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Grayson Murray, two-time PGA Tour winner, dies by suicide at age 30

Grayson Murray was playing in this week's Charles Schwab Challenge before withdrawing Friday with an illness

sean leahy
Contributing writer
·5 min read
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Content warning: This story contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide and needs support now, call or text 988 or chat with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org.

Longtime PGA Tour golfer Grayson Murray died on Saturday morning, the league announced amid the Charles Schwab Challenge in Texas.

He was 30 years old.

"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," 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 reached out to Grayson’s parents to offer our deepest condolences, and during that conversation, they asked that we continue with tournament play. They were adamant that Grayson would want us to do so. As difficult as it will 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 in the field. I am en route to Ft. Worth and will share more information when we can."

Murray's last PGA Tour win came during January's Sony Open in Hawaii where he won in a playoff. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
Grayson Murray's last PGA Tour win came during January's Sony Open in Hawaii, where he won in a playoff. (Tim Heitman/Getty Images)

A cause of death was not initially released by the Tour. Murray's parents, Eric and Terry Murray, confirmed that he died by Suicide on Sunday morning.

"We have spent the last 24 hours trying to come to terms with the fact that our son is gone. It’s surreal that we not only have to admit it to ourselves, but that we also have to acknowledge it to the world. It’s a nightmare," his parents said in a statement through the Tour.

"We have so many questions that have no answers. But one.

"Was Grayson loved? The answer is yes. By us, his brother Cameron, his sister Erica, all of his extended family, by his friends, by his fellow players and – it seems – by many of you who are reading this. He was loved and he will be missed.

"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.

"Please respect our privacy as we work through this incredible tragedy, and please honor Grayson by being kind to one another. If that becomes his legacy, we could ask for nothing else.

"Thank you."

Murray was part of this week's field at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas. He withdrew during Friday's second round, citing an illness.

The Tour contemplated halting play at the tournament but, according to Jim Nantz on the CBS broadcast, Murray's family insisted the event continue. Golfers in the field on Sunday then honored Murray by wearing red and black ribbons, which is something he did when playing on Sunday's to represent the Carolina Hurricanes. Murray's family requested the ribbons be worn on Sunday.

In January, Murray earned his second PGA Tour victory by winning the Sony Open in Hawaii in a playoff. That snapped a six-year winless drought.

After a decorated amateur career that included three Junior World Championship victories and becoming then 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 course in the years after that victory. He told The Golf Channel he battled depression and anxiety and eventually received treatment for alcohol abuse. Murray had reportedly been sober for several months and appeared to be doing much better. His win in January was seen as a moment of redemption at the time.

As players finished their rounds Saturday and news began to spread, many around the golf world shared their thoughts on Murray. Peter Malnati, who played with Murray the first two rounds in Fort Worth this week, was extremely emotional speaking with the CBS broadcast on Saturday.

"Grayson was the absolute best," Jay Green, Murray's caddie, told Golf Channel on Saturday afternoon. "Not only was he an incredible, thoughtful and generous boss, he was an even better friend. He truly would do anything for anyone. He has the best family, and my heart goes out to them. We will all miss him deeply."