Grayson Murray’s parents have paid tribute to their son after confirming that the two-time PGA Tour winner took his own life at the age of 30.
The golf world was shocked on Saturday when it was announced that the American had died less than 24 hours after withdrawing from the second round of the Charles Schwab Challenge in Texas.
A statement from Murray’s parents, Eric and Terry Murray, said: “We have spent the last 24 hours trying to come to terms with the fact that our son is gone. It is surreal that not only do we have to admit it to ourselves, but also Let’s admit it to the world. It’s a nightmare.
‘We have so many unanswered questions. But one. Was Grayson loved? The answer is yes. For us, his brother Cameron, his sister Erica, his entire family, his friends, his fellow players and, apparently, many of you who are reading this.
‘We would like to thank the PGA Tour and the entire golf world for the great support. Life wasn’t always easy for Grayson and, although he took his own life, we know that he now rests in peace.
Golfer Grayson Murray committed suicide, his parents revealed in a statement
Eric and Terry Murray revealed their son’s suicide in a statement released by the PGA
Murray withdrew after 16 holes of his second round in Texas, citing illness. He had previously spoken openly about his battles with depression, anxiety and alcoholism.
His playing partner earlier in the week, Peter Malnati, broke down in tears during an interview with CBS, saying: “I didn’t even know Grayson very well, but I spent the last two days with him. We worry so much here about a bad one or a good breakup. We’re so competitive here and you want to beat each other, and then something like this happens and you realize we’re all human.
“It’s a really difficult day because you look at Grayson and you see in him someone who has visibly struggled in the past and has been open about it. And you see him get his life back to a place where he feels good about things.
“Just knowing that he’s not going to do that again, I think it’s a big loss for all of us on the PGA Tour. It’s a big loss. We lost one and that’s terrible.”
Murray, who had been a young prodigy and was ranked 58th in the world at the time of his death, had claimed his second Tour victory earlier this year. The fact that he had done so after battling serious mental health issues made him an admired figure on the circuit.
Justin Rose said: “I had the opportunity to spend a few rounds of golf alongside Grayson over the past few weeks at Hilton Head, Quail Hollow and Valhalla. I will always remember it and use it to remind myself that you never know what challenges people face. in their lives and how they may be internalizing things. RIP Grayson and love and strength to your family and friends.’
Grayson Murray’s mother, Terry (right), issued the statement with her husband Eric.
Grayson Murray, from the United States, and his fiancée, Christiana, photographed in January in Hawaii.
European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald posted on X: ‘Truly devastating news that Grayson Murray has passed away. He asked me for some advice on playing at Augusta a few months ago, I saw him at the PGA Championship last week, life really is precious.
“My deepest condolences and prayers to his entire family that they may find some peace.”
World number one Scottie Scheffler, who plays for Texas, said: “I can’t imagine how difficult this time is. I’ve gotten to know Grayson a little better over the last six months.
“There’s really no way to put into words how sad and tragic it is, but I’m thinking about his family.”
The PGA Tour was criticized by Murray in 2021 for a lack of support during his difficult times. Commissioner Jay Monahan, who opted not to cancel the rest of the tournament at the request of Murray’s family, said: “Over the last few years I spent a lot of time with him because I wanted to understand what we could do.”
‘I am devastated by the loss of Grayson. In the conversations I had with him, especially last year, I learned a lot from him. He was very open and transparent with me.
‘We do not know the circumstances surrounding Grayson’s death. In my conversations with Grayson in the area of mental health… we always challenge ourselves to make sure we are at the forefront of being able to provide whatever support we can to everyone here.
‘These are some of the best athletes in the world. They believe they are, in many ways, invincible.
“One of the things I remember about Grayson’s candor is that he taught us all a lesson on that front and that’s something I’ll never forget.”