Following the tragic and sudden death of golf pro Grayson Murray, the golfing community continues to mourn the loss of the beloved and talented player.
Murray's death was confirmed on Saturday (May 25) in a statement by PGA Tour officials - who confirmed that the 30-year-old had died earlier that morning.
"We were devastated to learn – and are heartbroken to share – that PGA TOUR player Grayson Murray passed away this morning," a statement from PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan read. "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."
Although no official cause of death has been reported, the heartbreaking news comes less than 24 hours after Murray was forced to withdraw from the end of his second round the Charles Schwab Challenge in Texas after telling others that he had been feeling unwell.
Now, fellow PGA Tour golfer Peter Malnati has given an emotional interview following the third round of the Charles Schwab Challenge. You can watch below:
Malnati had been paired with Murray in the first and second rounds of the tournament, and clearly the bond they shared left a lasting impression on the 36-year-old.
Breaking down in an interview with CBS Sports' Amanda Balionis, Malnati said: "This is going to be really hard. I spent the last two days with him and... it's so funny... we get so worked up out here about, you know, a bad break here or a good break there...
"You know, we're so competitive, so competitive out here - we all want to beat each other.
"And then something like happens and you realize that we're all just humans. This is just a really, really hard day, because you look at Grayson and you see in him someone who has visibly and outwardly struggled in the past - and he's been open about it.
"And you see him kinda get his life back to a place where he's feeling good about things... It's just so sad.
"I was with him yesterday and he was playing great - his game is so good, he's so good at golf."
During the interview, Balionis could also be seen wiping away tears.
Malnati had been referring to Murray's comments back in January, in which he revealed he had been sober for eight months following battles with alcoholism and mental health struggles.
However, Murray was engaged to be married, had embraced Christianity, and had been appointed to the 16-member Player Advisory Council.
U.S. Open champion and Murray's friend of 20 years Webb Simpson also spoke out about the huge loss.
Speaking about Murray's Christian faith, Webb said: "He has really explored his faith over the years, and it seems like the last six months to eight months, he had really started committing his life to Christ and trying to honor Christ with his life.
"It definitely seemed like there was more of a lightness to him in a good way over these past few months when I would see him."
Golfer Bubba Watson tweeted: "Very sad to hear the news of Grayson Murray’s passing today. Life is so fragile… I was just hugging you at the Masters, telling you how proud of you I am. Thankful to have known you.
"My deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. He will be missed."
Luke Donald also paid tribute, writing on X: "Truly devastating news that Grayson Murray has passed away. He asked me for some advice on how to play Augusta a few months ago, last week I saw him at the PGA Championship, life truly is precious.
"My condolences and prayers to his whole family that they may find some peace."
Our thoughts continue to go out to Murray's family, friends, and fans at this time.
