Local legend Dennis Murray, 25-year resident of Pine Ridge, passed away at his home on November 7 at the age of 73. Dennis was best known locally as the golf pro at The Ridge at Castle Pines, where he coached for 14 years, but was also known as a friend to all.

Dennis’s four loves in life were God, his wife Gail, his golden retrievers and golf. Dennis became intrigued by the game of golf at age 13 when his older brother Ken, was told that he needed to take Dennis along when he and his friends went golfing. Dennis immediately took to the individuality of golf, a sport he could practice and play by himself. Impressively, he never took a golf lesson; Dennis was completely self taught.

Attending Florida State University on a golf scholarship, Dennis dropped out after two years to tour with the PGA.

He became quite renowned as a golf instructor and had some famous students along the way, including Joe Sakic from the Colorado Avalanche, Scott Hamilton the Olympic ice skater and Glenn Frey from the Eagles. In addition, Dennis coached children, teenagers and many Castle Pines residents. He also volunteered his time with Special Olympics, Wounded Warrior Project, and first responders. Dennis received many accolades over the years and still remains Colorado’s only golfer to be named PGA Player of the Year (1982) and Teacher of the Year (2015).

Dennis coached and taught not just golf, but life. He understood the importance of self-confidence, determination, humor and humility. He always taught at the level of his student. If he was working with a wounded veteran with a missing arm, Dennis would golf using only one arm himself.

Making golf easy was his goal. His wife, Gail, recalled, “He would tell players not to hit as hard as they could but to ‘swing easy.’ Dennis could diagnose the game better than anyone.” Dennis’s favorite accomplishment was founding the Uncomplicated Golf Academy, where he taught on indoor golf simulators at Denver Athletic Club.

Dennis had an unwavering faith, a heart of gold, and a gift for connecting with people at their core. Gail reflected, “I’m surprised by the number of people I’ve talked to this past month who tell me that Dennis was one of their best friends. There are so many who have said that!”

Dennis’s last golf trip was to Jackson Hole, in October 2025, with just him and his caddy. He played five courses. No competing, no coaching; just Dennis playing golf and enjoying the solitude. He shared with Gail that it was one of the best golf trips he had ever taken and some of the best golf he had ever played.

Dennis will be greatly missed by family, friends and golfers all over the world – but especially here. There will be a celebration of life at Sanctuary Golf Course in early February and we will have an updated service time in the February issue.

Swing easy, Dennis.

 

 

By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Gail Murray