Grayson Murray - a two-time winner on the PGA Tour - has tragically passed away at the age of 30.
The news was confirmed on Saturday (May 25) in a statement on X by PGA Tour officials.
"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.
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.
"The PGA TOUR is a family, and when you lose a member of your family, you are never the same," Commissioner Monahan continued in his statement. "We mourn Grayson and pray for comfort for his loved ones."
Monahan confirmed that he had reached out to Murray's parents to express the condolences of the PGA Tour, adding that the star's mom and dad requested that the tournament continue.
"They were adamant that Grayson would want us to do so. As difficult as it will be, we want to respect their wishes," Commissioner Monahan added.
At just 30 years old, Murray leaves behind an indelible mark on the world of golf. His journey from standout junior golfer to PGA Tour champion is one of pure talent and determination.
Murray's golfing prowess was evident from a young age. He clinched three consecutive Callaway Junior World Championships from 2006 to 2008 and quickly rose to the top ranks of his age group.
He would also go on to become the second-youngest player ever to make a cut on the Korn Ferry Tour at the young age of 16.
After stints at Wake Forest University, East Carolina University, and Arizona State University, Murray's breakthrough came in 2016. He was granted a sponsor’s exemption into the Korn Ferry Tour event near his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina.
Surpassing expectations, Murray secured a top-10 finish at the Rex Hospital Open, earning him another start. This momentum carried through to the BMW Charity Pro-Am, where he notched another top 10.
One of his many crowning achievements came with his victory at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship, securing full status on the PGA Tour for the 2016-17 season, just a week before his 23rd birthday.
As a PGA TOUR rookie, Murray wasted no time making his presence felt. In 2017, and at just 23 years old, he secured the victory at the Barbasol Championship.
His final-round heroics not only secured a one-shot victory but also granted him a two-year exemption through the 2019 PGA Tour season. Despite facing stiff competition, Murray finished 66th in the FedExCup and earned nearly $1.5 million.
After several setbacks, it wasn't until 2023 that he regained his form on the Korn Ferry Tour, clinching victories at the Advent Health Championship and the Simmons Bank Open. These triumphs propelled him to fourth on the tour’s points list, earning him a return to the PGA Tour for the subsequent season.
Murray's resilience and determination were on full display as he kicked off the 2024 season with a playoff victory at the Sony Open in Hawaii. A nerve-wracking up-and-down on the 72nd hole forced a playoff, where he would eventually prevail over Byeong Hun An and Keegan Bradley.
This victory catapulted him to a career-high 46th in the Official World Golf Ranking.
Tributes have since poured in for the star on social media.
"We are heartbroken to learn about the sudden loss of Grayson Murray," golfing specialists Titleist tweeted. "Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and the entire PGA TOUR community during this impossibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Grayson."
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."
Officials for the DP World Tour added: "The thoughts of everyone at the European Tour Group are with the family and friends of Grayson Murray at this incredibly sad time."
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 go out to Murray's family, friends, and fans at this time.
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