On May 25, Grayson Murray passed away at the age of 30, a brutal and terrible loss for the PGA Tour family. His death impacted the entire golf community and numerous players posted on social media in remembrance of the two-time Tour winner. On Thursday, ahead of the 2024 RBC Canadian Open, Akshay Bhatia wrote “G$” in marker on his wrist.
“Let’s ride today G,” Bhatia said on his Instagram story. After his 1-under 69 round, Bhatia was asked about the way he chose to commemorate his friend.
“Oh, God, I didn’t think it would be this hard. Yeah, I wrote G-money today. He’s one of my best buddies out here, grew up together. I looked up to him for a long time,” Bhatia said. “I wish he was still here, but I know he’s here watching above everyone. Yeah, it’s just crazy. Like I was driving yesterday, or a couple days ago, going back from dinner back to the hotel, and for whatever reason, I looked to the right, and there was a trash can with G-money on it. Just freaky stuff happens like that where I know he’s with us.
“I’m playing for him this week, and every round I play for the next however long. Yeah, he’s just with me all the time, and he meant a lot to me. Just happy and proud to wear Grayson’s name on my wrist.”
This is Bhatia’s first appearance at Hamilton Golf & Country Club, but he did make the cut and eventually tie for 68th at last year’s RBC Canadian Open.
In 15 events this season, Bhatia has seven top 25 finishes and a win at the Valero Texas Open.
Success on this level was something Bhatia says Murray hinted at years ago.
“I just remember when I was 13, 14 years old, I’d see him on the putting green at our golf course, and I’d ask him what’s it like being on the PGA Tour? It’s just so cool, right?,” Bhatia sais. “And he was always like, ‘Dude, you’re going to be there. Trust me.’ I don’t know, he just always believed in me.
“I think his story and everything that’s happened, I think, has really opened everyone’s eyes. It just doesn’t happen that often. The amount of appreciation and just uplifting energy from everyone across the world on the PGA Tour has been great for his family. We’re grateful for that because sometimes you feel like no one really cares about you, but the fact that he’s touched this many people’s hearts, my heart, he’s made me just really open my eyes a little bit.”
