The PGA Tour announced that golfer Grayson Murray died Saturday morning. He was 30 years old.
“We were devastated to learn and heartbroken to share that PGA TOUR player Grayson Murray passed away this morning. I am speechless,” PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement.
“The PGA TOUR is a family, and when you lose a member of your family, you are never the same. We mourn Grayson and pray for comfort for his loved ones.
“I contacted Grayson’s parents to offer our deepest condolences, and during that conversation, they asked me to continue with the tournament. They insisted that Grayson would want us to do so. As difficult as it may be, we want to respect their wishes.
“The PGA TOUR has grief counselors available at both tournament sites, as well as virtually for those not on the course. I am on my way to Ft. Worth and will share more information when we can.”
Murray was part of this week’s field at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, but withdrew during Friday’s second round, citing illness.
In January, Murray earned his second PGA Tour victory by winning the Sony Open in Hawaii in a playoff, breaking a six-year winless drought.
After a decorated amateur career, which included three World Junior Championship victories and becoming the second-youngest golfer to make the cut on the Korn Ferry Tour at age 16, Murray won his first PGA Tour tournament as a rookie at the Barbasol Championship in July. 2017.
He struggled on and off the field in the years after that victory. He he told The Golf Channel He struggled with depression and anxiety and eventually received treatment for alcohol abuse. Murray had reportedly been sober for several months and seemed to be doing much better. His victory in January was seen as a moment of redemption at the time.
Truly devastating news: the death of Grayson Murray. 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 so that they may find some peace
– Luke Donald (@LukeDonald) May 25, 2024