US Open pays tribute to late golf star Grayson Murray by putting up special plaques at Pinehurst
Grayson Murray, who would have qualified for the US Open by OWGR rank, died by suicide in May. The US Open tournament is paying tribute to the late golfer by placing plaques honoring his memory around Pinehurst for the tournament this weekend.
Murray took his own life on May 25, 2024. He had just withdrawn from the Charles Schwab Challenge the day before, sending shockwaves through the golf world. Barring a few underwhelming outings, the American golfer would have qualified for the US Open courtesy of his rank (59th).
The official X handle of US Open Golf posted the picture of the plaque on their handle with the caption :
"In honor of Grayson."
The plaque reads:
"The USGA remembers Grayson and pays tribute to the playing accomplishments that merited his place in the 124th US Open Championship. 'Be kind to one another.'"
The top 60 make it in automatically, though the 61st rank was allowed into the spot vacated by Murray. That allowed Adam Scott to extend his US Open streak to 23 and his Major streak to 92. As a result, the longest active Major streak remains intact.
Scottie Scheffler remembers Grayson Murray before US Open
Six days ago, Scottie Scheffler spoke on the loss of Grayson Murray. Murray won't be playing in the US Open, a tournament that Scheffler is favored to win. The majority of the PGA Tour is reeling from the loss, and Scheffler recalled a story from a practice round he and Murray took at the Players Championship. He said (as quoted by The Guardian):
“The look on his face when I gave him $100 on the ninth green is something I’ll remember for a long time because you couldn’t wipe that smile off his face. Without a doubt, he loved being out here inside the ropes.”
Per the report, Scheffler couldn't hold back his tears when he finished speaking. Murray had gotten closer to Scheffler in the early part of the year as he was trying to get his fiance more involved with other players' wives.
Jay Monahan, expressing his sorrow over the golfer's passing, added:
“I can only offer the assurance that Grayson’s memory will serve as a continual reminder that the PGA Tour is a brotherhood that transcends competition. And our foremost responsibility is to care for each other and be kind. I can’t imagine a prouder legacy.”
Akshay Bhatia remembered his friend and tourmate with a marking on his wrist at the RBC Canadian Open, and the US Open will remember the late golfer by placing plaques to honor his memory. The loss is felt by all involved in the sport, from leadership to golfers who competed against Grayson Murray.