The PGA Tour announced that golfer Grayson Murray passed away Saturday morning. He was 30 years old.
“We are heartbroken to learn that PGA Tour player Grayson Murray passed away this morning and are heartbroken to share this news. Words are running out,” PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement.
“The PGA Tour is a family, and when we lose a member of our family, it's never the same. We mourn Grayson and pray for comfort for his loved ones.”
“I have reached out to Grayson's parents to express my deepest condolences. During that conversation, they requested that tournament play continue. They were adamant that this is what Grayson would want to do. Although it is difficult, we would like to respect their wishes.”
“The PGA Tour has grief counselors available at both tournament locations and virtually for those who cannot be there. I am on my way to Fort Worth and will provide more information as it becomes available.”
The cause of death has not been announced.
Murray was among the players competing this week at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, but withdrew in the second round on Friday due to illness.
The tour considered canceling the tournament, but Murray's family insisted it go ahead, according to CBS' Jim Nantz.
In January, Murray won a playoff at the Sony Open in Hawaii, ending a six-year winless streak and winning his second PGA Tour title.
After a stellar amateur career that included three Junior World Championship wins and becoming the second-youngest golfer to qualify for 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 for years on and off the course after that win. He told Golf Channel he battled depression and anxiety and eventually received treatment for alcoholism. Murray had reportedly been sober for several months and seemed to be doing much better. His win in January was seen at the time as a redemptive moment.
It's really sad news that Grayson Murray has passed away. A few months ago he asked me for advice on how to play at Augusta. I met him last week at the PGA Championship and life is truly precious. My condolences to his whole family and I pray they find some peace 💔
— Luke Donald (@LukeDonald) May 25, 2024
Murray's caddie, Jay Green, told Golf Channel on Saturday afternoon, “Grayson was just the best. Not only was he an incredibly caring and generous boss, but an even greater friend. He would truly do anything for anyone. He had the best family and my heart goes out to them. We are all going to miss him terribly.”
