The Murray Brothers: Teeing Up Style, Laughter, and Legacy with William Murray Golf
When it comes to golf, few names blend comedy, charisma, and culture quite like Bill Murray. While widely celebrated for his iconic roles in films like Ghostbusters, Lost in Translation, and, notably, Caddyshack, Murray's connection to golf runs far deeper than a single cult classic. For Bill and his family, golf is more than a pastime—it's woven into their very fabric.
Growing up in a large Irish Catholic family in Wilmette, Illinois, Bill and his eight siblings were immersed in the world of golf from a young age. Their father, Edward Joseph Murray II, instilled in them a profound appreciation for the game, leading several of the brothers to take up caddying at local clubs. This early exposure not only honed their skills but also deepened their bond as a family.
Among the Murray siblings, Ed, Andy, Brian-Doyle, and Joel shared Bill's enthusiasm for golf. Ed Murray—the eldest—served as a caddie at Indian Hill Club, inspiring the character Danny Noonan in Caddyshack. Brian Doyle-Murray, who co-wrote the film and portrayed the gruff head pro Lou Loomis, infused their real-life caddying experiences into the movie's narrative, capturing the nuanced dynamics of exclusive Chicago-area clubs.
Released in 1980, Caddyshack was more than a comedic milestone; it was a heartfelt homage to the Murray family's golfing roots. Drawing from their caddying days, the film satirized the class-conscious world of country clubs. Bill's portrayal of the eccentric groundskeeper Carl Spackler became legendary, with his whimsical monologue about caddying for the Dalai Lama cementing his place in pop culture history.
Beyond the silver screen, the Murrays sought to make a tangible impact on the golfing world. In 2016, Bill and his five brothers launched William Murray Golf, a lifestyle and apparel brand that marries irreverent humor with classic golf traditions. Frustrated by the often staid and conservative golf fashion, the Murray brothers aimed to inject levity into the game's attire. William Murray Golf's designs are renowned for their bold patterns and playful nods to golf lore—from margarita-themed polos to prints inspired by Caddyshack. The brand's ethos, encapsulated in the slogan, "Keep it light, have fun, and don't take yourself too seriously," reflects their philosophy that golf should be enjoyable and inclusive.
The Murrays' passion for golf extends beyond fashion. Collaborating with renowned golf author Tom Coyne, they embarked on several memorable journeys that further showcased their deep-rooted connection to the sport.
In an extraordinary adventure, Bill Murray, accompanied by his family and Tom Coyne, undertook a ten-day golfing tour across Ireland. This journey was chronicled in the series The Links Life with Tom Coyne, Bill Murray & Family, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into the Murrays' familial bonds and their love for the game amidst Ireland's picturesque courses. Notably, during their visit to Carne Golf Links, Bill was so captivated by the experience that he secured life memberships for himself and his family members.
For a visual insight into this journey, you can watch the series here:
Beyond international excursions, Bill Murray and Tom Coyne shared domestic road trips that delved into their mutual appreciation for golf. One such journey led them to the Ohoopee Match Club in Georgia. Their candid conversations during this trip provide insights into their favorite courses, memorable golfing companions, and personal anecdotes that reveal the depth of their connection to the game. This experience is detailed in the podcast episode titled "On the Road with Bill Murray."
Tom Coyne also spent a day with Joel Murray, one of Bill's brothers, at Canal Shores Golf Course in Evanston, Illinois. This episode of The Links Life showcases the Murrays' commitment to making golf accessible and enjoyable for all, emphasizing their belief in the sport as a communal activity.
Watch their day at Canal Shores here:
These collaborations with Tom Coyne highlight the Murray family's multifaceted involvement in the world of golf. Beyond founding William Murray Golf, their adventures and stories, as shared through various media, underscore a genuine passion for the game. Through humor, storytelling, and a commitment to inclusivity, the Murrays continue to inspire both seasoned golfers and newcomers alike, reinforcing the idea that golf is not just a sport but a shared experience enriched by camaraderie and joy.
Beyond fashion and media, the Murray brothers remain active participants in the golfing community. Bill is a beloved figure at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, where his humorous antics, spontaneous crowd interactions, and surprisingly adept short game have endeared him to fans, making him an unofficial mascot of the tournament.
The family also engages in charitable endeavors, particularly those aimed at providing access and opportunities for youth in golf—a nod to their own beginnings as caddies.
For Bill Murray and his brothers, golf transcends being merely a hobby. It's a shared history, a storytelling platform, and a family business. William Murray Golf embodies their lifelong love affair with the sport, blending humor, heritage, and heart. In an era where golf continues to evolve, the Murray brothers remind us that tradition doesn't have to mean boring—and that a little laughter can go a long way, whether you're in the rough or on the fairway.
