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TOUR Wives Golf Classic Presented by Mom Water - 2024

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The PGA TOUR Wives Association has been a joy to work with as we host baby showers for military families across the country. The TOUR wives not only support these events for military families financially, but also volunteer and host many events each year - where they listen to the military moms-to-be, share their own stories and offer words of advice and appreciation for these families. We are grateful for this support and know the military families are as well!" – LeAnn Morrissey, Founder and Chief Shower Officer at Operation Shower

The PGA TOUR Wives Association has supported St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for over 20 years. In 1999, St. Jude opened Target House, our first long term stay facility for patient families, and the members provided the house with its first playground. In addition, members hosted an annual picnic for our patient families. In 2009, the Association began hosting an Art Party during the FedEx St. Jude Classic for the patients who attend our school. Each year, the Association presents a check to help purchase new technology for our school program. Everything from lap tops to iPads and Kindle Fire readers have been purchased over the years to assist with patient education needs. We are deeply appreciative of this group and their care and support over many years. This group is not only committed, they are genuine in their service and care for the children of St. Jude. – JD Peeples, Director - Sports Marketing, Strategic Partnerships Division

Blessings in a Backpack considers The PGA TOUR Wives Association as a true partner in feeding childhood hunger. Your accountable and giving brand of support to the Blessings mission is unprecedented. Because of your commitment over the past 10 years, we’ve witnessed through crayon inspired thank you notes and toothless smiles at the many events, every ounce of support and involvement from the PGA TOUR Wives is appreciated and needed." – Beth Bush, Director of Athletic Partnership, Blessings in a Backpack

The PGA TOUR Wives Association has been such an incredible supporter of our Community PedsCare program. Their support funds comprehensive care and services for medically-complex children and their families. We are so appreciative of the PGA TOUR Wives Association for the huge impact they are making in the lives of our young patients and their families!" – Amy Davis, Director of Development at Community Hospice & Palliative Care Foundation

Here Are A Few Of The

PGA TOUR Wives Association, Inc., a Florida nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation under the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Identification Number 59-2903646. Contributions are deductible for federal income tax purposes in accordance with applicable law. Registration in a state does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation of PGA TOUR Wives Association, Inc. by the state.

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Amy Mickelson

Claim to fame: Was once a Phoenix Suns cheerleader. Memorable moment: While battling breast cancer, she returned to the course at the 2010 Masters and shared an emotional embrace with husband, Phil, after he claimed his third green jacket.

Paulina Gretzky

Claim to fame: The daughter of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky is known for posting scantily-clad photos of herself on Instagram and, well, that's really it. Memorable moment: Playing dress up with then-boyfriend Dustin Johnson in Germany ( left ) during the week of the BMW International Open.

Diane Donald

Claim to fame: Possibly has the longest maiden name (Antonopoulos) of any tour wife. Ever. Memorable moment: Notified people via Twitter that her husband, Luke, had not been disqualified for signing an incorrect scorecard during the 2012 Masters.

Dowd Simpson

Claim to fame: Was Webb's college sweetheart at Wake Forest. Memorable moment: Celebrating with Webb in Olympic Club's lockeroom after Graeme McDowell's missed birdie attempt on the final hole gave her man the U.S. Open.

Angie Watson

Claim to fame: Probably the tallest tour wife at 6-foot-4; Played basketball for the University of Georgia and was briefly on the WNBA's Charlotte Sting. Memorable moment: Being Bubba's shoulder to cry on when he picked up his first PGA Tour win at the 2010 Travelers Championship ( left ).

Bubba Watson, Angie Watson and Justin Timberlake

Sybi kuchar.

Claim to fame: Was a standout tennis player at Georgia Tech. Memorable moment: Winning the consolation title of the USTA National Husband/Wife Doubles Championship with Matt in 2009.

Sybi and Matt Kuchar

Claim to fame: A former gymnast, who represented Great Britain at the World Gymnastics Championships three times. Memorable moment: Getting married to Justin gave her the best stage name on tour.

Kandi Mahan

Claim to fame: Was once a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. Memorable moment: Going into labor with husband Hunter leading the Canadian Open after 36 holes. Hunter skipped his Saturday tee time and raced home in time for the birth of the couple's first child. Now there's a man who has his priorities in order.

Emma Lofgren

Claim to fame: Played collegiate golf at the University of South Carolina. Memorable moment: Stuck by husband Henrik's side, even after his infamous strip show at Doral in 2009.

Justine Reed

Claim to fame: A registered nurse, Justine was husband Patrick's full-time caddie. Memorable moment: The two teamed up for Patrick's first tour win at the 2013 Wyndham Championship . Patrick picked up the diminutive Justine in celebration. It was the least he could do after Justine had carried his bag around for 20 holes that day.

Claim to fame: The self-described country girl from the tiny town of Lucas, Ohio, once finished second in an FFA national dairy foods competition. Memorable moment: Was nearly killed by LeBron James when sitting in the first row of a Cleveland Cavaliers game. OK, not really, but she did have to be hospitalized for the night.

Ellie Day and LeBron James

Jason and ellie day, kristin stape.

Claim to fame: Owns and runs an interior design company based in Orlando. Memorable moment: Was proposed to by Graeme McDowell in November 2012 in Dubai atop the highest helipad in the world. The two got married in the Bahamas in September 2013.

Jillian Stacey

Claim to fame: Huge New England sports fan. Good thing, since husband Keegan is a fanatic. Memorable moment: The 2012 Ryder Cup, which was more like a double date with the Mickelsons.

Erin Walker

Claim to fame: Jimmy's wife is a champion show jumper. Memorable moment: In addition to her equestrian talents, Erin showed off her fantastic golf swing in March 2015.

Pollyanna Woodward

Claim to fame: Woodward is an English TV presenter, best known for being on "The Gadget Show." Memorable moment: Showing up at Wimbledon with fiance Paul Casey and being the best-dressed couple. (See next slide and tell us they didn't look good.)

Tori Slater

Claim to fame: She gets confused with Paulina Gretzky at tour events. Memorable moment: When she and boyfriend Daniel Berger hung out with Mark Wahlberg at Riviera.

