Friends, fans honor Grayson Murray at ‘tee time’ Sunday at UNC Health Championship :: WRALSportsFan.com
The golf community came together to honor and remember Raleigh native Grayson Murray, a PGA Tour winner who died by suicide late last month.
His family invited friends and fans to join them at the Korn Ferry Tour’s UNC Health Championship for a special “tee time” on Sunday afternoon.
“Now on the tee, from Raleigh, North Carolina, Grayson Murray,” Tournament Volunteer Chair Bo Bromhal announced shortly after the final golfers of the day started the course.
It’s a chance to share a moment of remembrance and celebrate Grayson’s life.
Speakers included Korn Ferry Tour President Alex Baldwin, McConnell Golf owner John McConnell and Murray family friend Jeff Maness.
“There’s been such an unbelievable outpouring of love, the family feels it,” Maness said.
“[We] thought it would be a very appropriate way to commemorate Grayson and get everyone together that is here – his family and friends, people that know him – and have a special moment as we kick off the last day of the tournament,” said Brian Krusoe, director for the UNC Health Championship.
Murray has been honored and remembered throughout the course of the championship. Murray grew up excelling at the junior golf game in the area, winning a state championship at Leesville Road High School. He finished third at the UNC Health Championship in 2023.
Maness and McConnell spent time on Sunday reflecting on Murray’s journey and their fondest memories with the golfer.
“I got so much more from our relationship than I think he did, because of the size of this guy’s heart,” Maness said.
At the end of the ceremony, the family was presented with a Carolina Hurricanes jersey honoring Murray as well as a plaque that will be displayed at Raleigh Country Club.
“To make sure his memory lives on,” said Krusoe. “These pros will be out here doing what they love, but with him in mind. He’ll be top of our minds this week, for sure.”
The family will launch the “Grayson Murray Foundation” in the near future, with the goal of promoting addiction awareness and enhancing mental health services and research.
“Try and make a difference to save at least one person’s life,” Maness said.
Instead of flowers, the family asks for donations to PGA TOUR Charities, as well as those that support addiction awareness and mental health services.
Source: wralsportsfan.com