Grayson Murray, a two-time champion on the PGA Tour, took his own life on Saturday, May 25, 2024. This occurred a day following his withdrawal from the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, due to health issues. Murray was 30 years old.
The golfer’s parents, Eric and Terry Murray, shared their grief and gratitude for the support they’ve received in a statement on Sunday. “We have spent the past day trying to accept that our son is no longer with us,” they expressed. “It’s surreal to not only face this reality ourselves but also to share it with the world. It feels like a nightmare.”
Murray had been candid about his battle with alcoholism and mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. Earlier in the year, he made a significant comeback by winning the Sony Open in Hawaii. “It took me a long time to reach this stage,” Murray acknowledged in January. “That was more than seven years ago. I’m a changed man now. I wouldn’t be here today if I hadn’t stopped drinking eight months ago.”
Murray’s professional golf career started with potential. He gained full status on the PGA Tour in 2017 and clinched the Barbasol Championship at the age of 23. As a junior golfer, he secured the Junior World Championship title in San Diego, California, thrice.
Despite his early success, Murray faced numerous obstacles. He attended three different colleges before turning professional in 2016. In 2021, he faced a suspension from the PGA Tour following an incident related to alcohol. He recognized his struggles and sought treatment, leading to his recent successful stint on the tour.
Even amidst his personal battles, Murray’s skills on the golf course remained evident. He achieved noteworthy success on the Korn Ferry Tour, winning several events and earning his PGA Tour card on multiple occasions. His victory at the Sony Open in January 2024 served as a testament to his resilience and willpower.
The news of Murray’s death has deeply impacted the PGA Tour community. Upon hearing the tragic news, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan traveled to Texas. “The PGA Tour is a family, and when you lose a member of your family, you are never the same,” Monahan shared. “We grieve for Grayson and pray for his loved ones to find comfort.”
In reflecting on the support they have received, Murray’s parents stated, “We have countless unanswered questions. But one thing is certain: Grayson was loved. By us, his brother Cameron, his sister Erica, all his extended family, his friends, his fellow players, and, it appears, by many of you reading this. He was loved and will be missed.”
In the wake of Murray’s death, discussions regarding mental health resources within the professional golf community have been initiated. The PGA Tour announced the availability of grief counselors at PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour events this week, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness and support for athletes dealing with similar struggles.
The life of Grayson Murray was marked by both remarkable talent and personal struggles. His achievements on the golf course were paralleled by his off-course battles. His parents hope that his legacy will inspire kindness and support for one another. “If that becomes his legacy, we couldn’t ask for anything more,” they said.