PGA Tour golfer Grayson Murray has died. He was only 30 years old. Murray’s death comes just a day after withdrawing from the second round of the 2024 Charles Schwab Challenge, citing an illness.
“We were devastated to learn — and are heartbroken to share — that PGA Tour player Grayson Murray passed away this morning. I am at a loss for words,” said PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan in a statement.
“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.”
We were devastated to learn – and are heartbroken to share – that PGA TOUR player Grayson Murray passed away this morning. https://t.co/JWGJ6Tz2jy
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 25, 2024
Murray, who, at just 16, was the second-youngest golfer in history to make the cut on the Korn Ferry Tour, turned pro in 2015. He was a two- time winner on the PGA Tour – first winning in 2017 at the opposite-field Barbasol Championship, and then nearly seven years later at the Sony Open. He won three times on the Korn Ferry Tour, the PGA Tour’s top developmental league.
After his breakthrough win in 2017, Murray became a controversial figure on tour for his Twitter takes.
After his surprise win at the Sony in January, Murray said he’d been sober since early 2023 and seemed excited about the future. He was recently engaged to be married and was appointed to the 16-member Player Advisory Council.
“It took me a long time to get to this point,” said Murray. “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.”
He added: “People who don’t know me, I’ll have to show it through my actions, and they’ll get back on Grayson’s side. 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.”
The Raleigh, North Carolina native attended Wake Forest, East Carolina and Arizona State on golf scholarships. Ranked No. 58 in the world, Murray made the cut in the season’s two majors, finishing T43 at the recent PGA Championship and 51st at the Masters. His final career top-10 result fittingly occurred two weeks ago in his native North Carolina at the Wells Fargo Championship. He earned over $500,000 for a T10 finish.
Very sad to hear the news of Grayson Murray’s passing today. Life is so fragile… I was just hugging you at the Masters, telling you how proud of you I am. Thankful to have known you.
My deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. He will be missed.
— bubba watson (@bubbawatson) May 25, 2024
Speechless to hear about Grayson. Guy had been through so many ups and downs to get where he was. I hurt so much for his family and the people closest to him. My condolences and deepest sympathies
— Justin Thomas (@JustinThomas34) May 25, 2024
