2024 The American Express: Top 10 power rankings in Palm Springs

Grayson Murray notched career win No. 2 on the PGA Tour last week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. To him, it might feel like the first since he’s dubbing 2024 as his second rookie season.

Murray has battled alcoholism, as well as several social media mishaps and poor behavior that have littered his time in the game. Murray was injured in October, 2022, from a scooter accident he suffered while in Bermuda for the Butterfield Bermuda championship.

Now at age 30, Murray appears to have a new lease on life. He’s leaned on his faith and fiancee to get his life back on track.

Murray’s always been a talented golfer, but work ethic and personal issues have often derailed him.

He’s bounced between the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA Tour for most of his half-dozen or so years as a pro. Now that he’s got his card locked up for a couple years and can cash in at the Signature Events, it will be interesting to see how high Murray can ascend.

Murray showed good poise Sunday in Hawaii. He and Keegan Bradley co-led through 54 holes and were still deadlocked after 72. Byeong Hun An joined the playoff, too.

Murray was in a tough position off the tee and had to lay up on the par-5 18th. He was only able to hit to 39 feet for an outside chance at birdie. Bradley was unable to get up and down greenside for birdie. An had less than five feet.

Murray rolled in the surprise birdie putt, adding pressure to An’s shortie to extend. It missed.

Murray had that kind of magic all week. He’s not necessarily known for his short game, yet he finished T-5th in the field in scrambling (80%) and T-1st in sand saves, going 12-for-12.

The American Express is a good spot for him to try to keep the momentum going. The Arizona State alum made three of five cuts in his career in Palm Springs, all of which resulted in 14th place or higher.

Murray debuted in 2017 with T-12th, took T-14th the next year, and added a T-10th in 2020. This is his first American Express appearance since 2021.