Caddie Jay Green paid tribute to Grayson Murray, a two-time PGA Tour winner who died by suicide on Saturday, calling him "the very best" and expressing his love and missing him deeply.
The sudden death of Grayson Murray, a rising star in the PGA Tour, has sent shockwaves through the golfing world. Murray, just 26 years old, tragically took his own life on Saturday, leaving his family, friends, and fans devastated.
Among those mourning Murray's loss is his longtime caddie, Jay Green. In a heartfelt tribute posted on Instagram, Green expressed his love and admiration for Murray, writing, "G Money, you were the very best."
"I love you, brother. I miss you already. Thank you for the memories. May your soul rest in peace," Green wrote, alongside a picture of them kissing the Sony Open trophy, which they had won together earlier this season.
In an interview with Golf Channel, Green spoke about Murray's selfless personality and unwavering support. "Grayson was the absolute best," Green said. "Not only was he an incredible, thoughtful, and generous boss, he was an even better friend. He would truly do anything for anyone."
"He has the best family, and my heart goes out to them. We will all miss him deeply," Green added.
Other members of Murray's golf team also shared their memories and condolences. Swing coach Ted Kiegel described Murray as more than just a student, but a "kindred spirit."
"He was family. He was more than family. We were kindred spirits - sharing so many victories 'life moments' while suffering through downturns that challenged his very essence. Leaning on each other, finding strength in each other. Having spent countless hours over 20+ years - we knew each other very well," Kiegel wrote on Instagram.
"It was my honor to serve as your coach and mentor... I will miss you so, so very much and will carry your memory all of my days...," he added.
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said he had spoken with Murray's family and offered to suspend play at the Charles Schwab Challenge, where Murray had finished his second round just a day before his death. However, Murray's parents requested that play continue, asking instead that each player wear red and black ribbons on their hats in memory of their son, who always wore these colors in honor of his hometown NHL team, the Carolina Hurricanes.
"We have spent the last 24 hours trying to come to terms with the fact that our son is gone. 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's parents said in a statement.
"We have so many questions that have no answers. But one," they continued. "Was Grayson loved? Yes. By us, his brother Cameron, his sister Erica, all of his extended family, by his friends, by his fellow players and - it seems - by many of you who are reading this. He was loved and he will be missed."
The PGA Tour and the golfing community at large have expressed their condolences and support for Murray's family and loved ones. Murray's death has also raised awareness about the importance of mental health and the need for support systems in the golfing world and beyond.