Angela Akins

Claim to fame: Sergio's wife is a former college golfer and Golf Channel reporter. Memorable moment: Going to "Hamilton" and riding in a carriage through Central Park with her man on a trip to NYC.

Annie Verret

Claim to fame: Jordan Spieth's girlfriend is an event coordinator at the First Tee of Greater Dallas. Memorable moment: Sharing a big kiss with Jordan after he won the 2015 Masters.

Erica Stoll

Claim to fame: Helped Rory McIlroy rush to his tee time at the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah when she worked for the PGA of America. Memorable moment: Got married in May of 2017 at an Irish castle during a lavish ceremony that reportedly included performances by Stevie Wonder and Ed Sheeran.

Allison Stokke

Claim to fame: Is the most famous pole vaulter in the world. Hands down. Memorable moment: Getting engaged on a Hamptons beach before the 2018 U.S. Open.

Jillian Wisniewski

Claim to fame: Infiltrated #SB2K18, the "brocation" in Baker's Bay, so you know she's pretty special. Memorable moment: Attending the Kentucky Derby in 2016 and 2017 with boyfriend Justin Thomas.

Claim to fame: Was Miss Georgia Teen USA in 2007, and has appeared in several movies, including Sharknado 5 . Memorable moment: Being misidentified by Joe Buck after boyfriend Brooks Koepka won the 2017 U.S. Open.

Erica Herman

Claim to fame: Met Tiger while managing his restaurant in Jupiter, Fla. Memorable moment: This celebratory kiss after Woods won the 2018 Tour Championship.

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PGA TOUR Wives Association 35th Anniversary Gala

by admin | Sep 27, 2023

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PGA TOUR Wives Association celebrates 35 years of meaningful impact

Congratulations to our long-time friends, the PGA TOUR Wives Association, an amazing group of women who have dedicated 35 years of giving back to PGA TOUR communities. The PGA TOUR Wives Association is a family of giving, and their commitment to making a difference in the lives of others is truly inspiring.

Through their various initiatives, the PGA TOUR Wives Association has raised millions of dollars for charities that support children, including Blessings in a Backpack. Their work is making a real impact on the world, and we are grateful for their dedication and generosity to our mission.

Written by Doug Milne @PGATOUR

After hosting its first “Blessings in a Backpack” initiative 13 years ago, coinciding with the 2010 Sony Open in Hawaii, members of the PGA TOUR Wives Association were invited to a local Honolulu school for the chance to meet food-insecure students they had helped.

Amy Wilson, wife of PGA TOUR member Mark Wilson and then-president of the association, recalled a “beautiful ceremony” from the school as a way of thanking the wives for their support. In closing remarks on behalf of students and staff, the head of school made a statement that resonated deeply with Wilson and, as well as any set of words can, eloquently described the essence of the PGA TOUR Wives Association: “You come as guests, but you leave as family.”

“After hearing those words, I took that thought with me to every community we traveled to,” said Wilson, joined the PGA TOUR Wives Association in 2002. “As wives and girlfriends, we are brought together because of the PGA TOUR players. So, while we come in not knowing each other, thanks to the PGA TOUR, we do become a family.”

Inspiring, no doubt. But, on an even more impressive level, the family that is the PGA TOUR Wives Association serves to enhance the lives of other families, children and communities all across the country.

With resounding success, the association has been at it for a long time. Thirty-five years, to be exact.

Inspired by the charitable platform from which a large part of the PGA TOUR operates, the wives of the players realized they could effectively raise money and support for the charities and communities tied to each week’s TOUR stop.

In 1988, the PGA TOUR Wives Association became incorporated and official. In addition to countless hours of volunteering by hundreds of TOUR wives and significant others, the association is credited for having donated more than $5 million to child-related charities in the cities and towns that host TOUR events.

“We’re part of such a unique sport in that every guy out on the PGA TOUR is fighting for their job week in and week out,” said Casey Sloan, wife of PGA TOUR player Roger Sloan, and the association’s current president. “But the PGA TOUR does have such a strong sense of family and community. The PGA TOUR Wives Association brings us all together with a common goal, a better purpose.”

Video: In 2014, the PGA Tour Wives Association helped break ground on a new garden at Engelhard Elementary in Louisville, Kentucky. They shared with children a message of stewardship and healthy living.

At May’s AT&T Byron Nelson, The PGA TOUR Wives Association’s 35th Anniversary Gala will serve multiple purposes. On one hand, it’s a significant fundraising effort to get the wheels in motion for all the need that remains. It’s also a time to pause and raise a glass for all the lives enhanced and communities bettered through the Association’s first 35 years.

“The PGA TOUR Wives Association is incredibly near and dear to me, as it is with all the other wives, because we are giving back to the golfing communities we travel to week in and week out,” said Jenna Hughes, VP of Special Events and Members, and wife of PGA TOUR player Mackenzie Hughes. “The 35th Anniversary Gala is something we’ve been working on for a full year. It’s now here and so exciting to see how it has all come together.”

“We’re so excited about the 35th anniversary gala Tuesday in Frisco, Texas,” said Kelly Hoge, wife of TOUR player Tom Hoge. “This couldn’t have happened without our president, Casey Sloan. She had the vision for this and was truly the one who brought it to life. The objective of the evening is to raise a lot of money largely from an incredible silent auction, with all proceeds going towards children and families in need. It’s just great to have the chance to hold the Gala as a fundraising opportunity.”

Hughes looks at the strong 35-year run of the association and marvels at the complete body of work the group has authored, with so many communities along the PGA TOUR’s path experiencing the positive impact.

Pictured: In 2019, the PGA TOUR Wives hit TPC Scottsdale for Blessings in a Backpack and embraced a ‘hilarious’ 1980s theme. The group funds the Blessings in a Backpack program at Nevitt Elementary School in Phoenix.

“We’ve given back more than $5 million to charities over the years,” Hughes said. “Everything that everyone has done has just been fantastic. The amazing part of the organization is that we’ve seen so many people from the organization come and go, depending on the stage of that person’s life. That helps the organization keep a fresh outlook every few years.”

“I’m so proud of all the wives who have been a part of PGA TOUR Wives Association, before and after my time,” said Wilson, who served as president for seven years. “It’s a blessing to be able to travel with your husband or boyfriend and be a part of the team, but it’s such a wonderful thing that the PGA TOUR Wives Association has this kind of history and tradition.”

