Grayson Murray, the golf “bad boy” known for his antics both on and off the course, has earned his PGA Tour card back. Murray, who once told Rory McIlroy to “f*** off” during a players’ meeting, has secured a top-30 finish on the developmental Korn Ferry Tour, guaranteeing his return to the big time.
Murray, a 29-year-old from North Carolina, has been successful over the past four months, winning both the AdventHealth Championship and the Simmons Bank Open. These victories have put him back in contention on the PGA Tour.
However, Murray’s behavior on the golf course has often overshadowed his performance with a club in hand. Last year, during the US Open, Murray’s temper got the better of him as he threw his putter over the back of the green and snapped an iron over his knee in a fit of frustration. Similar incidents occurred during the Barbasol Championship and the CIMB Classic in 2017, when he threw a golf ball into a lake out of frustration.
Off the course, Murray has continued to court controversy. During a players’ meeting at the Canadian Open, following the shocking announcement of the PGA Tour, LIV Golf and DP World Tour merger, he got into a heated exchange with McIlroy. Murray demanded that PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan resign over the merger, to which McIlroy responded with a curt statement: “Just play better, Grayson.” In return, Murray lashed out, telling McIlroy to “f*** off.”
Despite his contentious behavior, Murray has shown improvement in his game recently. He has had two top-ten finishes on the PGA Tour this summer, tying for sixth at the John Deere Classic and tying for seventh at the Barbasol Championship. His latest win at the Simmons Bank Open is a testament to his turnaround.
Reflecting on his comeback, Murray stated, “I didn’t see myself in this position but you can always work hard and follow your goals, and that’s what I did. It’s just a testament to a lot of hard work. I turn 30 in less than a month, and I just kind of had a hard talk to myself and realized that I’m getting a second chance. Luckily, we play a game where we can have our careers into our 50s, so 30 is still young. I feel like I have a lot of good golf ahead of me.”
While Murray’s behavior may have raised eyebrows, his talent and determination have ultimately earned him a second chance on the PGA Tour. As he continues to make headlines, it remains to be seen how he will fare in the big league.