It feels like yesterday when Grayson Murray made a 39-foot birdie putt at the Sony Open in 2024. The golfer clinched his second PGA Tour victory in a dramatic playoff finish at Waialae Country Club. It was a career-defining moment for him, he had been sober for some time back then. Sadly, nobody knew it would be his last. A few months later, Murray passed away. Comes Sony Open this year, Murray was a part of it, in spirit. 

Before the tournament began, a dozen community members including Jay Monahan, golfers, and caddies gathered behind the 16th green to toss petals of white orchids into the ocean. It was beautiful, or as Murray’s close friend, Webb Simpson said, “great outputting of love.” PGA Tour also unveiled the Grayson Murray Foundation to honor the late golfer and help others struggling with alcoholism and depression. There was also a 12-post grid collage Sony Open shared on Instagram to honor Murray.

The community moved to tears, and his parents too, and with the latest gesture, you might start feeling emotional again.

Grayson Murray’s parents receive something special from his last win

Recently, during the Sony Open, the PGA Tour honored Murray’s memory by presenting the model check of his win worth $1.49 million to his parents. After Murray’s win last year, he left that model check behind in the clubhouse as he rushed to catch a flight. It might have seemed insignificant then, but for his family, it became one more reminder of the son they’d lost. 

In a video posted on Instagram, Murray’s dad, Eric Murray, is shown accepting the check and sharing an emotional memory. Eric revealed that Murray had a habit of giving him his model checks after every win.  “I’ve got them upstairs in my office,” Eric said.

“I knew I was missing one, this one, but I didn’t know if I’d never ask him for it. So that was really special. I’ve got a special place for it. Every little thing that brings Grayson back to me is emotional, but it’s rewarding.” It’s not easy losing your child. Eric and Terry know the pain. 

The heartfelt gesture by the PGA Tour resonated deeply with fans, leaving many teary-eyed.

Fans get overwhelmed by the PGA Tour’s heartfelt gesture

One comment read, “God bless these parents and God bless Grayson’s memory.” That really hits home, doesn’t it? Murray’s passing left a hole in the hearts of so many, not just his family but the entire golf world. But in response to their unimaginable loss, his parents, Eric and Terry Murray, have channeled their grief into something meaningful. They are now associated with the Grayson Murray Foundation, with a mission to raise awareness and offer support for mental health and addiction.

As they put it, “Grayson touched the hearts of so many by sharing his own mental health challenges,” Murray’s parents said. “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.” They lost their son to anxiety and depression, and they don’t want anyone else to go through that same pain. So, this is a huge step towards giving back to the community in the best way they know how.

Another fan shared, “This gave me chills 🥺.” This gesture wasn’t just thoughtful—it hit deep for many fans, making them feel overwhelmed. Kudos to the PGA Tour for making it happen. Another fan commented, “Gone too soon.” Grayson’s untimely passing at 30, especially after his big win at the Sony Open, really makes you think. It was not just the fans feeling things at the Sony Open, Webb Simpson also felt a lot of emotions. 

One fan even suggested, “Rename the event in honor of his name!! Let him live on forever!!” Now, while renaming a whole event is a big ask, it really speaks to how much Murray meant to people. The PGA Tour, for its part, has already honored him with a commemorative plaque in the U.S. Open locker room that says, “Be kind to one another.” It’s a small gesture, but one that shows just how much respect Murray earned during his career.

And then this comment, “I love how everyone is working to make this as positive in many lives,” sums it all up. From Murray’s family to the PGA Tour and even fans, it’s been amazing to see everyone come together to turn this grief into something good. It’s honestly heartwarming to see.

So, Murray’s passing, indeed left a big void in fans’ hearts. But if the question is, was Grayson Murray loved? The answer is yes.