Considering our vibrant, innovative city, known for its artistic, welcoming and unconventional spirit, it’s no surprise that the lifestyle and apparel brand William Murray has called Austin home since it was founded in 2016.
The company has early ties to Austin-based humor website theCHIVE and has continued to find success by blending the laid-back, fun side of golf with the quirky charm and spirit of its namesake, iconic actor Bill Murray.
Years back, the whimsical actor and cultural icon shared the phrase, “The more relaxed you are, the better you are at everything” — words that fast-became the brand’s unofficial mantra.
William Murray also rode the sport’s evolution of embracing a more inclusive energy, one in which anybody and everybody is now invited to join the club, regardless of skill level or personal style.
“While a huge part of the game plan was to bring a fresh and lighthearted perspective to golf and lifestyle attire, the Austin-based brand was equally as focused on creating unique performance apparel and the quest for a perfect blend of quality and personality,” said Brandon Barrett, William Murray co-founder and CEO.
William Murray’s product line offers a lineup of bold prints, vibrant colors and unique designs that reflect the Murray family’s comedic flair as well as their love of the game.
Bill Murray and his five brothers grew up caddying in Winnetka, Ill., a family tradition picked up from their father, Edward Murray, who caddied in 1930s-era Chicago. Those real-life stories and experiences inspired older brother Brian Doyle-Murray to sit down and write the 1980 comedy classic “Caddyshack,” while all six of the brothers earned their way into the Caddie Hall of Fame back in 2015.
Stories have circulated for years regarding Bill Murray life-bombing moments, be it joining a random kickball game, DJ’ing at a stranger’s birthday gathering, crashing a couple’s engagement photos or giving life advice on camera at a bachelor party. Some of these antics have since even woven their way into Austin’s pop culture history.
One time, Bill famously crashed a local house party, playing roadie — and tambourine — for the Band. More recently, a night out with the William Murray team featured a stop at The Belmont to show support to fellow Chicagoan and rapper Lupe Fiasco, where it was reported that the actor called for two encores.
Backstage after the December 2016 show, Fiasco shared on his social media platforms that his one-on-one with Murray provided some “amazing words of encouragement,” proving that even superstars and others in entertainment aren’t immune to their own Bill Murray story.
In the past decade, the Murray brothers have spent time in Austin focused on business and posting up at the company’s East Sixth Street headquarters, where some well-timed humor and family stories have served as inspiration and motivation for a passionate, creative group of Austinites.
William Murray’s close-knit local team is responsible for creating and constantly refreshing successful men’s and women’s apparel lines, which include an assortment of performance-wear polos and wrinkle-free button downs, lightweight outerwear, cozy loungewear, hats, T-shirts, shorts and a bevy of accessories.
Many of the Murray brothers’ classic films have sparked creative ideas and original designs over the years. The brand has also found local inspiration partnering with some Austin-themed businesses — most-notably a handful of collaborations with Tito’s Handmade Vodka on some custom, limited-edition polos featuring both brands’ logos and other subtle Austin and Lone Star State nods.
“The brand embodies the spirit of and best of Austin in its creativity, inclusiveness and unconventional ways,” Barrett said. “William Murray continues to challenge traditional norms in the golf and apparel space with a product line that is as fun as it is functional, while taking pride in thriving as a brand driven to make the greatest game more accessible and enjoyable for all who are along for the ride.”
As the golf apparel and lifestyle space continue to evolve, William Murray will strive to remain at the forefront of the movement, bringing a fresh look, attitude and energy to the industry.
“The brand is a perfect fit,” Barrett said, “as it reflects the distinct charm and spirited culture that keep Austin such a unique and special place.”
"The more relaxed you are, the better you are at everything.”
"William Murray continues to challenge traditional norms."