Golf

PGA Tour Mourns the Loss of Grayson Murray, died at 30

Published

7 months ago

May 25, 2024

Grayson Murray, who won twice on the PGA Tour, passed away on Saturday. This sad news came just one day after he decided to leave the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial. He was 30 years old. The PGA Tour shared this information in a statement.

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan expressed deep sadness, saying. 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. Another American died last night same as with illness like Grayson Murray.

Monahan emphasized the close-knit nature of the PGA Tour. Which likening it to a family, and acknowledged that losing a member of that family leaves an irreplaceable void. He conveyed condolences to Murray’s loved ones and expressed prayers for their comfort during this difficult time.

Grayson Murray tees off on the first hole during the final round of the CareerBuilder Challenge at TPC Stadium Course, La Quinta, California, on January 22, 2017.

I talked to Grayson’s parents to offer our sincerest sympathies, and they told me they wanted the tournaments to continue. They were sure that Grayson would want it that way. It’s going to be tough, but we want to honor their request and keep playing.

Grayson Murray made his mark in golf when he was just 16 years old. Murray’s talent was undeniable. He made waves as the second-youngest golfer ever to make the cut on the Korn Ferry Tour before officially turning pro in 2015. Throughout his career, he moved between the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA Tour, experiencing ups and downs along the way.

However, Murray’s journey wasn’t without controversy. He gained attention for his frequent outbursts on the course, which made him a polarizing figure among fans and fellow players.

After turning pro, he ended his rookie season with a big victory at the Nationwide Children’s tournament. This success landed him second place on the Korn Ferry Tour money list and gave him full status to compete on the PGA Tour in 2017.

His achievements didn’t stop there. At the young age of 24, Murray clinched another significant win at the Barbasol Championship in 2017. This victory earned him a two-year exemption, allowing him to compete on the PGA Tour until the end of the 2019 season.

Following a period of difficulty on the PGA Tour in the subsequent years, Grayson Murray experienced a resurgence on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2023. He regained his winning form by securing victories at the AdventHealth Championship in Kansas City and the Simmons Bank Open outside Nashville, Tennessee.

These triumphs propelled him to a commendable fourth-place finish on the tour’s money list, ensuring his return to the tour for the following season.

Despite grappling with alcohol and mental health challenges in the past, Grayson Murray underwent a remarkable transformation this year. His perseverance paid off when he clinched victory at the Sony Open.

In a dramatic finale, he showcased his skill by hitting a wedge shot to just 3 feet from the hole for a birdie on the final hole, thus forcing a playoff. Murray’s crowning moment came when he sank a phenomenal 40-foot putt to secure the win in the playoff. By solidifying his comeback and earning widespread acclaim for his resilience and determination.

Grayson Murray’s victory at the Sony Open signaled a significant turning point in his career. Especially considering the challenges he faced with anxiety, depression, and alcohol abuse. In January, he revealed that he had been sober since early 2023, marking a pivotal step in his journey toward recovery.

Reflecting on his early days as a professional golfer. Grayson Murray admitted that he felt unprepared for the demands of life on the tour after leaving college. The rigors of constant travel and the pressures of competition posed formidable obstacles for him to overcome.

Grayson Murray opened up about his struggles during tournament weeks after his triumph at the Sony Open. He admitted to using alcohol as a coping mechanism, describing it as his way of dealing with the pressures he faced. Recalling his early success as a rookie at the age of 22. Murray confessed that winning at such a young age had its drawbacks.

Despite his victory, he revealed that he often played while hungover during those early days, which ultimately took a toll on him. Murray acknowledged that winning at a young age made him feel invincible. But he later realized the detrimental effects it had on his well-being.

Murray credited his faith and the support of his fiancée for providing him with stability and helping him through his journey of recovery. Reflecting on his path to healing, he expressed gratitude for the progress he had made.

Murray emphasized the significant transformation he underwent, stating, “It took me a long time to get to this point.” He highlighted the pivotal moment when he made the decision to stop drinking eight months prior, acknowledging that this choice was instrumental in his current state of well being. Murray affirmed that he had evolved into a different person as a result of his commitment to sobriety and expressed optimism for the future.

Grayson Murray is with his Fiancée after winning the trophy.

Murray further commented, saying, “For those who don’t know me, I’ll have to prove myself through my actions, and they’ll come back to support me. I’ve noticed a positive change in my attitude. I’m enjoying the game a lot more now. I don’t let every golf shot dictate my happiness like I used to. I won’t claim that everything will be perfect, but things are definitely looking up.”

Murray hailed from Raleigh, North Carolina, and pursued his education at Wake Forest, East Carolina, and Arizona State universities, where he also honed his golf skills before transitioning to professional play. Throughout his career on the PGA Tour, he participated in 141 events, securing 10 top-10 finishes, which notably included his two victories.

In response to Murray’s passing, the PGA Tour has taken proactive steps to support its members during this difficult time. Grief counselors have been dispatched to both tournament locations this week, offering emotional support and assistance to players and staff.

Additionally, virtual counseling sessions have been made available to ensure that all members have access to the support they may need.