Grayson Murray’s sudden passing overwhelms tearful Peter Malnati after the pair played two rounds together at the Charles Schwab Challenge

Golfer Peter Malnati was moved to tears Saturday as he discussed the sudden death of Grayson Murray after playing the first two rounds with his late rival at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Forth Worth.

“Losing him is very difficult,” an overwhelmed Malnati told CBS Sports. “I didn’t even know Grayson that well, but I spent the last two days with him. And we worry so much about a bad breakthrough here or a good breakthrough there…’

Malnati trailed off at that moment as he began to cry.

“We’re so competitive here,” he continued after composing himself. ‘We all want to beat each other. And then something like this happens and you realize that we are all human. It’s just a really hard day.’

Malnati then referenced Murray’s public battle with depression: “You look at Grayson and you see someone who visibly and outwardly struggled in the past and he was open about it and you see him getting his life back to a place where he feels good.” about things. It’s just so sad.’

Murray’s death was announced by the PGA Tour on Saturday – 24 hours after he withdrew from the Charles Schwab Challenge in Texas near the end of his second round. He had told his playing partners that he was not feeling well.

No cause of death has been announced and Commissioner Jay Monahan is “stunned.”

“We were devastated to learn – and heartbroken to share – that PGA Tour player Grayson Murray passed away this morning,” Monahan said of the world number 58.

“The PGA Tour is a family, and when you lose a family member, you are never the same. We mourn Grayson and pray for comfort for his loved ones.”

Just last month, Murray’s fiancée Christiana caddyed for him during the Par 3 competition ahead of The Masters. The couple will reportedly get married in the spring of 2024. He had previously spoken about his struggles with alcohol and his mental health.

“My parents have been through hell with me for the past six years, battling a number of mental issues,” he once revealed.

‘It’s not easy for me and the people around me who love me. They don’t like to let me down and they have been my No. 1 supporters and everyone has their struggles.

“Sometimes people can hide them and function, and sometimes they can’t. I think our society is now getting better at accepting that it’s okay not to be okay.”

He added: “I’m not ashamed that I’m going through depression and anxiety. I know I’ve helped people in the past through my DMs on social media – people messaged me – and I can use my platform to continue to help with things like that.”

At the Sony Open in Hawaii in January, when he won his second PGA Tour title, the North Carolina native gave a now moving interview about tough times off the course.

“My rookie year was 2017. I was young and thought I was invincible and didn’t do the right things off the course to really give myself the best chance to succeed here,” he said.

“Over the years I’ve given in a few times and the moment I try to give up, someone gives me a little more inspiration and says, ‘Hey, you’ve got it, you can do it.’

‘Those are just the people who are close to me, who I really lean on in difficult times and who I just have to keep pushing through. That’s the only way I know how.’

He admitted there were “several lows”, adding: “I have spoken clearly in the past about the drinking and I am over eight months sober and I have a beautiful fiancée who I love so much, who is so supportive suits me. Me and my parents are very supportive.

“My caddie, Jay (Green), is one of my biggest cheerleaders. And it makes everything so easy when I get inside the ropes here. When everyone around me just really pulls on me and they are with me when I have those difficult days. And I still have hard days, but I feel much calmer on the ropes now.’

Green released a heartbreaking statement shortly after Murray’s death was confirmed. “Grayson was the absolute best. “He was not only a wonderful, thoughtful and generous boss, but an even better friend,” he said.

‘He would really do anything for anyone. He has the best family and my heart goes out to them. We will all miss him very much.’

Earlier this week, Murray shot a 68 under par from two in his opening round, but was five over for his second round when he withdrew from the tournament.

Play continued Saturday at Colonial even after the devastating news, with Monahan revealing, “I contacted Grayson’s parents to express our deepest condolences, and during that conversation they asked if we could continue with tournament play.

“They were convinced that Grayson would want us to do that. However difficult it will be, we want to respect their wishes.

“The PGA Tour has grief counselors available at both tournament locations (this week’s PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour events), as well as virtually for those not in the field. I’m on my way to Ft. Worth and will share more information when we can.”

Murray was a brilliant prospect, winning three consecutive Callaway Junior World Championships between 2006 and 2008. He made his first appearance on the Korn Ferry Tour at age 16 and was the top-ranked golfer in his age group.

He then turned professional in 2015 before winning twice on the PGA Tour. Murray won his first title in 2017 at the Barbasol Championship, aged just 24. He won his second and last title in January in Hawaii.

Murray finished 43rd at last week’s PGA Championship and finished the 2024 Masters in 51st place.

European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald also paid tribute to Murray, writing on social media on Saturday: ‘Truly devastating news that Grayson Murray has passed away.

“He asked me a few months ago for some advice about playing 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.”