Wilson noted that when wives and/or significant others are on the road most weeks, it becomes difficult to give back on a regular basis at home. But, the PGA TOUR Wives Association provides a wonderful opportunity to give back to the road which, interestingly, has become their home.

“The PGA TOUR Wives Association is a large, diverse group of women who come from different lives, different cities and different backgrounds,” said Hughes. “But, we are all brought together for one singular purpose; to help make a positive difference in each community we travel to.”

Reflecting on the last 35 years and, specifically, the years they’ve been personally involved with the PGA TOUR Wives Association, many of today’s members have seen and done a lot. And, while it hasn’t always been easy on the heart going in, the end result is what keeps them going.

Among the charities the Association works with annually is “Beds for Kids” in Charlotte, North Carolina. After collecting gently used furniture and mattresses, the organization goes in and furnishes homes.

Sloan, who started with the PGA TOUR Wives Association in 2014, recalls one such visit to the home of a grandmother who had recently received custody of her grandkids.

When she and the other members of the association entered the home to help decorate, what she saw stopped her in her tracks. An upside-down cooler in the middle of the kitchen floor was surrounded by four upside-down paint buckets. The cooler served as the dining room table, while the buckets acted as chairs.

“We experience first-hand where the money we donate goes,” Hughes said. “With the ‘Beds for Kids’ experience, the family was just blown away by everything provided for them. The sad reality is that a lot of people have never had a bed, a couch or even a table to eat meals from. There are actual tears coming out of their eyes. Tears of appreciation.”

On another occasion several years ago in Las Vegas, working with the “Goodie Two Shoes” Foundation, which provides shoes to underprivileged kids, Sloan recalls one young recipient telling a story that he was one of five kids in his family, with only four pairs of shoes to go around. The last one out of bed in the morning missed out on footwear and did not get to attend school that day.

Pictured: The PGA TOUR Wives Association teamed up against their husbands in the RSM Classic’s annual “Wiffle Ball Classic” to raise money for Blessings in a Backpack. Since the Classic began in 2011, the event has raised more than $200,000 to provide weekend food for children who might otherwise go hungry.

“It just goes to show what a huge impact one can make by doing something seemingly so small,” Sloan said. “It has nothing to do with us, but is everything about those in need and helping change lives for the better.”

Adds Wilson, “It feels really good to be a part of something that makes a difference. It’s not like we just blow into town, play golf and leave. We are a part of that community and that annual social calendar.”

The PGA TOUR Wives Association not only finds ways to bring communities together, but also can help expose existing charities to a community. Through the help and support of PGA TOUR Wives Association in the different cities and towns, residents who may not have previously known certain types of support existed gain a greater perspective on their hometowns.

“It has been incredibly special to connect with all these women who share the passion of giving back with me,” Hoge said. “For us to be able to go in together and leave a lasting impact in the communities where the TOUR plays is what it is all about.”

“PGA TOUR Wives Association members come from, literally, all over the world,” Wilson noted. “We speak different languages, have different ethnicities and traditions. So, it’s great to have this common thread to bring us all together. It’s just beautiful and was such an incredible thing to be a part of.”

Actually, it’s an incredible family to be a part of.

About the PGA TOUR Wives Association

The PGA TOUR Wives Association was incorporated in 1988 by wives of professional golfers on the PGA TOUR. With PGA TOUR events serving as a major platform for charity, the wives found themselves in a unique position to be an effective source of funds and support for the charities and the children they benefit. Since its inception, the Association has expanded its membership to include Korn Ferry Tour wives, significant others of both the PGA TOUR and Korn Ferry Tour, and individuals and companies who support the Association’s charitable endeavors. The PGA TOUR Wives Association has given back to our golfing communities and child-related charities through volunteerism and over $5,000,000 in contributions. In addition to fundraising, members participate in Volunteer Service Projects, performing a myriad of services in communities where tournaments are held.

For more information about the 35th Anniversary Gala in Frisco, Texas, which includes a terrific line of silent auction items, visit PGATWA.cbo.io

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Meet the 2023 European Ryder Cup team wives and girlfriends

The 2023 Ryder Cup tees off on Friday, September 29, and unlike regular PGA Tour events, both the U.S. and European players’ significant others will be getting a lot of attention.

Players’ wives and girlfriends will spend plenty of time in the spotlight this week, accompanying their men to Wednesday’s gala dinner and playing a supporting role during the high-pressure matches still to come. But who are the leading ladies behind the European contingent?

Keep scrolling to get to know each European Ryder Cup team member’s significant other below. (And click here to check out the U.S. roster.)

Rory McIlroy’s wife, Erica

Rory and Erica got married in April 2017.

Jon Rahm’s wife, Kelley

Jon and Kelley got married in December 2019.

Viktor Hovland’s girlfriend

Viktor is currently single, and recently went made headlines when fans discovered his Tinder profile .

Justin Rose’s wife, Kate

Justin and Kate got married in December 2006.

Sepp Straka’s wife, Paige

The Strakas got married in September 2021.

Nicolai Hojgaard’s girlfriend, Amanda Falkenberg

Shane Lowry’s wife, Wendy

Shane and Wendy got married in New York in 2016.

Robert MacIntyre’s girlfriend, Shannon Hartley

Tyrrell Hatton’s wife, Emily

Tyrrell and Emily tied the knot in 2021.

Tommy Fleetwood’s wife, Clare

Tommy and Clare got married in 2017.

Matt Fitzpatrick’s fiancee, Katherine

Matt and Katherine got engaged earlier this month in New Jersey.

Ludvig Aberg’s girlfriend, Olivia Peet

Luke Donald’s wife, Diane

Luke and Diane have been married since 2007, when they tied the knot in Greece.

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As a four-year member of Columbia’s inaugural class of female varsity golfers, Jessica can out-birdie everyone on the masthead. She can out-hustle them in the office, too, where she’s primarily responsible for producing both print and online features, and overseeing major special projects, such as GOLF’s inaugural Style Is­sue, which debuted in February 2018. Her origi­nal interview series, “A Round With,” debuted in November of 2015, and appeared in both in the magazine and in video form on GOLF.com.

