Grayson Murray’s parents say professional golfer took his own life
PGA Tour golfer Grayson Murray has committed suicide, his family confirmed in a statement on Sunday.
The 30-year-old’s death was announced on Saturday, a day after he withdrew from the Charles Schwab Cup Challenge.
“We have spent the last 24 hours trying to come to terms with the fact that our son is no longer here. It’s surreal that not only do we have to admit it to ourselves, but we have to admit it to the world. It’s a nightmare,” Murray’s parents, Eric and Terry, said in the statement.
“We have so many questions for which there are no answers. But one. Was Grayson loved? The answer is yes. By us, his brother Cameron, his sister Erica, his entire extended family, by his friends, by his co-stars and – it seems – by many of you reading this. He was loved and he will be missed.
“We would like to thank the PGA Tour and the entire golfing world for the outpouring of support. Life was not always easy for Grayson, and although he took his own life, we know he now rests peacefully.”
Murray had spoken about his struggles with alcohol and mental health. After winning the Sony Open in January, he opened up about his problems off the golf course.
“It’s not easy,” he said. “I often wanted to give up. Give myself up. Give up the game of golf. Give up on life sometimes.”
In addition to his victory at the Sony Open, Murray won the Barbasol Championship in 2017. His best finish in a major was a tie for 22nd at the 2017 US PGA Championship. He also won three events on the Korn Ferry Tour and was ranked No. 58 in the world at the time of his death.
On Saturday, Murray’s fellow professionals expressed their sadness over his death.
“Truly devastating news that Grayson Murray has passed away,” former world number 1 Luke Donald wrote on X. “He asked me a few months ago for some advice on how to play Augusta. Last week I saw him at the PGA Championship, life really is precious. My condolences and prayers for his entire family to find some peace.”
Webb Simpson said he learned of Murray’s death just before he teed off at the Charles Schwab Cup Challenge.
“I just hate it so much,” Simpson said. ‘I’ll miss him. I’m thankful he was there with his faith before this morning happened.”
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said grief counselors would be available for players at tournaments in the coming days.
“I’m at a loss for words,” Monahan said. “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.”
In January, Murray said he had been sober for eight months, had become a Christian and was engaged. He said he believed his best golf was ahead of him. He was recently appointed to the 16-member Player Advisory Council.