Two-time PGA Tour winner Grayson Murray died Saturday at age 30, the PGA Tour announced.
Murray’s death Confirmed In an official statement posted on the PGA Tour’s website, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan expressed sadness at his passing and stressed that the entire sports community feels a deep sense of loss.
“We are heartbroken to learn that PGA Tour player Grayson Murray passed away this morning and are heartbroken to share that we are at a loss for words,” Monahan said. “The PGA Tour is like a family and when you lose a member of your family, it’s never the same. We mourn Grayson and pray for comfort for his loved ones.”
We are saddened and heartbroken to share that PGA Tour player Grayson Murray passed away this morning. https://t.co/JWGJ6Tz2jy
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 25, 2024
“We have reached out to Grayson’s parents to express our deepest condolences and, in that conversation, they have requested that tournament play continue,” Commissioner Monahan continued. “They have been adamant that this is his wish and, although difficult, we will respect their wishes.”
Murray’s second PGA TOUR victory at the 2024 Sony Open in Hawaii marks a major milestone in his career. According to a PGA TOUR announcement, Murray was known for his incredible golfing skills since he was a child and enjoyed early success, including winning the Callaway Junior World Championship three years in a row from 2006 to 2008. According to the announcement, his talent was evident from the moment he made his first qualifying appearance on the Korn Ferry Tour at just 16 years old, making him one of the youngest players to achieve this feat.
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL – MARCH 12: Grayson Murray of America hits a shot during a practice round before THE PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course on March 12, 2024 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)
Murray honed his skills at Wake Forest University, East Carolina University and Arizona State University, working hard academically and athletically to prepare for his big moment in 2016. A sponsor’s exemption allowed him to play in a Korn Ferry Tour event near his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina, which thrust him into the professional spotlight, the PGA Tour added. Murray’s victory at the United States Children’s Hospital Championship later that year earned him a full PGA Tour berth for the 2016-17 season. (RELATED: Police release new video of world No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler being arrested)
According to the PGA Tour, Murray won the Barbasol Championship in 2017, earning a two-year exemption into the 2019 PGA Tour season and finishing 66th in the FedEx Cup. Though he faced difficulties the season after that, his determination led him to a comeback on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2023, where he won two championships and earned his return to the PGA Tour.
Murray has risen to a career-best No. 46 in the Official World Golf Rankings following a playoff victory at the 2024 Sony Open in Hawaii.
Murray is engaged to Christiana Ritchie, whom he met at the 2021 American Express Tournament. according to Following the proposal on Dec. 11, 2023, the couple planned to marry in 2024 in Pinehurst, North Carolina, he told Golf Monthly.
