When Grayson Murray was seven years old, his dad took him and his older brother to Triangle Golf Complex, not far from their home in Raleigh. Using his mother’s clubs, Grayson took a few swings and struck some impressive golf shots. His family looked on in disbelief, jaws dropped.
“Where’d you learn to do that?” they asked. Grayson shrugged. “I saw it on TV once,” he said.
Since that day, Grayson has come a long way during his golf career — but 2017 was a record year. In July, the 23-year-old rookie won the Barbasol Championship for his first PGA TOUR title. The come-from-behind victory in Alabama secured his TOUR status through the 2018–2019 season, and even qualified him for the 99th PGA Championship at Quail Hollow last August. After shooting three-under on the first day in Charlotte, Grayson would finish tied for 22nd in his first major. Hopefully, his 2018 will be even better.
Breaking Records
TPC Wakefield Plantation’s junior scholar, 15-year-old Akshay Bhatia, played lights-out golf this past summer at the 42nd Boys Junior Championship, hosted by The Country Club of St. Albans. Shooting 22-under-par 266, the lefthanded Akshay posted an all-time course and championship record 61 that Sunday. His finish beat the previous record of 62, held by TOUR pros Jordan Speith and Miguel Cabrera-Bello, among others.
At the end of September, Akshay helped the US Team in the inaugural Junior Presidents Cup to a 14-10 victory and is already on the radar of many colleges for the 2020 recruiting class. The real question is — will he bypass college and turn pro?
Carter Jenkins Makes His PGA TOUR Debut
Raleigh Country Club’s junior scholar Carter Jenkins made his PGA TOUR debut at the Wells Fargo Championship at Eagle Point Golf Club this year. With his dad, Bobby, by his side as his caddy, it was an unforgettable week.
“The magnitude of what this could be started to hit me a little bit,” says Carter of the moments before teeing off on the PGA TOUR. With four bogeys on the front, it took some time for him to wear off the pressure. Bobby recalls, “We were walking up on seven and I told him, ‘Son, I’m proud of you. You’ve worked through the nerves and it took you eight holes for it to be just golf again.’”
After that, Carter got in a good rhythm. He may not have made the cut, but he finished the day +3. And that’s a score both he and his dad are proud of. Currently, Carter is trying to secure his Web.com Tour status. Regardless, we expect to see him play well at the 2018 Rex Hospital Open.
The McConnell Golf Scholarship Program
In 2008, McConnell Golf announced their first elite class of young golfers who were awarded with McConnell Golf High School Golf Scholarships. These impressive golfers are nominated by their high school coaches or golf pros based on their level of talent, need, and commitment to the sport — as well as their proven dedication and value to the sport’s future.
This innovative program is designed to offer limited membership opportunities to talented young golfers who may not have the financial ability to play challenging courses. The awarded group has access to all McConnell Golf facilities and participates in a structured program designed to help elevate their game. Scholarship recipients are eligible to play in events that are for McConnell Golf members, and are consistently exposed to quality players and courses.