Over two years after Grayson Murray stepped back from the PGA Tour, his victory at the 2024 Sony Open was a scenario few could have predicted.
That Sunday, Murray’s erratic tee shot on the final hole, combined with his competitor’s chance at a birdie win, seemed to stack the odds against him. His initial playoff tee shot, hitting a tree and eluding ShotLink, further diminished expectations of his triumph.
Yet, facing a challenging third shot from 106 yards out, with rivals Keegan Bradley and Ben An struggling nearby, Murray’s caddie, Jay Green, spurred him on with a call for inspiration. Murray responded magnificently, sinking a 39-foot birdie putt after an off-target wedge approach, and then watched as Bradley and An failed to sink their closer attempts, clinching the Sony Open for Murray.
Reflecting on his journey and Green’s motivational words, Murray acknowledged the difficulties he faced, including moments of wanting to give up on himself, the game, and life. His perseverance, and the support of others when he was too weary to fight, led to this moment of triumph.
This win, Murray’s second on the PGA Tour since the 2017 Barbasol Championship, carries significant weight. It secures his entry into prestigious tournaments like the Masters, the Players, the PGA Championship, and the remaining Signature events of the PGA Tour season.
Murray emphasized that while the victory was career-altering, it was his fiancée and faith that truly transformed his life. His presence at the event in Hawaii was a testament to his remarkable turnaround. After battling alcohol dependency and entering treatment in 2021, followed by an inconsistent year, Murray’s return to form in 2023, with two wins on the Korn Ferry Tour and two top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour, was nothing short of extraordinary.
Murray’s final round at the Sony Open was relatively subdued until pivotal moments on the 9th and 10th holes. His situation looked grim after a misdirected drive on the 18th, but a skillful layup and a precise third shot tied him with Bradley and An.
In the playoff, despite his drive hitting a tree, his ball fortuitously ended up in a playable position, allowing him to lay up and eventually claim victory.
This win marks a significant milestone in Murray’s personal and professional journey, a testament to his resilience and transformation, affirming, “I’m a different man now. I would not be in this position right now today if I didn’t put that drink down eight months ago.”
