Less than a year ago, Grayson Murray made headlines by dominating the Waiʻalae Country Club to secure his second PGA Tour title. On January 14, 2024, he ended a seven-year winless streak, lifting the trophy in a moment that seemed like the start of a new chapter. However, in an unexpected and heartbreaking twist, the golf world was stunned by the tragic news of his untimely passing just a few months later. At only 30 years old, Murray’s death was a devastating loss to his family, friends, and the golfing community at large.

In honor of his remarkable life, journey, and career, the sponsors of the 2025 Sony Open in Hawaii, paid a special tribute. The official Sony Open in Hawaii page posted an impressive 12-post grid featuring artwork of the event’s poster. At the center of the tribute was an image of Grayson Murray celebrating his victory at the venue. Before the official pre-tournament presser, a heartening ceremony was held too to honor Murray’s life.

PGA Tour announces Grayson Murray Foundation

Many players, caddies, and PGA Tour officials joined Murray’s family along the shore behind the 16th green at Waialae to pay tribute to the defending champion. Petals of white orchids were tossed into the ocean. Webb Simpson was one of them too. He will tee off at the Sony Hawaii Open for the 15th time, and he shared a few tear-jerking details about it.

Webb Simpson and Grayson Murray have been friends since childhood. When asked about the ‘celebration of the life of Grayson Murray,’ how the ceremony was, and what he still remembers about his friend. To this, Simpson said, “Yeah, well, I was made aware of the ceremony maybe a week ago. I thought it very fitting that it’s here, you know, a year later after he won dramatically. I can only imagine how hard it must be to lose a child, to even understand what they’re going through.”  

Murray always spoke his mind. After winning the tournament in 2024, he opened his heart to the world, and said, “It’s not easy. 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 had been sober for eight months at the time. Having to lose a childhood friend is a rather saddening pain, which Webb Simpson does not wish to go through again. However, the late 2X PGA Tour winner’s life was celebrated quite well, and he was happy about it, at least.

“I was really encouraged with how many guys came: players, caddies, PGA TOUR staff, and media. I think it was a great outpouring of love for Grayson; really a celebration of his life, a celebration of what he did a year ago here. I’m sure there has been just countless dark days for his parents and his family. I hope this morning his parents were able to feel the love that the TOUR as a family has for Grayson.” added Simpson.

To keep Murray’s spirit alive, the PGA Tour launched the Grayson Murray Foundation, which is geared toward raising awareness and support of mental health and addiction. “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 utilized his platform as a multi-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.”

Talking about the foundation, Simpson said that he is really excited about it, and it’ll definitely bring the late golfer’s parents some “purpose to try to carry on his legacy, carry on his name, and I’m excited to see how us players and the PGA TOUR can support the foundation.” Talking about his friend, he said, “So I miss him a ton. I think, you know, when it happens it’s fresh on your mind and you think about it for days and weeks. You don’t stop thinking about it. But as time goes on, you know, life goes on, and then you have these moments a year after he won where we get to remember just his win, his life, what he meant to so many people.”

Being grateful for the heartfelt tribute, he added, “And so I was thankful to be a part of it. I’m hoping and trusting his parents felt the honor as well.” He even shared their prized memories with the media.

Webb Simpson still cherishes the time he first met Grayson Murray

Webb Simpson and Grayson Murray were born eight years apart in Raleigh, N.C. When Simpson was a teenager focusing on gold, he first met Murray. His swing coach mentioned a young kid, about eight or nine years old, who was already “really good” and lived 30 minutes away from Simpson.

“I remember meeting him. He was just a classic little eight-year-old, nine-year-old golfer. Very good at the game. It was kind of one of these guys where you encounter good young juniors, but it’s rare that a guy gets better and better. So I kept watching him and staying in touch,” said Simpson.

Last year at the Sony Hawaii Open, Grayson Murray birdied from 38 1/2 feet on the par-5 18th hole twice Sunday – once to shoot 67 and join a playoff with Byeong Hun An and Keegan Bradley, to win the Sony Open in Hawaii. It was after he had made it back on the Tour, trying to get a new direction for his life.

Webb Simpson took up the moment and shared how passionate Murray was about golf. “And then we had a really special dinner at Pebble Beach, I guess it would’ve been a month or so after he won, where we just talked about and kind of reflected on…” concluded Simpson.

Simpson misses his childhood friend and that’s a no-brainer. But Simpson was at least happy that the entire golf world too keeps him close to their heart!