Grayson Murray was announced dead in Fort Worth, Texas on the morning of May 25, 2024. He was 30 years old. The professional golfer was a two-time winner on the PGA Tour. News of his passing broke via golf news outlets initially, sending shock waves through the sports community. Murray was playing in the Charles Schwab Challenge on Friday, May 24, 2024. He withdrew from competition during the second round, citing an illness.
Grayson Murray’s Family Requests PGA Tour Play On
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Grayson Murray’s fellow competitors were notified Saturday throughout the day in various ways at Colonial Country Club. PGA Tour officials were prepared to stop play at the Charles Schwab Challenge before consulting with Murray’s family. The Murray’s were certain that their son would’ve wanted the tournament to continue as planned. Respecting their wishes, play resumed as scheduled on Saturday.
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan gave a statement early in the afternoon at Colonial Country Club. It was later read by CBS sports anchor, Jim Nantz, live on the air:
“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.”
Players, commentators, officials, and reporters all echoed similar and obvious sadness at the horrific tragedy. Saturday took on an extraordinarily somber tone, with many notable figures from the PGA Tour community fighting through tears during the CBS golf coverage.
Grayson Murray Took His Own Life, Parents Confirm
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Murray’s parents announced in a statement through the PGA Tour that their son died by suicide:
“We would like to thank the PGA Tour and the entire world of golf for the outpouring of support,” Eric and Terry Murray said. “Life wasn’t always easy for Grayson, and although he took his own life, we know he rests peacefully now.”
Many of Murray’s fellow competitors and tour members who knew him were shaken by the tragic news. Peter Malnati, who played with Grayson Murray during the final round of his life, was visibly emotional and shaken during his interview with CBS reporter Amanda Ballionis:
“We all want to beat each other. And then something like this happens and you realize that we’re all just humans. It’s just a really, really hard day. It’s a huge loss for all of us on the PGA TOUR. It’s a huge loss for our fans. At a time like this you realize that, as much as we want to be competitive, we really are one big family and we lost one today, and that’s terrible.”
After three consecutive bogeys on Friday, Grayson Murray informed his playing partner, Peter Malnati, that he wasn’t feeling well and was withdrawing. They had just putted out on the 16th green. Murray was just one shot off the cut-line at the time.
Akshay Bhatia, a fellow North Carolina native and two-time winner on the PGA Tour, posted a photo of himself with Grayson Murray, adding the following in his caption:
“Words can’t describe how tough this is. A great friend that always supported me as I did to him. I’m gonna miss you so much man. You fought so hard.”
Grayson Murray Was Open With His Struggles
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Grayson Murray was a decorated young golfer. His first win came during his rookie season in 2017. Murray was only 23. After getting his second win in January of 2024 at the Sony Open, Murray shared he was eight months sober. By all accounts, he was doing better than ever. Grayson Murray had struggled with depression and anxiety at the beginning of his career, which led to alcohol abuse as he attempted to adjust to life on the tour.
Murray shared as much in a statement following his win in Hawaii at the Sony Open:
“Yes, I would drink during tournament weeks,” Murray said after his Sony Open win. “It was my outlet. I thought I was invincible coming out here as a 22-year-old, winning as a rookie, played three days hungover when I won. Best thing and worst thing that ever happened to me was winning my rookie year — but also feeling like I was invincible.”
Murray credited renewed faith and sobriety for his turn-around:
“I’m a different man now. I would not be in this position right now today if I didn’t put that drink down eight months ago. My demeanor is so much better. It’s really a lot of fun now. I really don’t live and die by a golf shot anymore. I’m not going to sit here and say it’s going to be all glory and roses, but it’s going to be a lot better.”
About The Author
Eric Colton is a former Hollywood screenwriter turned sports columnist. With several feature-length screenplays to his credit and 3 short films written and produced, Colton is a respected writer in film and television. His recent move to sports writing is based on his life-long love affair with sports. Growing up outside of Detroit, he’s die-hard for all of the hometown teams. With over 20 years of fantasy sports experience, he’s well-versed in the intricacies of many sports. And with the premier athletes of their respective sports. Colton’s voice is one filled with positivity, directness and humor. He loves to write and does so at a ‘stream-of-consciousness’ pace.