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Wives and girlfriends of final 30 PGA Tour pros at Tour Championship

The WAGs of the final 30 players in the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup finale. 

Only 30 PGA Tour players have made it to the Tour Championship at East Lake. 

There is a $75m purse and the FedEx Cup champion will be awarded $18m .

As seems somewhat standard in PGA Tour events, the winner is usually embraced on the green by their wife, girlfriend and relatives in the immediate aftermath of victory. 

GolfMagic has listed the WAGs of those teeing competing in the season finale. 

Scroll down...

Meet the WAGs...

Scottie Scheffler

• Wife: Meredith Scudder

Rory McIlroy

• Wife: Erica Stoll

• Wife: Kelley Cahill

Patrick Cantlay

• Girlfriend: Nikki Guidish

Xander Schauffele

• Wife: Maya Lowe

• Wife: Lacey Croom

Matt Fitzpatrick:

• Girlfriend: Katherine Gaal

Brian Harman

• Wife: Kelly Van Slyke

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Brian Harman (@harmanbrian)

Wyndham Clark:

• Girlfriend: Julia Kemmling

Tommy Fleetwood

• Wife: Clare Fleetwood

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Tommy Fleetwood (@officialtommyfleetwood)

Rickie Fowler

• Wife: Allison Stokke

Lucas Glover

• Wife: Krista Glover

Viktor Hovland

• Girlfriend: Unknown

Russell Henley  

• Wife: Teil Duncan

• Wife: Albin Cho 

Keegan Bradley

• Wife: Jillian Stacey

Collin Morikawa

• Wife: Katherine Zhu

Tony Finau 

• Wife: Alayna Finau

Corey Conners 

• Wife: Malory Conners

Tyrrell Hatton 

• Wife: Emily Braisher

Si Woo Kim 

• Wife: Ji Hyun

Jason Day  

• Wife: Ellie Harvey

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Jason Day (@jasondayofficial)

Jordan Spieth

• Wife: Annie Verret

Emiliano Grillo

• Wife: Macarena Grillo

• Wife: Caroline Burns

Taylor Moore 

• Girlfriend: Lexi Sorensen

Adam Schenck

• Wife: Kourtney Schenk

Nick Taylor

• Wife: Andie Taylor

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Nick Taylor (@nicktaylorgolf)

Sepp Straka

• Wife: Katie Paigeau

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Sepp Straka (@seppstraka)

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PGA TOUR Wives Association 35th ANNIVERSARY GALA

Celebrating 35 years of giving back to children and families in need.

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The PGA TOUR Wives Association was incorporated in 1988 by wives of professional golfers on the PGA TOUR. With PGA TOUR events serving as a major platform for charity, the wives found themselves in a unique position to be an effective source of funds and support for the charities and the children they benefit. Since its inception, the Association has expanded its membership to include Korn Ferry Tour wives, significant others of both the PGA TOUR and Korn Ferry Tour, and individuals and companies who support the Association’s charitable endeavors. The PGA TOUR Wives Association has given back to our golfing communities and child-related charities through volunteerism and over $5,000,000 in contributions. In addition to fundraising, members participate in Volunteer Service Projects, performing a myriad of services in communities where tournaments are held.

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PGA Tour, players hold celebration of life for Grayson Murray

D UBLIN, Ohio -- Dozens of players gathered Tuesday for a solemn celebration of life for Grayson Murray , the PGA Tour winner who took his own life a day after withdrawing from a tournament.  

"All of us at the PGA Tour carry a heavy heart and will for a long time to come," PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said, his voice cracking at times. "When you lose a family member, you can never quite put all the pieces back together."

Murray's parents, two siblings and fiancée were not at Memorial Park, a garden that sits below the first tee at Muirfield Village, its rock walls filled with bronze plaques of players who have been honored at the Memorial over the years.

Next to the podium was Murray's golf bag, along with a large framed photograph of his reaction to making a 40-foot birdie in a playoff to win the Sony Open in January.

His parents said he died by suicide on May 25, one day after he walked off the course at Colonial with two holes remaining in the second round of the Charles Schwab Challenge. He was 30. 

Among those who spoke at the celebration was Masters champion Scottie Scheffler , who came to know Murray better in the early part of the year, as Murray was trying to get his fiancée more involved with some of the players' wives.

They played a nine-hole practice round at The Players Championship, Murray and Chesson Hadley against Scheffler and Sam Burns .

"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," Scheffler said. "Without a doubt, he loved being out here inside the ropes."

Scheffler referred to him as a "sweet man" on more than one occasion, and he was weeping when he walked away from the podium, then buried his head in his wife's shoulder.

Murray's death was a shock to players, caddies and everyone involved in the tour. He was a prodigious talent as a junior, winning the Barbasol Championship in Kentucky as a rookie. He also had talked publicly about his struggles with alcoholism and anxiety. Murray spoke at the Sony Open about feeling like a failure for not living up to expectations.

Webb Simpson , who first met an 8-year-old Murray in their home state of North Carolina, is not at the Memorial this year. He had another close friend, Russell Henley , read his thoughts.

Jay Green, who began caddying for him the week of the Sony Open, told of his hopes to buy a Rolex watch if they had a good year. Murray won the Sony Open and bought a Rolex.

For Monahan, Murray's death was personal.

This week marks one year since the PGA Tour made a secretive deal with the Saudi backers of LIV Golf, and Murray was front and center at a player meeting the afternoon of June 6 to hammer Monahan for doing the deal and not telling anyone.

Monahan a week later stepped away for more than a month with anxiety-induced physical and mental issues. During that time away, Monahan turned off his cellphone for a month.

"We had a player meeting in Canada that all of you know was intense and heated. Grayson and others were extremely vocal about their displeasure about my decision to keep the membership in the heart. The criticism, it was 100 percent warranted," Monahan said.

He said when he finally turned his phone back on during his leave, one of the first text messages he saw was from Murray.

"A line in that text will always stay with me -- 'Jay I just want you to get healthy. I know everything is doing to work out for our tour and for the better,'" Monahan said. "He offered not condemnation but compassion. Instead of walking away from me, he offered to walk with me.

"I'll always be thankful for this act of kindness, and I'm not alone."

