The confusion between Guardian journalist Ewan Murray and Sky Sports Golf commentator Ewen Murray has been a source of amusement for over 15 years. It began with an email in early 2011 from an irate fan in Arizona, who wrote, "I don't know what it is like in your country, sir, but here in America we SPIT!!!" The email was triggered by Ewen's on-air criticism of Tiger Woods spitting on a green in Dubai.
The Spitting Incident
Ewen recalls his exact words: "Tiger spat on the green with three groups playing behind him. I remember my words. 'For a person who is an inspiration, not just to golfers but to everyone, there are times when he is arrogant and disrespectful.' I switched the mic off straight away. I knew there would be trouble. But if I don't say anything, people close to me are going to ask why I didn't comment."
He added, "There was no bigger supporter of Tiger than me but the email you got, I got an awful lot more of 'Who the hell are you to tell …' I wasn't telling, I was only saying it wasn't acceptable."
Social Media Mix-Ups
Both Murrays joined Twitter in October 2010, and soon after, criticism meant for Ewen began landing on Ewan's feed. Ewan responded by adopting an alter ego, answering in a pretentious style that delighted Ewen. "I think if you don't have humour in life; and let's face it, there isn't much nowadays … Laughter is the best medicine," Ewen says. "What I should have been doing is answering some more of the messages meant for you but the trouble was the language was so bad. People just Google the name. 'That's him, there he is, Ewan Murray!'"
Some of Ewan's replies have become legendary. Darren Clarke was reportedly in tears laughing at them. Ewen says, "Some of your answers are very, very funny. Darren Clarke had tears coming out of his eyes when I showed him a few of them. He used to collapse with laughter. 'Look what he has written now.' Something about buggers upstairs not paying you properly, sinking stiff gins and dancing on the table. People started looking forward to the next one. I certainly do."
For the record, Ewen clarifies, "I don't drink stiff gin any more. And I found dancing on tables was bad for the hamstrings."
Notable Encounters
The mix-up has led to some memorable moments. Jockey Mick Fitzgerald praised Ewan's commentary on a major, and Rory McIlroy sought Ewan out at the 2018 Open after being amused by a multiple world champion in another sport insisting, "you're not Ewen Murray."
In 2023, a punter threatened to find Ewen at a pub near Hoylake over the antics. Ewen says, "He was going to find me. If people don't find it funny, if people take offence to that, I think they have a major problem. It's actually quite lucky to have this because so many people are involved; the players, the fans, the press, the TV. Because it is funny."
A Career in Broadcasting
Ewen's broadcasting career began in 1990 when he answered a call at a pro shop in Sussex, offering to cover the Desert Classic for £500. He had just lost his European Tour card, and his confidence, especially on the greens, had waned. "Too much negativity," he says of his mindset. "When I was a kid, it was the other way round. I would dream then about hitting shots and they were all good shots. As I got older, that changed. I could see the end coming; then there was a big problem. What do you do now?"
He left Edinburgh at 18 for a job at Walton Heath, earning £5 a week. Now 71, he continues to commentate, saying, "Constructive criticism is vital in life. I haven't had it too bad, though. Nowhere near as bad as you."
