Akshay Bhatia remembers the time he split a private plane with Grayson Murray. According to the 22-year-old golfer, he shared a flight with his mentor while on their way back from Hilton Head Island after an event. The young golfer laughingly said that Murray still owes him 400 bucks.
Bhatia discussed Murray during his post-round interview at the RBC Canadian Open on Thursday. The golfer from America mentioned that the deceased player gave him a check after they flew together. He stated that the check was not successful, prompting Murray to transfer $1,600 to him through Zelle’s electronic payment platform.
It was funny when he mentioned that he hadn’t received the entire sum yet, and there’s still $400 owed to him. Bhatia playfully mentioned that he might get the rest when he runs into the tardy player again.
Speaking about Grayson Murray at Hamilton, Akshay Bhatia said (at 3:32):
“We split a private plane back from Hilton Head to back to Raleigh and he (Murray) paid me in a check. The check didn’t go through and then Charles Schwab he Zelled me $1,600 and he still owes me 400 bucks. Hopefully I’ll get that when I see him.”
Furthermore, Bhatia noted that Murray’s untimely death is an eye-opener for the people around him. He added:
“I think his story and everything that’s happened, I think has really opened everyone’s eyes. It just doesn’t happen that often and the amount of appreciation and uplifting energy from everyone across the world on the PGA Tour has been great for his family.
“We’re grateful for that. Sometimes you feel like no one really cares about you, but the fact that he’s touched this many people’s hearts, my heart.”
It is important to highlight that Grayson Murray passed away the previous week, just one day after withdrawing from the Charles Schwab Challenge. Subsequently, his parents issued a statement verifying that the athlete ‘ended his own life.’ The golfer, who had won twice on the PGA Tour, had been battling mental health problems for an extended period.
For those unfamiliar with the situation, Murray had previously acknowledged seeking help for alcohol addiction. Interestingly, in January, the now deceased golfer emerged victorious at the Sony Open. At that time, he proudly declared that he had been sober for eight months.
Akshay Bhatia lauds Grayson Murray’s kindness to him
Bhatia had a lengthy discussion about Murray. It is worth mentioning that the 22-year-old considered the former Korn Ferry Tour star as a mentor. Reflecting on their relationship, Bhatia emphasized that Murray was both ‘kind’ and ‘supportive’ towards him. Bhatia affectionately referred to Murray as “such a good guy” and mentioned that he always lived an exciting life.
Talking about Grayson Murray’s nature, Akshay Bhatia said (at 1:34):
“I think he just allowed me to be in his little group. He’s always been such a good guy. He’s never lived a boring life. He’s had a lot of ups and downs and everything in between.
“He always supported me. Anytime I got to see him smile and just talk to him, I knew he was one of the few guys out there that truly wanted me to play well.”
It is important to mention that Bhatia honored Grayson Murray at the RBC Canadian Open by writing the initials “G$” in black ink below his left wrist. He mentioned that he is dedicating his participation in this tournament to Murray.
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