Update: The parents of pro golfer Grayson Murray and two-time PGA tour winner said their son died by suicide Saturday Morning.
“We have spent the last 24 hours trying to come to terms with the fact that our son is gone,” Eric and Terry Murray said in a statement. “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.
“… Life wasn’t always easy for Grayson, and although he took his own life, we know he rests peacefully now.”
PGA Tour golfer Grayson Murray has passed away on Saturday. Only one day after withdrawing from the middle of this weekend’s golf tournament. The golfer withdrew from Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas due to ‘illness’ per PGA officials. He withdrew with only two holes left to play. No cause of death has been determined. Grayson 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,” PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan stated in a statement Saturday.
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Grayson Murray, born October 1, 1993, in Raleigh, North Carolina, was a professional golfer known for his powerful play and bumpy career. Murray’s journey in golf began early, showing his talent as a junior golfer which led him to play college golf for several prestigious programs including Wake Forest University, East Carolina University, and Arizona State University. His amateur success included winning the 2015 Azalea Invitational and the 2015 Dogwood Invitational.
Murray’s rookie season on the PGA Tour was impressive. He won his first PGA Tour event at the 2017 Barbasol Championship, a milestone that showed his ability to compete at the highest level. This victory not only earned him significant prize money but also a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour, allowing him to establish himself among golf’s best.
Despite his on-course success, Murray’s career has been marked by controversies and personal struggles. He has been open about his battles with alcoholism and mental health issues, which have affected his consistency and performance. In various interviews, Murray has discussed the pressure and challenges of life on the tour, showing the frequently hidden struggles professional athletes face.
Murray’s outspoken nature has also led to several controversies. He has been involved in disputes on social media, including a notable incident where he criticized the PGA Tour’s handling of player conduct and mental health. These controversies have sometimes overshadowed his achievements on the course, but they have also sparked important conversations about the mental and emotional well-being of athletes.
In addition to his personal battles, Murray has faced injuries that have impacted his career. He underwent surgery on his wrist in 2018, which sidelined him for a portion of the season. Injuries and the need for recovery have been recurring challenges, affecting his ability to maintain form and continuity in his golf career.
An article on Heavy.com wrote about an interview with his last golf playing partner, Peter Malnati. During the interview, Malnati started crying during a CBS Sports interview. He talked about how heartbreaking his partner’s death is because it seemed like things were looking up for Murray. He was recently engaged to be married and got sober last July.
