Golfer Peter Malnati Breaks Down in Tears Discussing Death of Grayson Murray: ‘It’s Just So Sad’

Peter Malnati shares his emotional reactions to the death of Grayson Murray.

The PGA Tour golfer, 36, broke down in tears while discussing Murray’s death as he reflected on his final moments with him in an interview on Saturday, May 25.

The two played back-to-back in the first two rounds of the 2024 Charles Schwab Challenge on May 23 and 24, shortly before Murray’s death, aged 30, was announced on May 25.

Speaking to CBS Sports, Malnati said: “This is going to be very difficult. I didn’t know Grayson that well, but I’ve spent the last few days with him and it’s so funny… we fight so much here about a bad vacation here or a good vacation there.”

Malnati then began to cry and held his head in his hands as he paused to collect himself, before continuing.

“You know, we’re so competitive, so competitive here,” he said. “We all want to beat each other. And then something like this happens and you realize that we’re all just human.”

Golfer Grayson Murray, two-time PGA Tour winner, dies at 30

“It’s just a really, really tough day because you look at Grayson and you see him as someone who has visibly, outwardly, struggled in the past, and he’s been open about it. And you see him getting back into his life to a place where he feels good. It’s just so sad.”

Murray’s death was confirmed in a statement shared by the PGA Tour on the organization’s official website on Saturday, May 25. He was 30 years old.

“We were devastated to learn — and heartbroken to share — that PGA TOUR player Grayson Murray passed away this morning. I’m at a loss for words,” PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said, according to a statement. “The PGA TOUR is a family, and when you lose a family member, you’re never the same. We mourn Grayson and pray for comfort for his loved ones.”

The cause of death was not announced in the press release.

Malnati played alongside Murray in the Charles Schwab Challenge on May 23.

Tracy Wilcox/PGA TOUR via Getty Images; Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Murray’s death comes after he withdrew from the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, on Friday, May 24. He competed in the tournament, which takes place from May 23 to 26, the first two rounds before leaving. Murray also won his second PGA Tour title at the Sony Open in Hawaii in January.

The late golfer spoke openly about his alcohol consumption as well as his struggles with anxiety and depression after dealing with serious injuries from a scooter accident in Bermuda in 2022, which affected his ability to play his sport.

Murray was honored by other players at the Charles Schwab Challenge.

Golfer Scottie Scheffler told CBS Sports, “The news hasn’t come out yet, but I’m thinking about his family and praying hard for all of them. I can’t imagine what a difficult time this is. I’ve gotten to know Grayson a little better over the last six months or so. something, and yes, really simply, there is no way to put into words how sad and tragic it is.”

Murray’s death was announced on May 25.

David Cannon/Getty Images

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Webb Simpson added that Murray’s death was a “big shock”.

“My heart sank … I just played with him in Charlotte the first two days,” he said. “We had a great time together. His game looked good. I just hate her. I hate her so much. I got to know him even better this year — we ate together at Pebble Beach with his fiancee. I know she’s hurt and everyone’s hurt who are related to Grayson Murray.

If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text “STRENGTH” to the text crisis line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

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