GOLF star and two-time PGA champion Grayson Murray has died at the age of 30.
The American golfer withdrew from this week’s PGA Charles Schwab Challenge in Texas just a day before his death was announced.
4
Grayson Murray, 30-year-old golf pro, has died Credit: Getty
4
Murray with his fiancee Christiana after winning the PGA Sony Open in January
4
Murray won two PGA Championships during his career
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said he was “at a loss for words” when he learned the pro had died Saturday morning.
Murray told his playing partners in Texas that he was not feeling well before retiring with just two holes to play.
He said: “We were devastated to learn – and heartbroken to share – that PGA Tour player Grayson Murray passed away this morning.
“I am speechless.
“The PGA Tour is a family, and when you lose a member of your family, you’re never the same.
“We mourn Grayson and pray for comfort for his loved ones.”
In July 2017, Murray won the Barbasol Championship in his first win on the PGA Tour.
Then in January of this year, he earned his second – winning the Sony Open in Hawaii.
The North Carolina native, who began his professional golf career in 2015, also competed in this year’s Masters, the 2022 US Open and The Open Championship.
He performed for the first time at the US Open as an amateur in 2013.
Murray’s cause of death is not yet known.
He was supposed to marry his fiancee Christiana this spring.
He said in a candid interview in January: “My rookie year was 2017 – I was young and thought I was invincible and I wasn’t doing the right things off the track to really give myself the best chance to succeed here.
“Over the years, I’ve given up a few times, and then when I try to give up, someone gives me a little more inspiration, saying, “Hey, you’ve got it, you can do it.”
“It’s just the people that are close to me that I really lean on in hard times and I just have to push them through. It’s the only way I know how.”
The brave golf pro said: “Obviously I’ve been vocal about my alcohol use in the past and I’ve been sober for over eight months and I have a beautiful fiancée who I love so much, who is very supportive and my parents are very supportive.
“My caddy, Jay (Green), is one of my biggest cheerleaders. And he just makes everything so easy when I get here inside the ropes.
“When everyone in my circle is really pulling for me and being there for me when I have those hard days. And I still have hard days, but now I feel a lot calmer inside the ropes.”
Golf journalist Brentley Romine said Jay Green shared a heartfelt tribute via text after news of Murray’s death broke.
He said: “Grayson was the absolute best. Not only was he an amazing, thoughtful and generous boss, he was an even better friend.
“He really would do anything for anyone. He has the best family, and my heart goes out to them. We will all miss him dearly.”
Monahan added: “I spoke to Grayson’s parents to express my deepest condolences and during that conversation they asked that we continue to play in the tournament.
“They were adamant that Grayson wanted us to do it. As hard as it is, we want to respect their wishes.
“The PGA Tour has grief counselors available at both tournament venues (this week’s PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour events) as well as virtually for those not on the course.
“I’m on my way to Ft. Worth and will share more information when we can.”
Golfer Luke Donald also paid tribute to the 30-year-old, writing: “Truly devastating news that Grayson Murray has passed away.
“He asked me for advice on how to play Augusta a few months ago, I saw him last week at the PGA Championship, life is truly precious.
“My condolences and prayers to all his family that they find some peace.”
The PGA released a detailed post online following Murray’s death.
He was described as: “an excellent golfer from his youth”.
Detailing his achievements, they listed his impressive tours, event wins and victories spanning nearly 20 years.
The tribute said that after winning the PGA Tour in January, Murray “followed that win to a career-high 46th in the Official World Golf Ranking.”
4
Murray at Valhalla Golf Club on May 16, 2024 during the PGA
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education