Weeks After His Suicide, Grayson Murray Gets Honored at 124th U. S. Open in a Thoughtful Way

On May 25 this year, Grayson Murray left the world at the young age of 30. His suicide has left the golf community completely shattered. With 2 wins on the PGA Tour, one of them coming early this year, Murray had taken part in the PGA Championship at Valhalla. Murray’s absence will indeed be felt at the Pinehurst No. 2 this year, and more so after USGA’s latest honoring initiation at the 124th US Open.

The US Open shared a post on their official X handle which was a tribute to Grayson Murray along with the logo of the 124th US Open at Pinehurst No. 2. It read, “The USGA remembers Grayson and pays tribute to the playing accomplishments that merited his place in the 124th U. S. Open Championship.” Additionally, it ended with a quote, “Be kind to one another.” 

In a statement that Murray’s parents sent out, they mentioned that if the world truly wants to honor him, they all should be kind to one another as nothing else would make the departed golfer as happy as being kind would. Eric and Terry Murray said, “Please honor Grayson by being kind to one another. If that becomes his legacy, we could ask for nothing else.”

The USGA has kept close to the parents’ request by asking people to be kind and adding it further as a reminder for the world on how to honor the deceased PGA Tour champ. Grayson Murray has been facing mental health issues, which ultimately led to his demise. While the community was torn to believe in this reality, his parents confessed to the truth in it.

The incident happened during the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth after Murray withdrew his participation during the second round. Palm Beach Gardens police informed them that Grayson Murray had returned to his residence in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida before he committed suicide. He had been living there with his fiancee, Christiana Ritchie. Even during the final round of the Charles Schwab Challenge, golfers and caddies wore red and black pins to honor Murray.

Murray won his second PGA Tour event only this year at the Sony Open in Hawaii after winning in the playoffs against South Korean golfer An Byeong-hun and American golfer Keegan Bradley. The honored Murray has also been imparting the necessary aspects of life that one often avoids. Before he died, he had even taken the initiative to talk to others and help them through difficult times.

Grayson Murray’s compassion toward another victim of depression

Patrick Sullivan, another golfer who played on both the PGA Tour and the Korn Ferry Tour, had a streak of 18 missed cuts. He had earlier produced a personal message he had received from Murray five years ago. Back then, Sullivan had been struggling with depression and anxiety himself. Murray had talked about his own steps toward dealing with such struggles in the message.

Sullivan’s post on the X handle showed a screenshot where Murray wrote, “Hey dude, I know we have never met, but I read the web.com post about your depression and anxiety.” He then further added, “I deal with it myself. I am taking a medical the rest of the year to take care of it. Keep plugging along man you aren’t alone. Good luck the rest of the season; hopefully see you out on tour next year.”

The honor received by Murray will always shed light on the necessity of focusing on mental health awareness. Do you think the USGA’s honor will ultimately help the present and the upcoming golf generations become more upfront about their inner conflicts and seek out help?