Grayson Murray: Two-time PGA Tour winner took his own life, family confirm

Grayson Murray’s family have confirmed that the two-time PGA Tour winner took his own life.

The PGA Tour announced on Saturday that Murray, 30, had passed away, a day after withdrawing during his second round at the Charles Schwab Challenge due to illness.

On Sunday, the Tour released a statement on behalf of Murray’s parents Eric and Terry, in which they asked for privacy.

It read: “We have spent the last 24 hours trying to come to terms with the fact that our son is gone. 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.

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

“Was Grayson loved? The answer is yes. By us, his brother Cameron, his sister Erica, all of his extended family, by his friends, by his fellow players and – it seems – by many of you who are reading this. He was loved and he will be missed.

“We would like to thank the PGA Tour and the entire world of golf for the outpouring of support. Life wasn’t always easy for Grayson and although he took his own life, we know he rests peacefully now.

“Please respect our privacy as we work through this incredible tragedy and please honour Grayson by being kind to one another. If that becomes his legacy, we could ask for nothing else.”

In 2021, Murray revealed on social media that he was receiving treatment for alcoholism. He was also open about his mental health struggles after winning the Sony Open in Hawaii in January of this year.

“Yeah, my parents have been through, you know, hell and back basically for the last six years with me fighting some mental stuff,” Murray said at the time.

“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 No 1 supporters. There’s a few friends as well that have been there and it makes these moments a lot more special.”

PGA Tour ‘devastated and heartbroken’ at Murray’s death

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan wrote after news of Murray’s passing: “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.

“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.

“I reached out to Grayson’s parents to offer our deepest condolences, and during that conversation, they asked that we continue with tournament play. They were adamant that Grayson would want us to do so. As difficult as it will be, we want to respect their wishes.

“The PGA Tour has grief counsellors available at both tournament sites, as well as virtually for those not in the field. I am en route to Fort Worth and will share more information when we can.”

World No 1 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.

“I can’t imagine how difficult of a time this is. I got to know Grayson a bit better over the last six months or so. There’s not really a way to put into words how sad and tragic it is, but I’m thinking about his family.”

Long-time caddie Jay Green released a statement hailing Murray as “the absolute best”.

Players wore red and black ribbons to honour Murray on the final day of the Charles Schwab Challenge. Murray regularly wore the colours of his hometown NHL team – the Carolina Hurricanes – on Sundays.

Murray’s victory in Hawaii earlier this year, which he secured after sinking a 40-foot birdie putt to beat Byeong Hun An and Keegan Bradley in a play-off, marked his first win since clinching his maiden PGA Tour title during his 2017 rookie campaign, when he shot a final-round 68 to win the Barbasol Championship at the age of 24.

Murray made the cut at last week’s PGA Championship before finishing tied-43rd on six under par.

Before turning professional in 2015 Murray had won three straight Callaway Junior World Championships from 2006-2008 as the top ranked player in his age group. He then spent time at Wake Forest University, East Carolina University and Arizona State University, eventually earning a sponsor’s exemption into the Korn Ferry Tour.

Victory at the Nationwide Children’s saw him finish second on the Korn Ferry Tour money list in 2016, paving the way to him securing full status on the PGA Tour in 2017.

If you have been affected by any of the themes raised in this article, you can contact The Samaritans for free by calling 116 123 in the UK.