When PGA Tour stars take part in the Sony Open in Hawaii this week, the absence of defending champion Grayson Murray will not go unnoticed.
Murray beat U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley and Presidents Cup player Byung-Hun Ahn via a dramatic finish last January, scoring a birdie on the final hole before hitting a 40-foot putt in the playoff 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.”
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
Grayson Murray spoke out in January after winning the Sony Open in Hawaii, and was candid about his struggles with his mental health.
The win propelled the American into the world's top 50 for the first time in his career, earned him his first invitation to the Masters in April of that year and supported the progress he was making off the track, having previously described his experiences dealing with anxiety, depression and addiction. Honestly. .
That was the last time we saw him in the Winners' Circle on the PGA Tour, as in May 2024 – just hours after withdrawing mid-round from the Charles Schwab Challenge due to illness – he took his own life at the age of 30.
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
PGA Tour golfer Grayson Murray withdrew from the Charles Schwab Challenge the day before his death.
The golf world was left devastated by Murray's death and players paid tribute to him over the following days, while golfers and caddies wore red and black ribbons – the colors of their beloved Carolina Hurricanes ice hockey team – during the final round.
More tributes have been paid to Murray at events since then, including a special ceremony to mark his defense of the Simmons Bank Open title in August and leaving the players' locker vacant for the season-opening The Sentry in Hawaii last week.
Now, a year after his fifth and final professional win and before 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 nonprofit's goal is to raise awareness and support for those struggling with mental health and addiction challenges, from all walks of life, with the family determined to make Murray's dreams come true.
He will look to help improve mental health and addiction care by supporting research, expanding access to essential services and promoting a culture of understanding, inspired by Murray's legacy of compassion, resilience and hope.
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
Peter Malnati, Webb Simpson and PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan were among the players who paid emotional tributes to Grayson Murray, following his death.
“Grayson touched the hearts of so many by sharing his mental health challenges,” said Eric and Terry Murray. “No matter what he was going through, Grayson always wanted to lift others up. Let us all strive to embody the compassion he showed by being kind to each other.
“He has used his platform as a multiple-time champion on the PGA Tour to reach 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.”
Grayson Murray won the Sony Open in January, his final victory on the PGA Tour
The Grayson Murray Foundation is based in Murray's hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina, and is run by his family and longtime team members. Website It was created for players to send donations.
“Grayson envisioned creating a foundation dedicated to helping people who want help but may not get the help they need financially,” said President Jeff Maness.
Grayson Murray qualified for last season's FedExCup Playoffs on the PGA Tour
“While Grayson has faced his own experiences with depression and addiction with courage, he has witnessed first-hand the challenges facing those who seek help, both financially and from an accessibility standpoint.
“Grayson was determined 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.”
A Maui-based artist and muralist has been selected to artistically capture Murray's winning moment from last year for the official 2025 tournament poster and program cover art, with Kirk Kurokawa's work highlighting the pure emotion of his 2024 success.
The Murray family is scheduled to be on site for the Sony Open, where they will join players, caddy and staff in serving a traditional Hawaiian celebration of life at the beach, with more tributes planned throughout the tournament.
There may not be a defending champion on site at Waialae Country Club, but Murray's victory and long-lasting legacy will still be felt.
If you are affected by any of the topics raised in this article, you can contact The Samaritans free of charge 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 highlights from 5pm on Sky Sports Golf, before full coverage from midnight.