News of Grayson Murray’s death broke as CBS Sports began broadcasting the game.
Fans rarely see Jim Nantz. Lost for wordsBut he was shocked when he had to deliver the news. Co-host Trevor Immelman echoed Nantz’s sentiments about the youngster, saying golf felt less important after the news aired.
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement that the tournament went on because Murray’s family wanted it to continue.
As the players began to leave the course, some spoke with Amanda Balionis on air, while others politely declined. Both Webb Simpson and Peter Malnati interviewed Balionis, and she handed the stage over to them.
Both Malnati and Murray are PGA Tour winners this year: Murray, a former Arizona State University golfer, won the Sony Open in Hawaii, while Malnati won the Valspar Championship.
Both men gave heartfelt statements about Murray, with Malnati in tears as he tried to put his feelings into words. He tried to portray the tragedy as accurately as possible, and it was heartbreaking to watch.
“This is going to be a really tough match. I didn’t know Grayson that well but we’ve spent the last few days together and it’s really funny. If we get a bad break here or a good break there, we all get really worked up,” Malnati said, fighting back tears. “We’re all very competitive here. We all want to beat each other.”
Balionis even wiped tears from his eyes while Malnati struggled to find the words.
“And when things like this happen, it makes you realize that we’re all just human. This is a really, really tough day because you look at Grayson and you see that he’s someone who’s obviously struggled in the past and he’s been very public about it, and then to see him get his life back and be happy with things, it’s just really sad.”
The players are all very competitive, but sports seem less important when a heartbreaking tragedy like this occurs. Life is short, and Malnati’s words will resonate with many watching.
Simpson and Murray, a two-time PGA Tour winner who won on the PGA Tour, shared the same swing coach for some time and Murray was Simpson’s first junior tournament winner.
Webb Simpson, who has known Grayson Murray for 20 years, said, “It was a huge shock. My heart sank. I’ve been running the junior tournament, the Webb Simpson Challenge, for 14 years now and he was the first to win it. I remember the day he received the trophy like it was yesterday. He…
— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterCBS) May 25, 2024
Simpson, who is also from Raleigh, has known Murray since they were 8 years old, and his former coach broke the news to him earlier today, so he was likely the first to know.
Murray has spoken openly about his struggles with anxiety and depression, as well as his alcohol problems and newfound faith, and things were looking bright for the 30-year-old after his win in Hawaii.
As the afternoon wore on, current and former PGA Tour players took to Twitter to express their condolences as the golf world learned it had lost a promising star.
Bubba Watson, captain of the LIV Golf Range Goats, posted his own words and, like Murray, he has dealt with his own mental health struggles.
“Life is so fragile… I just hugged you at the Masters and told you how proud I am of you. I am grateful to have known you,” Watson wrote.
So sad to hear the news of Grayson Murray’s passing today. Life is so fleeting…I just hugged you at the Masters and told you how proud I am of you. I’m grateful I knew you.
My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time, he will be greatly missed.
— Bubba Watson (@bubbawatson) May 25, 2024
Ryder Cup Team Europe captain Luke Donald also shared his memories of Murray.
It’s really sad news that Grayson Murray has passed away. A few months ago he asked me for advice on how to play at Augusta. I met him last week at the PGA Championship and life is truly precious. My condolences to his entire family. I pray that they find some peace.
— Luke Donald (@LukeDonald) May 25, 2024
Rose, who is also competing in the Charles Schwab Challenge, also had some words of his own about Murray, having recently spent a lot of time with him, having played alongside him at the past three tournaments.
Over the past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to play several rounds of golf with Grayson at Hilton Head, Quail Hollow and Valhalla. This is something I will always remember and remind myself that you never know what challenges you may encounter in life or what they may look like… pic.twitter.com/3yXnz1t8cK
— Justin Rose (@JustinRose99) May 25, 2024
Scottie Scheffler declined to comment after his round after learning of Murray’s death. Many players declined to comment, which comes as no surprise to anyone. Murray will be missed by many on and off the PGA Tour. He was a beacon and advocate for those struggling with mental health issues.
Savannah Lee Richardson is a Golf Staff Writer for SB Nation Playing Through. Follow us for more golf articles. Follow You can follow us on all major social platforms. You can also follow us on Twitter Follow Instagram: @savannah_leigh_sports
***If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental illness or emotional distress, Mental health concernsThere are ways to get help. Call or text 988 or Chat online Please contact a trained crisis counsellor. Lifeline provides confidential support 24 hours a day to anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress.
