Grayson Murray: How former PGA Tour golfer’s legacy lives on with new foundation and fresh tributes at Sony Open

When the stars of the PGA Tour tee it up at the Sony Open in Hawaii this week, the absence of defending champion Grayson Murray will not go unnoticed.

Murray beat USA Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley and Presidents Cup player Byeong Hun An via a dramatic finish last January, where he posted a final-hole birdie before draining a 40-foot putt in the play-off to claim his second PGA Tour title.

The victory 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”.

The win lifted the American inside the world’s 50 for the first time in his career, earned him a maiden invite to The Masters that April and supported progress he was making off the course, having previously openly described experiences in dealing with anxiety, depression and addiction.

It was the last time we saw him in the winner’s 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.

The golfing world was left devastated by Murray’s passing and players paid tribute to him over the following days, while golfers and caddies wore red and black ribbons – the colours of his beloved Carolina Hurricanes ice hockey team – during the final round.

More tributes to recognise Murray have been made at events since, including a special ceremony to mark his Simmons Bank Open title defence in August and a players’ locker left vacant for the season-opening The Sentry in Hawaii last week.

Now, one year on from his fifth and final professional victory and ahead of the Sony Open, his parents – Eric and Terry Murray – have launched the Grayson Murray Foundation in their son’s memory.

Foundation ‘carries forward Murray’s mission’

The aim of the non-profit organisation is to raise both awareness and support for those suffering with mental health and addiction challenges, from all walks of life, with the family determined to fulfil Murray’s dreams.

It will look to help improve mental health and addiction care by supporting research, expanding access to essential services and fostering a culture of understanding, inspired by Murray’s legacy of compassion, resilience and hope.

“Grayson touched the hearts of so many by sharing his own mental health challenges,” said Eric and Terry Murray. “No matter what he was going through, Grayson always wanted to lift up others. Let us all strive to embody the compassion he demonstrated by being kind to one another.

“He utilised 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.”

Based in Murray’s hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina, the Grayson Murray Foundation is led by his family and long-time team members, while a website has been created for players to send donations.

“Grayson envisioned creating a foundation dedicated to ‘helping the ones that want to be helped but might not have the help they need financially,’” said president Jeff Maness.

“As Grayson bravely faced his own experiences with depression and addiction, he witnessed first-hand the challenges that greet those who seek help, both financially and from an accessibility standpoint.

“Grayson was intent on using his position as a PGA Tour player to help others, and through the Grayson Murray Foundation, we honour him as we carry forward his mission.”

A Maui-based painter and muralist was selected to artistically capture Murray’s winning moment from last year for the tournament’s official 2025 poster and programme cover art, with Kirk Kurokawa’s work highlighting the pure emotion of his 2024 success.

Murray’s family are set to be on site at the Sony Open, where they will be joined players, caddies and staff for a traditional Hawaiian Celebration of Life service on the beach, with further tributes planned throughout the tournament.

There may be no defending champion on-site at Waialae Country Club, but Murray’s victory and long-lasting legacy will continue to be felt.

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Watch the Sony Open in Hawaii throughout the week live on Sky Sports. Live coverage begins on Thursday with Featured Groups from 5pm on Sky Sports Golf, ahead of full coverage from midnight.