PGA Tour golfer Grayson Murray dies aged 30
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Grayson Murray withdrew from the Charles Schwab Challenge with an unspecified illness on May 24.
PHOTO: AFP
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NEW YORK – Grayson Murray, who won two PGA Tour titles and was outspoken about his battles with depression and alcohol, died on May 25 at the age of 30 after taking his own life.
His death was confirmed in a statement by the PGA Tour.
On May 24, he withdrew from the second round of the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, citing illness.
“We were devastated to learn – and are heartbroken to share – that PGA Tour player Grayson Murray passed away this morning. I am at a loss for words,” PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said.
“The PGA Tour is a family, and when you lose a member of your family, you are never the same.”
Monahan also said he had spoken with Murray’s parents to offer condolences and that they had “asked that we continue with tournament play”.
“They were adamant that Grayson would want us to do so,” he added.
In a later statement, the PGA Tour shared words from Eric and Terry Murray.
“We have spent the last 24 hours trying to come to terms with the fact that our son is gone... We have so many questions that have no answers,” they said.
“We would like to thank the PGA Tour and the entire world of golf for the outpouring of support. Life wasn’t always easy for Grayson, and although he took his own life, we know he rests peacefully now.”
Murray’s second tour title at the Sony Open in Hawaii in January was an emotional affair, capping a comeback from alcohol abuse and mental health issues, as well as a 2021 tour suspension related to his alcohol issues.
The American, who had claimed his only previous title as a rookie at the 2017 Barbasol Championship, had also been slowed by a scooter accident in 2022.
After winning a three-man play-off at the Sony Open, Murray said he hoped his return to the winner’s circle could provide inspiration for others.
“If I can help one person, that’s all it takes,” he said, while also admitting that for a time he would drink during tournament weeks.
“I’m a different man now, and I would not be in this position right now if I didn’t put that drink down eight months ago.”
Looking ahead, he hoped to be “known as a good person”.
“It’s not easy. I wanted to give up a lot of times – give up on myself, give up on the game of golf, give up on life at times. I hope I can inspire a lot of people going forward that have their own issues,” he added.
Murray had been tipped for stardom from a young age.
He was just 16 when he made his first cut on the developmental Korn Ferry Tour and won three straight Junior World Championships from 2006 to 2008.
A solid season on the second tier in 2023 saw him return to the PGA Tour, and his Sony Open victory enabled him to reach a career-high 46th in the world rankings.
As per his parents’ wishes, the third round at the Charles Schwab Challenge went ahead on May 25.
Davis Riley took a four-shot lead over US Masters champion and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler after carding a four-under 66 that left him at 14-under 196.
“Obviously, the news hasn’t really sunk in quite yet, but I’m thinking about Grayson’s family and praying hard for all of them,” said Scheffler, who posted a 63.
“I can’t imagine how difficult of a time this is. I got to know Grayson a bit better over the last six months or so and there’s not really a way to put into words how sad and tragic it is.” AFP, REUTERS, NYTIMES
