A somber gathering at sunrise marked a poignant moment at the Sony Open, as the golf world remembered Grayson Murray on the same shores where he celebrated his greatest victory just a year ago.
Dozens of players, caddies, and officials joined Murray’s family behind Waialae’s 16th green Tuesday morning to honor the defending champion, who died by suicide last May at age 29.
It was here, just last year, that Murray sank a dramatic 40-foot putt to win his first PGA Tour title in a playoff.
“Grayson touched the heart of so many by sharing his own mental health challenges,” his parents Eric and Terry Murray said in a statement. “He used his platform to reach those in need – and we’re determined to continue his work.”
The morning ceremony, led by local charity president Corbett Kalama, blended Hawaiian tradition with raw emotion. Eric Murray, fighting back tears, couldn’t speak twice during the tribute but finally found his voice to urge everyone to remember his son’s passion.
“Through the foundation, we want to keep that passion alive,” he said.
In a touching moment, Murray’s family and caddie Jay Green scattered white orchid petals into the Pacific. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan stood barefoot in the sand alongside some 30 others, his blazer folded across his arms.
Murray’s struggle with mental health and addiction was well-known in golf circles. He’d been remarkably open about his battles, announcing eight months of sobriety when he won in Hawaii.
“It’s not easy,” Murray had said after his victory. “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.”
He was a natural talent from the start. After picking up golf at age 8, he won his age division three straight years at the prestigious Junior World Championship in San Diego.
Webb Simpson, who knew Murray since he was a kid in North Carolina, was among those paying tribute.
“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.”
The PGA Tour announced a new foundation in Murray’s name, focused on mental health and addiction support. Jeff Maness, the foundation’s president, said it grew from Murray’s own desire to help others facing similar struggles.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
