PGA Tour winner Grayson Murray dies at 30 two days after withdrawing from Charles Schwab Challenge

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: PGA Tour officials confirmed the death of professional golfer Grayson Murray, aged 30, through an official statement posted on the organization's website on Saturday, May 25th.

The statement did not mention the cause of death as People reported.

This tragic news follows Murray's enrollment in the Charles Schwab Challenge earlier in the week, where he completed the first round and part of the second round before withdrawing from the competition on Friday.

What did PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan say?

In the statement, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan expressed profound sorrow and devastation, stating, "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 family member, you are never the same. We mourn Grayson and pray for comfort for his loved ones." 

Murray's death occurred during the 2024 Charles Schwab Challenge, and Monahan mentioned that he had reached out to Murray's family, who consented to the event continuing. 

The commissioner also announced that grief counselors would be available throughout the week at PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour venues.

Internet questions cause of Grayson Murray’s death

Upon learning about Golfer Grayson Murray's death, internet users have shared their condolences to his family and friends on Facebook.

One user said, "That's sad to read. Lifting his name with heartfelt warmth and compassion for his family friends & colleagues." 

Another said, "So sad, I can't withhold my tears. Meaning Mr Grayson Murray is gone forever. Father in Heaven may his soul rest in Peace." 

The third user added, "Was it suicide?" 

The fourth added, "May the LORD accept the sacrifice in your hands and the GLORY of his name and the good for the welfare of everybody. May you have everlasting life with the ALMIGHTY JESUS CHRIST in heaven compounded by surmounted happiness and satisfaction. Praised be to you oh GOD - alleluia" 

The last user commented, "Gone too soon."

What are the achievements of Grayson Murray?

Earlier this year, the athlete secured his second PGA Tour title at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Murray's early successes included winning three consecutive Callaway Junior World Championships from 2006 to 2008 and achieving the top ranking in his age group. 

At 16, he made his debut cut on the Korn Ferry Tour, becoming the second-youngest player to do so. Murray pursued his education at Wake Forest University, East Carolina University, and Arizona State University, demonstrating exceptional talent in golf during his youth, as noted by the PGA Tour. 

In 2016, he received a sponsor’s exemption to compete in a Korn Ferry Tour event near his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina, where he finished in the top 10, propelling his professional golf career forward. Noteworthy milestones in Murray's career include his victory at 

the 2017 Barbasol Championship at the age of 23, marking his inaugural PGA Tour title. Following his performance at the 2024 Sony Open in Hawaii earlier this year, he reached a career-best ranking of 46th in the Official World Golf Ranking. Murray was candid about his struggles with alcohol, once attributing a hangover to his success at the Barbasol Championship. He reflected, "The best thing and worst thing that ever happened to me was winning my rookie year. I think the alcohol brought a side out of me that wasn’t me. It was kind of the monster in me in a way."

Grayson Murray had faced injuries throughout his career

Throughout Grayson Murray’s career, he faced untimely injuries, notably a scooter accident in Bermuda in 2022. 

He openly discussed grappling with anxiety and depression, which, at times, hindered his ability to even get out of bed. "I just thought I was a failure, I thought I had a lot of talent that was just a waste of talent."

In 2023, he made a conscious decision to embrace sobriety and viewed the 2024 season as a fresh start akin to his rookie year. Reflecting on his past, he acknowledged, "I was young and thought I was invincible. Wasn’t doing the correct stuff off the course to give myself the best chance to succeed out here.”

Addressing his journey, he elaborated, "My scooter accident in Bermuda was a low point in my life. You know, I’ve been vocal about the alcohol use in the past. I’m over eight months sober now. I have a beautiful fiancée that I love so much and who is so supportive of me, and my parents are so supportive of me"

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