Dennis Murray: “A helper to the core”

Longtime Denver-area teaching professional Dennis Murray died at his home in late November

By Michael Gunstanson

Dennis Murray had absolutely zero Photoshop skills — that was never in doubt.

So when a Facebook post appeared with Glenn Frey of the Eagles standing next to Dennis on an airport tarmac, the only real mystery was who had done the editing.

“What do you see in the background?” Dennis asked with a grin.

“A private jet,” came the reply.

“That’s Glenn’s plane. He picked me up on his way to Florida. We spent a week down there working on his golf game.”

That was classic Dennis Murray — a storyteller with a twinkle in his eye, a helper to the core, and a man whose life seemed to collect remarkable moments simply because he lived with generosity, humor and heart. If you needed anything, Dennis would drop everything. It was that spirit, as much as his talent, that led Glenn Frey to hire him as his personal golf coach. Together they traveled the world: Frey performing with the Eagles, Dennis teaching on some of the finest courses on earth.

Though he never bragged, Dennis quietly taught a veritable who’s who of athletes, entertainers, and champions. His students included basketball great Michael Jordan, baseball icon Don Baylor, Colorado Avalanche stars Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg, Hollywood stars Mike Connors and Tommy Smothers, and singers such as Jerry Jeff Walker, Frankie Avalon, Graham Nash and Poco’s Richie Furay. Figure skating gold medalist, Scott Hamilton, and U.S. Open Champion Jerry Pate also benefited from Murray’s tutelage. He also worked with golf greats such as Fred Funk, Rick Fehr, Payne Stewart, and Warren Smith, Golf Professional Emeritus and Colorado Golf Hall of Famer.

To Dennis, golf was the great equalizer. “The golf ball doesn’t know how rich you are or how famous you are,” he liked to say. “Everybody has the same problems.” It was this humility that defined both his teaching and his life.

He remains Colorado’s only PGA Professional to win a Section Championship (Rocky Mountain) and be named Player of the Year, Teacher of the Year, and Super Senior Player of the Year by the Colorado PGA.

Across the country, Dennis shared his expertise at Denver Country Club, Columbine Country Club, Bear Creek Golf Course, The Ridge at Castle Pines, The Broadmoor, and Valley Country Club, where he taught for 11 years before departing in late 2024. He served as Director of Instruction at Torrey Pines Golf Club in San Diego, Angel Park in Las Vegas, and led instruction programs at top private clubs and resorts nationwide.

Of all his professional accomplishments, he was most proud of the Uncomplicated Golf Academy at the Denver Athletic Club, a frequent winner as the region’s best golf instruction program by Colorado Avid Golfer readers. His heart for service was just as strong: he worked closely with the Wounded Warrior Project, Special Olympics, and often refused payment from first responders, believing that giving back was its own reward.

In 2024, Dennis fulfilled a lifelong dream by attending the British Open with his brother, Ken, and playing several of the local courses — a memory the family treasures deeply.

Dennis Carl Murray was born on May 29, 1952, in Hamilton, Ohio, the son and grandson of preachers. He discovered golf at 13. “It was the only sport you could play and practice by yourself,” he said in a 2009 interview with The Castle Pines Connection. “Golf is fascinating because you can be the hero when you do well or the zero when you don’t. It’s all up to you.”

A golf scholarship to Florida State set him on his path as a teacher. He won the 1981 and 1982 Colorado PGA Section Championships, but chronic back problems kept him from pursuing his dream of the PGA Tour. Instead, countless golfers — from beginners to legends — were fortunate that he redirected his gifts into instruction.

Dennis had four great loves: Jesus Christ, his wife Gail, the game of golf, and his golden retrievers. These anchored him, guided him, and brought him joy throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Gail (Castle Pines, CO); his brother Ken and sister-in-law Joan Murray (Anthem, AZ); his sister-in-law Judy McInnis; his stepson Ken and wife Patti Duffy (Boise, ID); and his beloved golden retriever, Duffer, who was by his side when he passed.

A celebration of life is planned for early of 2026.

Colorado AvidGolfer Magazine is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it, publishing eight issues annually and proudly delivering daily content via coloradoavidgolfer.com.

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