Gordon Murray, an 88-year-old former PGA teaching pro, has had a fascinating life in the world of golf. Born in St. Andrews, he took up golf at a young age and went on to witness Ben Hogan win the 1953 British Open at Carnoustie. Murray followed Hogan for 36 holes and still vividly remembers the way Hogan played and interacted with the crowd. Murray went on to have a successful amateur career in Scotland, serve in the Royal Air Force, and work as a teaching pro in both Scotland and the United States.
Throughout his career, Murray played with a jaw-dropping cast of famous and powerful individuals. From playing with King Edward VIII after his controversial marriage to Wallis Simpson to encountering celebrities like Bing Crosby and Rita Hayworth, Murray’s experiences on the golf course are beyond extraordinary. He also played with several U.S. Presidents, including George H.W. Bush, Richard Nixon, and John F. Kennedy. Murray even had the opportunity to ask Eisenhower what he carried in his flask, to which the former president replied, “Darjeeling tea, sir.”
After retiring from his career as a teaching pro, Murray started his own business conducting golf tours in Scotland. Today, the business is mostly run by his sons, but Murray still serves special clients at 88 years old. He considers Carnoustie to be the finest course in Scotland and has a high opinion of Troon as well. Despite some criticisms of St. Andrews, Murray knows how important it is to people who love golf and takes pride in ensuring his clients have the opportunity to play there.
As the host of a wealth of golf history in his mind, Murray’s flat overlooking the beach serves as a small encyclopedia of the sport. His experiences with some of the most influential figures in golf, politics, and entertainment make him a true Zelig-like persona in the world of golf. From witnessing Ben Hogan’s victory at Carnoustie in 1953 to playing with presidents and celebrities, Gordon Murray’s life has been one filled with unique and unforgettable golf experiences.