Monahan said similar stories were shared in a private service for Murray and his family Monday.

Players, along with Memorial founder Jack Nicklaus and wife, Barbara, filled the seats. Tour officials stood flanked to the left, with dozens of other players, caddies, equipment representatives and agents filling the ground to the right. More than a hundred spectators watched from a hill above the garden as a bagpipe played "Amazing Grace" at the end.

"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," Monahan said. "And our foremost responsibility is to care for each other and be kind. I can't imagine a prouder legacy."

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Grayson Murray is remembered for his kindness during a player ceremony at the Memorial

A golf television broadcast is played at the broadcast tent showing a photo of Grayson Murray during the third round of the Charles Schwab Challenge golf tournament at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday, May 25, 2024. Two-time PGA Tour winner Murray died Saturday morning at age 30, one day after he withdrew from the tournament. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

FILE -Grayson Murray celebrates winning the Sony Open golf event, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu. Two-time PGA Tour winner Grayson Murray died Saturday morning, May 25, 2024 at age 30, one day after he withdrew from the Charles Schwab Cup Challenge at Colonial. (AP Photo/Matt York, File)

FILE -Grayson Murray holds the trophy after winning the Sony Open golf event, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu. Two-time PGA Tour winner Grayson Murray died Saturday morning, May 25, 2024 at age 30, one day after he withdrew from the Charles Schwab Cup Challenge at Colonial(AP Photo/Matt York, File)

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan pauses while speaking about the death of PGA player Grayson Murray during the Charles Schwab Challenge golf tournament at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

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DUBLIN, Ohio (AP) — Dozens of players gathered Tuesday for a solemn celebration of life for Grayson Murray, the PGA Tour winner who had turned the corner from struggles with alcoholism and depression only to take his life a day after withdrawing from a tournament .

“All of us at the PGA Tour carry a heavy heart and will for a long time to come,” PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said, his voice cracking at times. “When you lose a family member, you can never quite put all the pieces back together.”

Murray’s parents, two siblings and fiancée were not at Memorial Park, a garden that sits below the first tee at Muirfield Village, its rock walls filled with bronze plaques of players who have been honored at the Memorial over the years.

Next to the podium was Murray’s golf bag, along with a large framed photograph of his reaction to making a 40-foot birdie in a playoff to win the Sony Open in January.

EDITOR’S NOTE — This story includes a discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org.

His parents said he died by suicide on May 25, one day after he walked off the course at Colonial with two holes remaining in the second round of the Charles Schwab Challenge.

Among those who spoke at the celebration was Masters champion Scottie Scheffler, who came to know Murray better in the early part of the year, as Murray was trying to get his fiancée more involved with some of the players’ wives.

They played a nine-hole practice round at The Players Championship, Murray and Chesson Hadley against Scheffler and Sam Burns.

“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,” Scheffler said. “Without a doubt, he loved being out here inside the ropes.”

Scheffler referred to him as a “sweet man” on more than one occasion, and he was weeping when he walked away from the podium, then buried his head in his wife’s shoulder.

Murray’s death was a shock to players, caddies and everyone involved in the tour. He was a prodigious talent as a junior, won the Barbasol Championship in Kentucky as a rookie and struggled with alcoholism and tour discipline and anxiety. He spoke at the Sony Open about feeling like a failure for not living up to expectations.

Webb Simpson, who first met an 8-year-old Murray in their home state of North Carolina, is not at the Memorial this year. He had another close friend, Russell Henley, read his thoughts.

Jay Green, who began caddying for him the week of the Sony Open, told of his hopes to buy a Rolex watch if they had a good year. Murray won the Sony Open and bought a Rolex.

For Monahan, Murray’s death was personal.

This week marks one year since the PGA Tour did a secretive and shocking deal with the Saudi backers of LIV Golf, and Murray was front and center at a player meeting the afternoon of June 6 to hammer Monahan for doing the deal and not telling anyone.

Monahan a week later stepped away for more than a month with anxiety-induced physical and mental issues. During that time away, Monahan turned off his cellphone for a month.

“We had a player meeting in Canada that all of you know was intense and heated. Grayson and others were extremely vocal about their displeasure about my decision to keep the membership in the heart. The criticism, it was 100% warranted,” Monahan said.

He said when he finally turned his phone back on during his leave, one of the first text messages he saw was from Murray.

“A line in that text will always stay with me — ‘Jay I just want you to get healthy. I know everything is doing to work out for our tour and for the better,’” Monahan said. “He offered not condemnation but compassion. Instead of walking away from me, he offered to walk with me.

“I’ll always be thankful for this act of kindness, and I’m not alone.”

Monahan said similar stories were shared in a private service for Murray and his family on Monday.

Players, along with Memorial founder Jack Nicklaus and wife Barbara, filled the seats. Tour officials stood flanked to the left, with dozens of other players, caddies, equipment representatives and agents filling the ground to the right. More than a hundred spectators watched from a hill above the garden as a bagpipe played “Amazing Grace” at the end.

“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,” Monahan said. “And our foremost responsibility is to care for each other and be kind. I can’t imagine a prouder legacy.”

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Late U.S. pro golfer Grayson Murray remembered for his kindness

30-year-old’s death a shock to players, caddies, everyone involved in the pga tour.

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WARNING: This story contains discussion of suicide.

Dozens of players gathered Tuesday for a solemn celebration of life for Grayson Murray, the PGA Tour winner who had turned the corner from struggles with alcoholism and depression, only to take his life a day after withdrawing from a tournament.

"All of us at the PGA Tour carry a heavy heart and will for a long time to come," PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said from Dublin, Ohio, his voice cracking at times. "When you lose a family member, you can never quite put all the pieces back together."

Murray's parents, two siblings and fiancee were not at Memorial Park, a garden that sits below the first tee at Muirfield Village, its rock walls filled with bronze plaques of players who have been honoured at the Memorial over the years.

Next to the podium was Murray's golf bag, along with a large framed photograph of his reaction to making a 40-foot birdie in a playoff to win the Sony Open in January.

His parents said the 30-year-old died by suicide on May 25, one day after he walked off the course at Colonial with two holes remaining in the second round of the Charles Schwab Challenge.

