Ewan Murray vs Ewen Murray: Golf Name Mix-Up Story 2026

The tale of two Murrays—Ewan and Ewen—highlights a bizarre case of mistaken identity in golf journalism, sparked by a Tiger Woods spitting incident. For over 15 years, these two media professionals have been confused for one another, leading to a flood of misdirected emails, social media abuse, and even praise. This unique story reveals the challenges of sharing nearly identical names in the public eye.

The Tiger Woods Spitting Incident That Started It All

In early 2011, an angry email from Arizona landed in Ewan Murray's inbox, complaining about Tiger Woods spitting on a putting surface in Dubai. The sender had mistaken Ewan of the Guardian for Ewen Murray, the Sky Sports commentator, who had criticized Woods on air. Ewen Murray recalls his exact words: "For a person who is an inspiration, not just to golfers but to everyone, there are times when he is arrogant and disrespectful."

The backlash was immediate and intense. Ewen received far more criticism than Ewan, but both were caught in the crossfire of public outrage. The incident became a defining moment in their intertwined professional lives, highlighting how a single comment can spiral into a decade-long mix-up.

Two Murrays, One Sport: A Coincidence of Names

Ewen Murray is a former professional golfer who competed in the Open Championship, while Ewan Murray is an amateur and a sports journalist for the Guardian. They are almost three decades apart in age and come from different backgrounds. Yet, their careers in golf media have made them perpetually confused for each other, especially on social media.

Both joined Twitter in October 2010, which amplified the confusion. Criticism and praise intended for Sky's esteemed commentator regularly landed in Ewan's mentions. To cope, Ewan developed an alter ego, fighting fire with fire against the "canteen commandos" who mistook him for his namesake.

Key Takeaways from the Murray Mix-Up

• Mistaken identity can happen to anyone, even in professional sports media.
• Social media amplifies confusion, making it harder to correct errors.
• Both Murrays handled the situation with humor and resilience.
• The Tiger Woods incident remains a pivotal moment in their shared story.
• Clear communication and a thick skin are essential for public figures.

Comparison: Ewan Murray vs. Ewen Murray

How They Handled the Confusion

Ewan Murray chose to embrace the chaos by creating a persona to respond to misdirected criticism. Ewen Murray, on the other hand, expressed concern for his younger counterpart's well-being. Their mutual respect and ability to laugh about the situation have turned a frustrating experience into a memorable bond.

Fast forward to 2026, and the two met again at the Open Championship's media centre. "If only we knew," said Ewen, reflecting on the years of mix-ups. The story serves as a reminder that even in the high-stakes world of sports journalism, a little humor goes a long way.

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