on the Korn Ferry Tour the previous year, with Murray describing the success in his post-tournament press conference as “the start of something really special”.
The victory lifted the American into the world top 50 for the first time in his career, earned him his first invitation to The Masters that April and supported the progress he has been making off the course, having previously openly described his experiences dealing with anxiety, depression and addiction.
It was the last time we saw him in the winner’s circle on the PGA Tour, as he took his own life at the age of 30 in May 2024 – just hours after withdrawing from the Charles Schwab Challenge mid-round due to illness.
The golf world was left devastated by Murray’s death and players paid tribute in the days that followed, with golfers and caddies wearing red and black ribbons – the colors of his beloved Carolina Hurricanes hockey team – during the final round.
Since then, there have been multiple tributes to Murray at events, including a special ceremony commemorating his title defense at the Simmons Bank Open in August and the players locker that was left empty for the season opener at The Sentry in Hawaii last week.
Now, a year after his fifth and final professional victory and ahead of the Sony Open, his parents – Eric and Terry Murray – have launched the Grayson Murray Foundation in their son’s memory.
Foundation ‘continues Murray’s mission’
The goal of the non-profit organization is to raise awareness and provide support to those suffering with mental health and addiction issues, from all walks of life, with a family determined to fulfill Murray’s dreams.
It will seek to improve mental health and addictions care by supporting research, expanding access to essential services and fostering a culture of understanding, inspired by Murray’s legacy of compassion, resilience and hope.
“Grayson touched the hearts of many by sharing his mental health issues,” said Eric and Terry Murray. “No matter what he went through, Grayson always wanted to lift others up. Let’s all strive to embody the compassion he showed by being kind to one another.
“He has used his platform as a multiple PGA Tour champion to reach out and inspire those in need – and we are determined to continue his generosity and unwavering commitment to help make a difference in the lives of others.”
Based in Murray’s hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina, the Grayson Murray Foundation is led by his family and longtime team members, while website was created for players to send donations.
“Grayson envisioned the creation of a foundation dedicated to ‘helping those who want help but may not have the financial assistance they need,'” said President Jeff Maness.
“As Grayson bravely faced his own experiences with depression and addiction, he witnessed firsthand the challenges that greet those seeking help, both financially and from an accessibility standpoint.
“Grayson intended to use his position as a PGA Tour player to help others, and through the Grayson Murray Foundation, we honor him as we continue his mission.”
The Maui-based painter and muralist was selected to artistically capture Murray’s winning moment from last year for the official 2025 tournament poster and program cover, with work by Kirk Kurokawa highlighting the sheer emotion of his 2024 success.
Murray’s family is scheduled to be on site at the Sony Open, where they will join players, caddies and staff in a traditional Hawaiian celebration of beach life, with further tributes planned throughout the tournament.
There may not be a defending champion on site at Waialae Country Club, but Murray’s victory and lasting legacy will still be felt.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact The Samaritans for free by calling 116 123 in the UK.
Watch the Sony Open in Hawaii all week live on Sky Sports. Live coverage begins on Thursday with the featured groups from 5pm on Sky Sports Golf, before full coverage from midnight.