Among those who spoke at the celebration was Masters champion Scottie Scheffler, who came to know Murray better in the early part of the year, as Murray was trying to get his fiancee more involved with some of the players' wives.

They played a nine-hole practice round at The Players Championship, Murray and Chesson Hadley against Scheffler and Sam Burns.

"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," Scheffler said. "Without a doubt, he loved being out here inside the ropes."

• Canadian golfers continue to grapple with death of PGA Tour player Grayson Murray
• Grayson Murray, 2-time PGA Tour winner, dies at 30

Scheffler referred to him as a "sweet man" on more than one occasion, and he was weeping when he walked away from the podium, then buried his head in his wife's shoulder.

Murray's death was a shock to players, caddies and everyone involved in the tour. He was a prodigious talent as a junior, won the Barbasol Championship in Kentucky as a rookie and struggled with alcoholism and tour discipline and anxiety. He spoke at the Sony Open about feeling like a failure for not living up to expectations.

Murray's death personal for PGA Tour commissioner

Webb Simpson, who first met an 8-year-old Murray in their home state of North Carolina, is not at the Memorial this year. He had another close friend, Russell Henley, read his thoughts.

Jay Green, who began caddying for him the week of the Sony Open, told of his hopes to buy a Rolex watch if they had a good year. Murray won the Sony Open and bought a Rolex.

For Monahan, Murray's death was personal.

This week marks one year since the PGA Tour did a secretive and shocking deal with the Saudi backers of LIV Golf, and Murray was front and centre at a player meeting the afternoon of June 6 to hammer Monahan for doing the deal and not telling anyone.

Monahan a week later stepped away for more than a month with anxiety-induced physical and mental issues. During that time away, Monahan turned off his cellphone for a month.

"We had a player meeting in Canada that all of you know was intense and heated. Grayson and others were extremely vocal about their displeasure about my decision to keep the membership in the heart. The criticism, it was 100 per cent warranted," Monahan said.

He said when he finally turned his phone back on during his leave, one of the first text messages he saw was from Murray.

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"A line in that text will always stay with me – 'Jay I just want you to get healthy. I know everything is going to work out for our tour and for the better,"' Monahan said. "He offered not condemnation but compassion. Instead of walking away from me, he offered to walk with me.

 "I'll always be thankful for this act of kindness, and I'm not alone."

Monahan said similar stories were shared in a private service for Murray and his family on Monday.

Players, along with Memorial founder Jack Nicklaus and wife Barbara, filled the seats. Tour officials stood flanked to the left, with dozens of other players, caddies, equipment representatives and agents filling the ground to the right. More than a hundred spectators watched from a hill above the garden as a bagpipe played Amazing Grace at the end.

"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," Monahan said. "And our foremost responsibility is to care for each other and be kind. I can't imagine a prouder legacy."

If you or someone you know is struggling, here's where to get help:

• Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline : Call or text 988.
• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868. Text 686868. Live chat counselling on the website .
• Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre.

This guide from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health outlines how to talk about suicide with someone you're worried about.

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Heartbroken scottie scheffler breaks down in tears as he remembers late grayson murray.

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Masters champion Scottie Scheffler broke down in tears on Tuesday during a gathering of golfers to celebrate the life of Grayson Murray .

Murray took his own life over the Memorial Day weekend.

He was 30 years old. 

The golfer dealt with depression and alcoholism in his past but seemed to be turning a corner in his life prior to his passing. 

Scheffler and Murray had gotten to know one another earlier this year, as the latter tried to get his fiancee more involved with several of the players’ wives, The Guardian reported . 

During the memorial, Scheffler spoke about the time he and Murray had played a nine-hole practice round during The Players Championship. 

“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,” Scheffler said. “Without a doubt, he loved being out here inside the ropes.”

When Scheffler stepped down from the podium, he was weeping and put his head on his wife’s shoulder, according to The Guardian. 

Scheffler also described Murray as a “sweet man.” 

The event was held at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Ohio.

Murray’s parents, siblings and fiancée were not in attendance. 

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan also spoke during the service, saying that the entire tour was carrying a “heavy heart will for a long time to come.” 

Murray died on May 25 after he had withdrawn from the Charles Schwab Challenge the previous day due to what was first described as illness. 

The day after his death, Murray’s parents revealed in a statement that the golfer taken his own life.

“We have spent the last 24 hours trying to come to terms with the fact that our son is gone,” Eric and Terry Murray said in a statement. “It’s surreal that we not only have to admit it to ourselves, but that we also have to acknowledge it to the world. It’s a nightmare.”

Murray had won the Sony Open in January and the Barbasol Championship in 2017 as a rookie.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to  SuicidePreventionLifeline.org .

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Juli inkster on winning in a different lpga era: 'we didn’t have maternity leave and daycare', share this article.

Memorial Tournament honoree Juli Inkster sees what men on the PGA Tour go through when their significant others are pregnant. Stressing over what having kids might do to their careers. Worrying about the baby’s arrival means having to withdraw from a tournament. Complaining about rising for early tee times after getting only three hours of sleep.

Inkster observes it all – the wondering, whining and whimpering – and here is her takeaway: Cry me a river.

You want stress? You want sleep deprivation? You want career risk? Try being the one who births the baby, then takes only six weeks off before teeing it up again on the LPGA Tour. Try winning tournaments as a mother, you poor Mr. Professional Golfer. Then we can talk.

“The wives are actually having the kids and having to take six or seven months off. Guys take the week off and come back as heroes because their wife had to give birth,” Inkster said last week before traveling to Muirfield Village Golf Club, where she will be celebrated Wednesday as one of two player honorees. (Tom Weiskopf is being honored posthumously.)

Inkster, a queen of sarcasm, is not taking shots at male golfers so much as wanting everyone to know how hard it was, and is, for LPGA players to juggle motherhood and life on tour. So hard, in fact, that the 63-year-old Californian who won 31 tour events, including seven major championships, said that successfully balancing the roles of super mom and championship golfer is the crown jewel of her 29-year career.

“Winning the U.S. Open would be my No. 1 highlight,” she said. “It’s our national championship. Winning three U.S. Amateurs in a row (1980-82) is pretty good. Solheim Cup captain three times. Awesome. Winning the Bobby Jones Award is pretty impressive. But my most impressive (accomplishment) is traveling the tour with two kids and winning tournaments.”

