Grayson Murray, two-time PGA Tour winner, “took his own life,” his parents confirmed when describing the “nightmare” of assuming his death.
The American died at the age of 30 after withdrawing from the Charles Schwab Challenge event on Friday, having played 16 holes of his second round. After leading sports figures led tributes and expressed their shock, his parents, Eric and Terry Murray, described the family’s anguish.
“We have spent the last 24 hours trying to come to terms with the fact that our son is gone,” they said in a statement. “It’s surreal that we not only have to admit it to ourselves, but we also have to 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. He was loved and will be missed.”
In January, Murray, after his latest victory at the Sony Open in Hawaii, spoke about his battles with anxiety and depression and revealed that he had sought treatment in recent years for alcohol abuse, but had been sober for several months. . Three years ago he posted on social media that he felt the Tour was not doing enough to help players suffering from illnesses like his.
On Friday, he withdrew with two holes remaining in Friday’s second round, citing illness, and his death was announced by PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, who said Murray’s parents had asked that the event in Fort Worth go ahead. after talking to them.
“We would like to thank the PGA Tour and the entire golf world for the great support,” Murray’s parents added. “Life was not always easy for Grayson and, although he took his own life, we know that he now rests in peace.
“Please respect our privacy as we move through this incredible tragedy and honor Grayson by being kind to each other. If that becomes his legacy, we couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Murray qualified for the PGA Tour in 2016 at age 22 and won his first title in 2017 with victory at the Barbasol Championship.
He won his second career title with victory at the Sony Open in Hawaii, taking him to a career-high No. 46 in the world rankings.
Murray was a controversial character. After battling anxiety, depression and alcohol abuse throughout his young career, and following repeated issues on social media, he acknowledged that he was not ready for professional touring.
Grayson’s temper became notorious and his reputation did not improve much when last year, during a heated players’ meeting over the PGA Tour’s possible merger with the Saudi-funded LIV Golf League, He told Rory McIlroy to fuck off.
However, after getting engaged to Christina Ritchie in 2023 and “rediscovering my faith,” Murray was celebrated as turning his life and career around. The victory in Hawaii in January – seven years after his first victory – seemed to have revitalized his career.
