The golf season behind us is special in many ways, and the biggest accent is certainly on Scottie Scheffler and his incredible success. Although he started furiously, few expected that he would end the season with as many as 7 PGA Tour titles! Impressive record, isn't it? However, it does not end there.
Scottie managed to celebrate at the Olympics in Paris, even though some underestimated such a competition. His hunger for success and victory is incredible and can be an example to many golfers, especially younger ones. The 28-year-old wasn't afraid of anyone; he didn't let anyone stand in his way, and he mercilessly created problems for his competition. Although some tried to make a problem for the American, no one succeeded.
Many wonder why. The answer is here: Scottie is a man with a unique mindset, which enables him to achieve success even when many write him off. Some are already drawing parallels between him and Tiger Woods, but the two are completely different profiles of players, although there are some similarities.
World no. 1 is not the only thing that marked this year.
Unfortunately, there were also tragic moments in the world of golf this year, such as the death of Grayson Murray.
On May 25, 2024, we woke up expecting a day like any other, filled with obligations, work, and, of course, as always, sports. However, that morning there was news that shocked the entire public: Grayson Murray died! The popular golfer, who had previously spoken about mental health issues, could not bear the pain anymore.
The tragic news caused rivers of tears for many. Many wondered: Could anyone have helped the great golfer overcome the crisis he had in his life? Murray is an example of how important it is to talk to people, give them support, and be with them. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan stressed via social media that he was devastated to learn about his death. Monahan immediately decided to call his parents and express his condolences.
"We were devastated to learn and are heartbroken to share that PGA TOUR player Grayson Murray passed away this morning. I am at a loss for words, PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan said.
The PGA TOUR is a family, and when you lose a member of your family, you are never the same. We mourn Grayson and pray for comfort for his loved ones.
I reached out to Graysons parents to offer our deepest condolences, and during that conversation, they asked that we continue with tournament play, Commissioner Monahan continued. They were adamant that Grayson would want us to do so. As difficult as it will be, we want to respect their wishes.
Although many want to look back on some famous moments in 2024, it seems that we as people try to avoid negative topics and put an accent on positive things, which is in human nature. However, a bitter taste remained in the mouth after the death of such a great man and a golfer who was not only a quality golfer but also a person who was truly an example to others.
Jay Monahan revealed an interesting detail. After the decision on the framework agreement between the PGA Tour and PIF, there were many reactions, mostly negative ones on the account of Jay Monahan. The PGA Tour commissioner was under enormous pressure, and the player meeting was full of tension and frustration.
An important figure in this sport revealed that Grayson was also dissatisfied, but the message he received after that really stirred the emotions of many. Murray was such a great man that even in moments when he had the right to be angry with Monahan, as well as his colleagues, he worried about Jay's health. The commissioner admits that this is a moment that will remain engraved in his head.
"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.
"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. 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."
No matter how interesting and exciting this season was, the death of this great golfer left a mark on us all. Grayson Murray must not be forgotten!
