The golf community was deeply moved as the Sony Open in Hawaii honored the late Grayson Murray, last year's winner of the tournament. During the ongoing tournament at the Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, several of the players, including the late golfer's parents, joined in for a Celebration of Life ceremony,
Murray's family and the PGA Tour communtity gathered by Hawaii's serene ocean on the 16th hole to spread flowers honoring their son. The ForePlay podcast took to its Instagram platform to share the wholesome moment remembering the golf star.
The video showed his father, Eric Murray, wearing a garland while scattering white colored flowers into the tranquil blue waters. The post also shared a touching caption from Todd Lewis that read (via Instagram @foreplaypod):
"Many players, caddies, and officials showed up this morning at the Sony Open in Hawaii to celebrate the life of Grayson Murray. His family started the Grayson Murray Foundation to help those battling mental health issues and addiction."
Here's a look into the moment of rememberance (via Instagram @foreplaypod):
The golf world lost Murray on May 25, 2024, just hours after he withdrew from the Charles Schwab Challenge with two rounds left to be played. The two-time PGA Tour winner, who took his own life at the age of 30, was open about his struggles with his mental health while battling addiction issues.
Grayson Murray's family launches a foundation in memory of late golfer
A few hours after hearing about the death of their son, the Murray family was gathered with his mentors. During the conversation, his father, Eric Murray, stated that they needed to create a foundation in their late son's name.
While going through Grayson's stuff, the family came across a notebook dated to 2021 when he was in rehab for addiction. The notebook detailed a foundation to help those struggling with mental health.
The 2024 Sony Open winner was open about his issues and always seeked to help those battling the same issues as him. Recalling the months after his passing, here's what his mother, Terry, had to say (via PGA Tour):
"It used to be to mental health was sort of brushed under the rug,” Terry said. “We never talked about it. It's like Grayson was so open about the fact that, 'Yes, I suffer from anxiety and depression,' and he spoke about it. Some of the cards that we received, people would say things like, 'I suffer with some of the same things that you do, and now I feel like I can talk about it, and I can get the help I need or something. … So, you've given me the confidence to be able to go and do something about it.'"
At this week's Sony Open in Hawaii, his family brought his visions to life. The Grayson Murray Foundation aims to support research and provide mental health services to those in need.
Grayson's sister Erica is the secretary of the foundation while she and his mother, Terry, serve as treasurers. The two have taken classes on operating a non-profit organization to ensure that the foundation runs smoothly along with the golfer's brother Cameron.