Keegan Bradley felt weird playing Waialae Country Club’s 18th hole in preparation for this week’s Sony Open in Hawaii.  A year ago, that was where he, along wit

Gary Woodland is among those thinking of Grayson Murray at the Sony Open. Murray won the tournament last year and then took his own life some four months later after open struggles with anxiety and addiction.

Players, caddies and PGA Tour officials joined Grayson Murray's family along the shore at Waialae at a celebration of life for the Sony Open's defending champion.

HONOLULU — The Sony Open turned solemn Tuesday morning when dozens of players, caddies and PGA Tour officials joined Grayson Murray’s family along the shore behind the 16th green at Waialae to pay tribute to the defending champion who took his own life four months later .

For the first time, the previous year’s champion will not be among the 144 players teeing off when the Sony Open in Hawaii gets underway Thursday.

Last year, defending champion Grayson Murray passed away in May following mental health battles. Murray, 30 at the time of his victory, was extremely vocal about his struggles and his triumphant resurgence following his interview in the winners' circle last season.