The former caddie of Grayson Murray has posted a gut-wrenching admission in the wake of the two-time PGA Tour champion’s sad passing this weekend.
Murray was competing in the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club this week before withdrawing during the second round, citing illness.
Just a day later, the 30-year-old was found dead.
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There were no immediate details on the circumstances of his death on Sunday morning AEST, only shock and grief from the PGA Tour and his management team.
In a shattering statement, veteran caddie Kip Henley — who carried Murray’s bag between May and November last year — said he wished he did more.
“Something was telling me to reach out to the kid the last few days and I didn’t,” he said.
Murray sacked Henley at the end of 2023, despite having him on the bag for two wins on the Korn Ferry Tour during that period.
It was a shock split for what had seemingly been a fruitful pairing.
“Pretty tough news today. Grayson decided to ‘go another direction’ this coming year,” Henley said at the time. “I don’t think it was easy for him to tell me but it doesn’t change it for me.
“I’m back out on the curb looking for a bag for next year. One door closes another one will open like always.”
But the caddie of more than 20 years insisted they remained on good terms despite the split.
“I’m disappointed and sad it worked out this way but believe it or not I’m not really mad a Grayson,” Henley wrote in November.
“He’s not a bad person. It’s just a tough relationship out there at times.
“I spent the better part of 10 years with one dude and we are still dear friends. I’m still buds with most everyone I ever worked for.”
On Sunday (AEST), Henley couldn’t escape the feeling that he should have done more — despite not having spoken much since their separation.
“A hundred people mentioned him to me for some reason. I should have mended our fences way better and (I’m) so sad I didn’t,” he said.
“Speaking and working things out will ALWAYS be the best for ourselves and especially others.”
He was assured by others than Murray’s passing was not his fault.
“Kip, he knows you cared and he’s knows you wanted nothing but the best for him. Can’t beat yourself up,” PGA director Ryan Vermeer said.
“You are allowed to grieve and remember the best of Grayson during this tragic time.”
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said he had spoken with Murray’s family, who wanted the Charles Schwab Challenge to continue despite the tragic news.
“I am at a loss for words,” 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 Grayson’s parents to offer our deepest condolences, and during that conversation they asked that we continue with tournament play.
“They were adamant that Grayson would want us to do so. As difficult as it will be, we want to respect their wishes.”