Inkster’s incredible career – she is the only woman to win two majors in each of three different decades and one of only seven to have completed the LPGA grand slam – reminds me of the line about Ginger Rogers being able to do everything her dance partner, Fred Astaire did. Except she did it backward and in high heels.

“When I had kids, we didn’t have maternity leave and daycare,” Inkster said. “So six weeks after I had Hayley (in 1990) I was out playing. It was hard adjusting from being a single person to all the sudden having a kid and bringing all the stuff with you to every tournament, with a 6-week-old, and breastfeeding, and we didn’t have videos and GPS and a lot of the stuff that gets you from A to B.”

Inkster didn’t play her best golf when her kids were little; second daughter Cori was born in 1994.

“I was trying to figure it out,” she said.

Juli Inkster won more as a mother than before having kids

Former LPGA golfer Juli Inkster tees off on the first hole during the Workday Golden Bear Pro-Am at the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club.

Eventually she did, winning five times in 1999, including two majors, and qualifying for the World Golf Hall of Fame.

“When I kinda figured it out my game got back going. I won more tournaments being a mom than not being a mom,” she said.

That’s not to suggest Inkster was a great golfer because she was a mom. But motherhood did not slow her down, as if that were even possible. Growing up with two older brothers in Santa Cruz, California, Inkster learned quickly “how to hold my own.”

“I enjoyed the competition, which is why I love match play,” she said. “Mano a mano.”

Apparently so. Her 6-1-2 record in the Solheim Cup underscores her ability to stare down opponents and come out on top. A grinder, she claims she was never the best ball striker, putter or chipper.

“But I could grind for 72 holes. I was going to get that ball in the hole,” she said.

And if you tried to get in her way? Put it this way: Inkster could rip out your heart on the golf course, then give you hers when the round was over.

Former Ohio State golfer Cathy Gerring got to know Inkster when the two were young mothers on tour in the early 1990s. Gerring’s husband, Jim, was the head pro at Muirfield Village from 1984 to 1998, and Inkster would sometimes stay with the Gerrings when traveling from the East to West coasts.

“She was the best friend ever,” Gerring said. “Our lives took different paths, but to this day if I called Jules and asked, ‘Can you help me out?’ She would do anything for me.”

Showing compassion to a friend in need

Juli Inkster as seen on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022. (Copyright USGA/Robert Beck)

When Gerring suffered serious burns over her face and arms in an accident involving a liquid burner at an LPGA tournament in Nashville in 1992, Inkster was the first player to visit the hospital.

“I had layers and layers of skin burned off my hands and face,” Gerring said. “My mom and Juli were there and she said it looked like my head was a basketball with two slits in it for eyes.”

The wisecracking Inkster then proceeded to call Gerring every day – for two years – to make sure her friend was healing.

“It’s amazing what she has been able to accomplish,” Gerring said. “To be as successful as she was at golf? To juggle all that and still have time for others? She’s a great person and role model.”

Inkster returns this week to Muirfield, where she is a member of the captains club. It is her favorite course in the world.

“Because of the history I have with it,” she said, estimating she has played the golf course more than 20 times.

Juli Simpson Inkster with the trophy after winning the 1980 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship at Prairie Dunes Country Club in Hutchinson, Kansas. (Copyright unknown/Courtesy USGA Archives)

Inkster still enjoys playing golf, but retired from competition she is able to reflect on what mattered most to her. And what she would like to be remembered for.

“When you’re going through all that, golf is your identity,” she said of grinding on tour. “It took me a while to know golf is what I did, not who I am. Being a mom really helped me with that.”

Mothers must be both tender and tough. Inkster nailed the landing on both counts.

“She just refused to lose,” Gerring said. “I never saw a better competitor. She and Jack (Nicklaus) were similar that way. It’s what separated them from everyone else. When Jack would step on that tee, not only did he know he was going to beat you, but he knew you knew he was going to beat you. Same thing with Jules.

“Yet if you asked her, she would give every single trophy to be a mom. Her kids are it to her.”

Fortunately, Inkster need not choose between trophies and children. She raised both equally well.

[email protected] @rollerCD

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Defending champ’s wife goes skydiving at RBC Canadian Open

Andie taylor’s observation sparked husband nick’s dramatic turnaround in 2023.

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ANCASTER, Ontario – Andie Taylor’s keen observations from afar sparked her husband Nick’s historic RBC Canadian Open victory a year ago.

The roles were reversed Wednesday, a day before Taylor begins a historic RBC Canadian Open title defense. Andie Taylor went skydiving from 12,000 feet, landing on an adjacent fairway at Hamilton Golf and Country Club (the club has three nines, one of which is unused for tournament play).

Andie Taylor was joined by Lona Dahmen (wife of Joel) in Wednesday’s skydive in southern Ontario, a tournament tradition in conjunction with the Canadian military. Jessica Hadwin (wife of Adam) was originally scheduled to join Andie in the skydive, but she couldn’t make it at the last minute. Andie recruited Lona, who quickly accepted.

Nick Taylor had completed his pro-am round and was on the scene, observing the landing in real-time (several SkyHawks, members of the Canadian Armed Forces Parachute Team, also participated in the dive). Joel Dahmen followed along during his pro-am round, utilizing binoculars.

Andie Taylor (in red), wife of Nick Taylor (in white) lands a tandem skydive with the Canadian Forces Parachute Team. (Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

Andie Taylor doing a tandem skydive with the Canadian Forces Parachute Team. (Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

Nick Taylor (left) and Joel Dahmen watching the skydivers above them at Hamilton Golf and Country Club. (Dustin Wallace/PGA TOUR, left; Colin Brown/PGA TOUR, right)

Lona joked afterward that she would skydive every day if she could – Andie wasn’t so sure. Nonetheless it was a shared family experience that accents a unique week, as Nick Taylor prepares to defend his historic title. Last year, he became the first Canadian winner of the RBC Canadian Open since Pat Fletcher in 1954, defeating Tommy Fleetwood with a 72-foot eagle on the fourth playoff hole. The victory resonated across the entirety of Canada – stories included farmer Brian Harder in Saskatchewan, so excited that he nearly crashed his tractor while streaming the action. The ‘I” in the “RBC Canadian Open” logo is now a silhouette of Taylor’s instant reaction to the winning putt, tossing his putter in near-bewilderment.

