US Golfer Grayson Murray Dies at 30
The PGA Tour has announced the tragic death of American golfer Grayson Murray at the age of 30. The two-time tour winner had recently withdrawn from the Charles Schwab Challenge due to illness, having played 16 holes of his second round.
“We were devastated to learn – and are heartbroken to share – that Grayson Murray passed away this morning,” said PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan. “I am at a loss for words. 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.”
No cause of death has been given, and Monahan later told reporters, “We don’t know the circumstances around Grayson’s passing.” Grief counselors will be available for players at the event.
Murray was a standout young player, winning three consecutive Junior World Championships from 2006 to 2008. He qualified for the PGA Tour in the 2016-17 season at the age of 22 and claimed his first title at the 2017 Barbasol Championship, which secured his tour exemption until 2019. Despite struggling with his game thereafter, he regained his tour spot this season and won the Sony Open in Hawaii, reaching a career-high ranking of 46 in the world.
Following his Sony Open victory, Murray candidly discussed his battle with mental health issues. “My parents have been through hell and back basically for the last six years with me fighting some mental stuff,” he said. “It’s not easy on me, and the people around me that love me, they don’t like to see me down. They’ve been my number one supporters.” As reported by the BBC.
Murray had also been open about receiving treatment for alcoholism in 2021.
Tributes poured in from the golfing community. World number one Scottie Scheffler said, “Obviously the news hasn’t really sunk in quite yet, but I’m thinking about his family and praying hard for all of them.” Scheffler added, “I got to know Grayson a bit better over the last six months or so and there’s not really a way to put into words how sad and tragic it is.”
US player Webb Simpson, who had known Murray since childhood, said, “I’m super thankful for getting some good time with him before the bad news of today.”
Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald shared on social media, “Truly devastating news that Grayson Murray has passed away. He asked me for some advice on how to play Augusta a few months ago, last week I saw him at the PGA Championship, life truly is precious. My condolences and prayers to his whole family that they may find some peace.”
Two-time major winner Bubba Watson expressed his sorrow, “Very sad to hear the news of Grayson Murray’s passing. Life is so fragile. I was just hugging you at the Masters, telling you how proud of you I am. Thankful to have known you.”
Murray’s passing leaves a significant void in the golfing world, and he will be remembered for his talent, open mind, will spirit and the indelible mark he left on the sport. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones from this end.
