Jean Murray, a doer on and off the golf course, excelled and advanced the game she loves. Born and raised in Vanderbilt, she started playing in Michigan amateur competitions in the 1960s although there were only a handful of women’s tournaments at the time.
After receiving her master’s degree in education from Central Michigan University, Murray put down roots in the community when she took a position at Mount Pleasant High School. Her passion for golf encouraged her to coach there for 19 years where her teams won a state title in 1978 and were runners-up in four other seasons. Among her players were future LPGA stars Cindy Figg and Kelly Robbins. Murray was named the Michigan High School Coaches Association’s Golf Coach of the Year in 1986 and is a member of the Mount Pleasant High School Hall of Fame.
As a senior golfer, Murray continued to accomplish, winning the inaugural GAM Senior Women’s title in 1997. A member of the GAM Senior Women’s Honor Roll four times, she was the GAM’s Senior Player of the Year in 2003. A player in two USGA championships, Murray was selected and played in seven Atlas Cup Matches, an annual team competition between private club and public players. In addition to winning several GAM Super Senior trophies, Murray is also remembered for claiming the prestigious Spring Lake Invitational at the age of 70 and after overcoming two hip surgeries.
Murray’s service to the game is also notable. For 17 years she was a Governor of the GAM, and when inducted in 2023 she continued to serve as a volunteer and rules official at countless amateur tournaments. In the Mount Pleasant area she worked with the Mid-Michigan District Women’s Association and served as treasurer of the Saginaw Valley Women’s Golf Association.
Nationally, Murray was known and admired as a long-time state representative for the Ladies National Golf Association and its 90-years-old tradition of promoting women’s golf.
As a player, coach, volunteer, ambassador, and mentor, Jean Murray made an impact.
Inducted: 2023
| Last Name | Murray |