DUBLIN, Ohio — They showed up by the dozens Tuesday to remember one of their own. And during the celebration of life service at Muirfield Village Golf Club, as Grayson Murray was being mourned by his PGA Tour peers tears flowed and hugs happened.
Here was Scottie Scheffler breaking down as he described Murray as a “sweet guy” who recently gave the impression he was in a better mental space after struggling with alcoholism and depression for years.
Here was PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, struggling to speak as he related how he and Murray had mended fences as they encouraged one another to prioritize mental health.
Here were Justin Thomas, Max Homa, Billy Horschel, Lucas Glover and Keegan Bradley, emotions exposed for all to see.
Here were Jack and Barbara Nicklaus, solemnly taking it all in.
Memorial: Picks to win | Photos
All told, a majority of the 73 players entered in this week’s Memorial Tournament showed up out of respect for Murray, who committed suicide May 28 at age 30 after battling alcoholism and depression for much of his life.
Monahan’s words were especially moving, considering how he and Murray were at odds during a players meeting last June to go over details of the proposed deal between the Tour and Saudi Public Investment Fund. The outspoken Murray lambasted Monahan for keeping the deal secret from the Tour players. But a few weeks later, after Monahan took a leave of absence to deal with anxiety, Murray sent the commissioner a text message saying, “I just want you to get healthy.”
“The PGA Tour is a family, and when you lose a family member you can never put the pieces completely back together,” Monahan told the crowd of players, caddies and members of the public who watched the celebration from above Memorial Park, the area where tournament honorees are commemorated with bronze markers.
Monahan remarked how the tour is marked by competition, but stressed that the fellowship among players is a “brotherhood that transcends competition.”
Murray’s caddie, Jay Green, described Murray as being exceptionally generous. After winning the Sony Open in Hawaii in January, Murray bought Green a Rolex watch he knew the caddie wanted.
Grayson Murray of the United States reacts after a birdie on the tenth green during the final round of the Sony Open in Hawaii at Waialae Country Club on January 14, 2024 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
PGA Tour chaplain Brad Payne oversaw the celebration, encouraging hurting players to refrain from guilting themselves.
“Wondering ‘Is there anything more I have done?’ is not fruitful,” Payne said.
Heads nodded.
After Russell Henley read a message from fellow Tour player and Murray friend Webb Simpson, who was not in attendance, Scheffler stepped forward and told about how thrilled Murray was to win $100 off Scheffler during a practice round at the Players Championship.
“He couldn’t wipe the smile off his face,” Scheffler said, managing a smile below his tears. Scheffler then urged players to never try to go it alone on Tour, because isolation is the enemy of seeking friendship.
“It’s easier to struggle in light than in darkness,” he said.
And with that, a prayer was offered and a bagpiper strolled through the audience playing “Amazing Grace.”