Two-time PGA Tour winner Grayson Murray died Saturday morning at age 30, one day after he withdrew from the Charles Schwab Cup Challenge at Colonial.
There were no immediate details on the circumstances of his death, only shock and grief from the PGA Tour and his management team.
“I am at a loss for words,” PGA Tour Commissioner Jay 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.”
His management company, GSE Worldwide, confirmed the death and said it was heartbroken.
“We will hold off on commenting until we learn further details, but out heart aches for his family, his friends and all who loved him during this very difficult time,” GSE said in a statement.
Monahan said he spoke with Murray's parents to offer condolences, and they asked that the tournament in Fort Worth, Texas, continue.
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He said grief counselors would be on site at the PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour event. Monahan said he was headed to Texas.
Murray, who had dealt with alcohol and mental issues in the past, made a massive turnaround this year and won the Sony Open, hitting wedge to 3 feet for birdie on the final hole to get into a playoff and winning it with a 40-foot putt.
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He had won the Barbasol Championship in 2017.
Those attending the tournament in Fort Worth said the news spread fast and hit hard. Spectator Ross Pridemoore said he follows golf closely, and was familiar with Murray’s career. He told us the grief is felt on many levels.
“Definitely for the fans. I know the players are pretty close too so I can imagine what they’re going through,” he said. “Obviously, his family. And then you have his caddie who was probably very close with him.”
Back in Murray’s home state of North Carolina, sports journalists who have followed his career since high school expressed their shock on social media.
Colonial Country Club in Forth Worth also released a statement that reads in part:
“The members of Colonial Country Club send our deepest condolences to Grayson’s family and friends during this sad time. The golf community is small. When one hurts, we all feel it tremendously.”
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org -- callers will be connected with trained counselors available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.
