PGA Tour golfer Grayson Murray dies aged 30 - 24 hours after withdrawing from this week's event in Texas due to 'illness'
Grayson Murray, a two-time PGA Tour winner, passed away at the age of 30, the PGA Tour announced on Saturday. This tragic news came just a day after Murray withdrew from the Charles Schwab Challenge in Texas, citing illness to his playing partners.
No cause of death has been disclosed, leaving PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan "lost for words." Monahan expressed the organization's grief, stating, "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."
Murray, ranked 58th in the world, had recently been caddied by his fiancée, Christiana, during the Par 3 contest ahead of The Masters. The couple was planning to marry in the spring of 2024. Murray had openly discussed his struggles with alcohol and mental health, often using his platform to help others facing similar challenges.
In a poignant interview after his second PGA Tour win at the Sony Open in Hawaii in January, Murray reflected on his journey: "My rookie year was 2017 - I was young and thought I was invincible and wasn't doing the correct stuff off the course to really give myself the best chance to succeed out here... Over the years, I've given in a few times and then right when I try to give up, someone gives me a little bit more inspiration."
He continued, "I've obviously been vocal about the alcohol use in the past and I'm over eight months sober and I have a beautiful fiancée that I love so much, who's so supportive of me and my parents are so supportive of me... And it just makes everything so easy when I get out here inside the ropes."
Jay Green, Murray's caddie, released a heartfelt statement following the news of his death: "Grayson was the absolute best. Not only was he an incredible, thoughtful, and generous boss, he was an even better friend. He truly would do anything for anyone. He has the best family, and my heart goes out to them. We will all miss him deeply."
Despite the devastating news, play continued at the Colonial tournament. Monahan revealed that Murray's parents had asked the tournament to proceed, honoring what they believed would have been Murray's wishes. The PGA Tour has provided grief counselors at both tournament sites and virtually for those not in the field.
Murray's golfing career began early, with three consecutive wins at the Callaway Junior World Championships between 2006 and 2008. He made his first cut on the Korn Ferry Tour at just 16 and was the top-ranked golfer in his age group. Turning professional in 2015, he won his first PGA Tour title at the Barbasol Championship in 2017 and his second in January in Hawaii.
European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald also paid tribute to Murray, sharing on social media: "Truly devastating news that Grayson Murray has passed away. He asked me for some advice on how to play Augusta a few months ago, last week I saw him at the PGA Championship, life truly is precious. My condolences and prayers to his whole family that they may find some peace."
Murray's death is a profound loss to the golfing community, and he will be remembered for his talent, candor, and resilience.
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