On the morning of Saturday, May 25, 2024, Grayson Murray, a professional golfer and two-time winner on the PGA Tour, took his own life. Murray, 30, had withdrawn from the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas the previous day due to illness.
Eric and Terry Murray, the parents of the golfer, issued a statement on Sunday, expressing their sorrow and gratitude for the support they’ve received. “We have spent the past day trying to accept that our son is no longer with us,” they shared. “It’s surreal to not only face this reality ourselves but also to share it with the world. It feels like a nightmare.”
Murray was candid about his struggles with alcohol addiction and mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Earlier in 2024, he made a significant return to form by winning the Sony Open in Hawaii. “It took me a long time to reach this stage,” he 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’s professional career started with promise. He secured full status on the PGA Tour in 2017 and won the Barbasol Championship at the young age of 23. He had previously excelled as a junior golfer, clinching the Junior World Championship in San Diego, California three times.
Murray’s path, however, was fraught with hurdles. He attended three colleges before turning professional in 2016. In 2021, an alcohol-related incident led to his suspension from the PGA Tour. Acknowledging his issues, he sought rehabilitation and this played a key role in his recent resurgence on the tour.
Despite his personal trials, Murray’s skill on the golf course remained evident. He achieved considerable success on the Korn Ferry Tour, winning multiple events and earning his PGA Tour card on several occasions. His victory at the Sony Open in January of 2024 bore witness to his resilience and determination.
Murray’s passing has deeply affected the PGA Tour community. Upon hearing the news, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan travelled to Texas. “The PGA Tour is a family, and when you lose a member of your family, you are never the same,” Monahan expressed. “We grieve for Grayson and pray for his loved ones to find comfort.”
Murray’s parents also noted the support they have received. “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.”
Murray’s death has stirred discussions about mental health resources within the professional golf community. The PGA Tour announced the availability of grief counselors at this week’s PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour events, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness and support for athletes facing similar struggles.
The life of Grayson Murray was a mix of exceptional talent and personal battles. His triumphs on the golf course were mirrored by his struggles off it. His parents hope his legacy will be one of mutual support and kindness. “If that becomes his legacy, we couldn’t ask for anything more,” they said.
