Who was Grayson Murray the golfer being honored by the 2024 U.S. Open?

North Carolina will play host to one of the most famous majors at a moment when golf has never been more exciting. With a multitude of in-form stars in the field, it’s certain to be a tournament a U.S. Open to remember. Yet, there is a somberness to this year’s tournament.

U.S. Open will honor Grayson Murray

According to reports, the U.S. Open has paid tribute to the late Grayson Murray in the form of a plaque that will be placed on his designated locker at Pinehurst No. 2, the location of this year’s edition of the famed tournament. The plaque reads, “The USGA remembers Grayson and pays tribute to the playing accomplishments that merited his place in the 124th U.S. Open Championship.” Below the declaration, there is an inscription that reads: “Be kind to one another.” On May 25th, Murray died at the age of 30 years old with his parents confirming the following day that his cause of death was suicide.

At the time of his death, Murray was eligible to play in this year’s U.S. Open, ranking within the world’s top 60. A two-time winner on the PGA Tour, Murray was remembered by defending U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark, who admitted that golf - like any sport - is a struggle whether one is playing or not, something that the fans aren’t able to witness. “It’s lonely. I’ve been in many low spots where you have some negative thoughts which you don’t ever want to have,” he said. “Golf can do that to you. You got to do your best to not let it do that.”

Continuing, Clark spoke to the need for players to stay connected with each other. “We have unlimited resources, to be honest,” he said. “I just think it’s more of maybe the caddies and the players maybe checking in on each player. Being like, ‘Hey, man, how are you doing?’ Not just, ‘How are you playing golf?’” You can follow the 2024 U.S. Open with us from the moment it begins on Thursday.