Grayson Murray, a professional golfer and two-time winner on the PGA Tour, took his own life on Saturday, May 25, 2024. The tragic incident occurred a day after Murray withdrew from the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas citing illness. He was 30 years old.
On Sunday, Murray’s parents, Eric and Terry Murray, shared their sorrow and gratitude for the support they have been receiving, “We have spent the past day trying to accept that our son is no longer with us,” they said. “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 battles with alcohol and mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression. Earlier this year, after winning the Sony Open in Hawaii, he acknowledged his journey to recovery, “It took me a long time to reach this stage,” Murray said 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 started his professional career on a high note. He secured full status on the PGA Tour in 2017 and claimed victory at the Barbasol Championship when he was just 23. He had demonstrated his talent early, winning the Junior World Championship in San Diego, California, three times.
Despite his success, Murray’s path was not without hurdles. Prior to turning professional in 2016, he attended three different colleges. He experienced a setback in 2021 when he was suspended from the PGA Tour following an incident linked to alcohol. Recognizing his problems, Murray sought help and rehabilitation, which fueled his recent resurgence on the tour.
Murray’s skills on the golf course remained undiminished despite his struggles. He scored remarkable victories on the Korn Ferry Tour, winning multiple events and repeatedly securing his PGA Tour card. His victory at the Sony Open in January 2024 was a testament to his unyielding resolve and determination.
Murray’s death has deeply moved the PGA Tour community. Upon hearing the 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 said. “We grieve for Grayson and pray for his loved ones to find comfort.”
In reflecting on the support they have received, Murray’s parents said, “We have countless unanswered questions. But one thing is certain: Grayson was loved,” they said. “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 response to Murray’s death, discussions regarding mental health resources within the professional golf community have gained momentum. The PGA Tour announced the availability of grief counselors at this week’s PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour events, underscoring the importance of mental health support and awareness for athletes grappling with similar issues.
Grayson Murray’s life was marked by extraordinary talent and personal challenges. His triumphs on the golf course were paralleled by his struggles off it. 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.
