Supporting Families Through Tournaments: The Murphys
What does providing tournaments for players mean to our families? Ask parent Matt Murphy of Longwood, Florida.“ I can’ t think of an organization where the mission statement actually means something and is true like it is at U. S. Kids Golf.”
The Murphys are blessed with two talented daughters who have participated in and won numerous U. S. Kids Golf tournaments. Their older daughter, McKenna, won the World Teen Championship in 2024 and has committed to play at the University of South Alabama.
But even as the trophy case becomes more crowded, their favorite memories of tournaments are the time shared together as a family.
Matt beams with stories of how the player-caddie dynamic evolved as the girls grew older.“ I learned so much about how my girl thinks, reacts, and makes decisions. Not just in a golf context, but in everything. And the lessons I learned as a caddie for McKenna only help me as I go through it with Maddie.”
They love how the girls grew closer with each other, with McKenna caddying for younger sister Maddie at times, and Maddie returning the favor in the first round of McKenna’ s World Championship victory. They cherish the close friends made over the years with families they’ ve met while competing. And, most importantly, they genuinely appreciate that the events have involved every member of the family. Matt’ s father has even played with both of his granddaughters in Parent-Child events during different World Championship weeks.
“ These events have meant so much to my whole family, and it would not be an exaggeration to say U. S. Kids Golf has changed my life,” Murphy stated.“ One day, I’ ll frame both girls’ patch-covered caddie bibs in my office as a reminder of the lasting memories we’ ve created.”