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Grayson Murray, two-time PGA Tour winner, commits suicide at the age of 30

Theo

Content warning: This story contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts and needs support now, call or text 988 or chat with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline on 988lifeline.org.

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

He was 30 years old.

“We were devastated to learn – and 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 family member, you are never the same. We mourn the loss of Grayson and pray for comfort for his loved ones.”

“I have contacted Grayson’s parents to express our deepest condolences and during the conversation they asked us to continue with the tournament games. They insisted that this is what Grayson would have wanted us to do. As difficult as it will be, we want to respect their wishes.

“The PGA Tour is making grief counselors available at both tournament sites, as well as virtually for those who are not in-person. I am en route to Fort Worth and will share more information as soon as we can.”

Murray's last victory on the PGA Tour was the Sony Open in Hawaii in January, where he won in a playoff. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)Murray's last victory on the PGA Tour was the Sony Open in Hawaii in January, where he won in a playoff. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)

Grayson Murray’s last victory on the PGA Tour was the Sony Open in Hawaii in January, where he won in a playoff. (Tim Heitman/Getty Images)

The cause of death was not initially announced 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 accept the fact that our son is gone. It is surreal that we not only have to admit it to ourselves, but also have to share it with the world. It is a nightmare,” his parents said in a statement about the tour.

“We have so many questions that have no answers. But there is one.

“Was Grayson loved? The answer is yes. By us, his brother Cameron, his sister Erica, his entire extended family, his friends, his teammates and, it seems, by many of you reading this. He was loved and we will miss him.

“We would like to thank the PGA Tour and the entire golf world for their overwhelming support. Life was not always easy for Grayson and although he took his own life, we know he is now resting in peace.

“Please respect our privacy as we process this incredible tragedy, and honor Grayson by being kind to one another. If this becomes his legacy, we couldn’t ask for anything else.

Murray was part of the field this week at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, but withdrew during the second round on Friday due to illness.

The tour considered suspending the tournament, but according to Jim Nantz on the CBS broadcast, Murray’s family insisted the tournament go on. Golfers on the field honored Murray on Sunday by wearing red and black ribbons, which he also did when he played on Sundays to represent the Carolina Hurricanes. Murray’s family asked that 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, ending a six-year winless streak.

After a glittering amateur career that included three World Junior Championship victories and becoming 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.

In the years following that win, he struggled on and off the course. He told the Golf Channel that he battled depression and anxiety and eventually sought treatment for alcohol abuse. 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 moment of redemption.

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

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

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