That victory might not have happened without Andie’s keen observation while watching competition from home on the Thursday of last year’s RBC Canadian Open. Taylor made a closing double bogey for an opening 75 at Oakdale Golf & Country Club, and not only was he far from contention, his chances of playing the weekend were slim. (Of the 886 times a player opened a TOUR event in 75 or higher last year, 790 either missed the cut, withdrew or were disqualified. Only five finished in the top 10, and Taylor was the only winner.)

During a phone conversation that evening, Andie told her husband to lighten up a bit. It was his home open, after all. Enjoy it.

“It just looks like you’ve not having fun,” Andie told her husband, who relayed the story Wednesday in Hamilton. “You and (caddie) Dave (Markle) go be yourself tomorrow; cut it out essentially.”

Andie Taylor (C), wife of Nick Taylor (R) smiles after doing a tandem skydive with the Canadian Forces Parachute Team. (Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

“I knew my game was in a good spot,” Taylor continued. “It was a weird day and weird mindset … it was a bit of a mindset change, really having nothing to lose starting Friday. I knew I needed to shoot at least 4 under to make the cut; I was kind of like, ‘Alright, better play well.’

“(The start) was disappointing in a sense for a lot of reasons, because you want to play well at this event especially. I had really nothing to lose that Friday, and that was a good mindset to be in. Be aggressive.”

Taylor took his wife’s words to heart, and he closed in rounds of 67-63-66 to earn a playoff spot at 17 under, then authored an iconic winning moment as an adoring nation looked on.

Taylor, 36, didn’t stop there. He won this year’s WM Phoenix Open (also in a playoff), further solidifying a clutch gene that was seen 10 years ago, when he carded a final-round 63 at the Korn Ferry Tour Championship to solidify his first PGA TOUR card. He stands No. 32 on the FedExCup and is well positioned to represent Canada in this summer’s Olympic Games and at this fall’s Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal.

Could he also go back-to-back at his national open? Sky’s the limit.

Kevin Prise is an associate editor for the PGA TOUR. He is on a lifelong quest to break 80 on a course that exceeds 6,000 yards and to see the Buffalo Bills win a Super Bowl. Follow Kevin Prise on Twitter .

Grayson Murray remembered for ‘compassion' ahead of PGA's Memorial Tournament

Scottie scheffler and pga tour commissioner jay monahan were among those who spoke at a celebration of life for grayson murray in dublin, ohio., by doug ferguson | the associated press • published june 4, 2024 • updated on june 4, 2024 at 1:17 pm.

Dozens of players gathered Tuesday for a solemn celebration of life for Grayson Murray , the PGA Tour winner who had turned the corner from struggles with alcoholism and depression only  to take his life a day after withdrawing from a tournament .

“All of us at the PGA Tour carry a heavy heart and will for a long time to come,” PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said, his voice cracking at times. “When you lose a family member, you can never quite put all the pieces back together.”

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Murray's parents, two siblings and fiancée were not at Memorial Park, a garden that sits below the first tee at Muirfield Village, its rock walls filled with bronze plaques of players who have been honored at the Memorial over the years.

Next to the podium was Murray's golf bag, along with a large framed photograph of his reaction to making a 40-foot birdie in a playoff  to win the Sony Open in January.

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His parents said he died by suicide on May 25, one day after he walked off the course at Colonial with two holes remaining in the second round of the Charles Schwab Challenge.

Among those who spoke at the celebration was Masters champion Scottie Scheffler , who came to know Murray better in the early part of the year, as Murray was trying to get his fiancée more involved with some of the players' wives.

They played a nine-hole practice round at The Players Championship, Murray and Chesson Hadley against Scheffler and Sam Burns.

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“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,” Scheffler said. “Without a doubt, he loved being out here inside the ropes.”

Scheffler referred to him as a “sweet man” on more than one occasion, and he was weeping when he walked away from the podium, then buried his head in his wife's shoulder.

Murray's death was a shock to players, caddies and everyone involved in the tour. He was a prodigious talent as a junior, won the Barbasol Championship in Kentucky as a rookie and struggled with alcoholism and tour discipline and anxiety. He spoke at the Sony Open about feeling like a failure for not living up to expectations.

Webb Simpson, who first met an 8-year-old Murray in their home state of North Carolina, is not at the Memorial this year. He had another close friend, Russell Henley, read his thoughts.

Jay Green, who began caddying for him the week of the Sony Open, told of his hopes to buy a Rolex watch if they had a good year. Murray won the Sony Open and bought a Rolex.

For Monahan, Murray's death was personal.

This week marks one year since the PGA Tour did a secretive and shocking deal with the Saudi backers of LIV Golf, and Murray was front and center at a player meeting the afternoon of June 6 to hammer Monahan for doing the deal and not telling anyone.

Monahan a week later stepped away for more than a month with anxiety-induced physical and mental issues. During that time away, Monahan turned off his cellphone for a month.

“We had a player meeting in Canada that all of you know was intense and heated. Grayson and others were extremely vocal about their displeasure about my decision to keep the membership in the heart. The criticism, it was 100% warranted,” Monahan said.

He said when he finally turned his phone back on during his leave, one of the first text messages he saw was from Murray.

“A line in that text will always stay with me — ‘Jay I just want you to get healthy. I know everything is doing to work out for our tour and for the better,'” Monahan said. "He offered not condemnation but compassion. Instead of walking away from me, he offered to walk with me.

“I'll always be thankful for this act of kindness, and I'm not alone.”

Monahan said similar stories were shared in a private service for Murray and his family on Monday.

Players, along with Memorial founder Jack Nicklaus and wife Barbara, filled the seats. Tour officials stood flanked to the left, with dozens of other players, caddies, equipment representatives and agents filling the ground to the right. More than a hundred spectators watched from a hill above the garden as a bagpipe played “Amazing Grace” at the end.

“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,” Monahan said. “And our foremost responsibility is to care for each other and be kind. I can't imagine a prouder legacy.”

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