A tragic end to a troubled journey
As his career was on the rise, PGA Tour's Grayson Murray takes his own life
Grayson Murray competed in his first Masters in April. (Shanna Lockwood/ANGC)
‘Life wasn’t always easy for Grayson’
From a golf perspective, things were seemingly in a good place for Grayson Murray.
In January he had that dramatic playoff victory over Keegan Bradley and Ben An at the Sony Open, earning himself an invitation to his first Masters Tournament last month where he made the cut. He also played in the PGA Championship, tying for 43rd just eight days ago on May 19. He was exempt for next month’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 because he remained among the top 60 in the Official World Golf Ranking at No. 58.
Murray, who spoke openly after his Hawaii victory about his battles with alcohol and depression, took his own life on Saturday, according to a statement released by his parents.
The 30-year-old Murray withdrew after 16 holes on Friday in the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Counrty Club. It is unclear if he returned to his home in Florida or not. Law enforcement has yet to release any official details of his death or location and the family asked for privacy and that people honor the golfer by being kind to one another.
“If that becomes his legacy, we could ask for nothing else,” Eric and Terry Murray said in a statement released by the PGA Tour on Sunday.
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan initially confirmed Murray’s death on Saturday and rushed to Fort Worth, Texas, where he met with players and the media and expressed his own sorrow in the wake of the tragedy.
“We were devastated to learn -- and are heartbroken to share -- that PGA Tour player Grayson Murry passed away this morning,” Monahan said in a statement on Saturday. “I am at a loss for words. 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.''
Both the Korn Ferry Tour – where Murray played last year – and the PGA Tour took moments on Sunday to honor the golfer, who was ranked 58th in the world and announced earlier this year that he was engaged to be married sometime in 2024.
Reaction from his PGA Tour peers poured in, perhaps none more heartbreaking than the tearful interview on CBS with Peter Malnati, who played the first two rounds at Colonial with Murray.
Webb Simpson also appeared on the network and spoke to reporters afterward.
“Grayson and I, we have a long history,” said Simpson, a fellow Raleigh, N.C., native. “Ted Kiegiel, a dear friend, taught me the game. He taught Grayson the game. I think I first met Grayson at my home club when Grayson was probably 8 years old, maybe 9. He was the first winner of the Webb Simpson Challenge Junior Tournament that I’ve had for 14 years.