Grayson Murray, who died Saturday morning at the age of 30, had been open about his struggles with alcoholism and mental illness in the past.
Murray, a two-time PGA Tour winner, had long struggled with depression and alcoholism but had recently enjoyed a career resurgence.
He won two Korn Ferry tournaments in 2023 to re-qualify for his PGA Tour card, then won the Sony Open in January, his first win in seven years.
After winning the Sony Open in Hawaii, An emotional Murray spoke about his tough battle with mental health issues He then found happiness and admitted that he had considered suicide at one point.
“It’s not easy,” he says. “There have been many times when I wanted to give up. I wanted to give up on myself. I wanted to give up on golf. I wanted to give up on life.”
Murray also praised his fiancée, Christiana Ritchie, and Jesus for their love and support during the difficult time.
“When you get tired of fighting, get someone else to fight for you. … I hope that everyone watching at home is inspired in some way. If I can help just one person, that will be enough… I never thought today would change my life, but it has changed my career and I’m very excited.”
The Sony Open wasn’t the only time Murray spoke about his struggles with depression and alcoholism. After winning the Korn Ferry Tour’s AdventHealth Championship (his first win in six years at the time), he He thanked his parents for helping him through difficult times..
“Six years has been a long drought, a lot longer than I would have liked,” Murray said. “Here you have the best of times and the worst of times. It’s a very humbling sport. I’ve worked really hard and this is a testament to that hard work.”
“My parents have basically been through hell these last six years while I’ve been battling mental issues,” he added.
“It’s not easy for me. The people around me who love me don’t want to see me down. They are my biggest supporters. I also have a few friends who feel the same way. Sharing this moment with them makes it even more special.”
In 2021, Murray slammed the PGA Tour for not providing enough services to help players fight alcoholism.
“The PGA Tour did not force me to drink, but they did not help me,” Murray tweeted, which was later deleted. “In my 5 years playing on the Tour, I have never heard anything back from the Commissioner or PAC other than ‘we will get back to you.’ I hope that not only will the PGA Tour step up in the areas they need to step up, but that people will also take responsibility to do their part.”
Over the next few years, Murray worked through his issues with the PGA Tour. With Commissioner Jay Monahan The aim is to make the Tour more helpful to players struggling with their mental health.
“I’m at a loss for words,” PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said Saturday. “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.”
Murray was also appointed to the 16-member Player Advisory Committee.
“My story is not over yet. I feel like it’s just beginning,” Murray said in Hawaii. “I hope that I can inspire a lot of people who are struggling with their own issues.”
Murray, a Raleigh native, had withdrawn from the Charles Schwab Challenge on Friday before his death Saturday.
The cause of death has not been revealed.
