Professional golfer Grayson Murray committed suicide, the day after withdrawing from a PGA Tour tournament, his parents announced on social media.
Murray, a two-time PGA Tour winner, died Saturday at age 30, shortly after withdrawing from the Charles Schwab Cup Challenge at Colonial.
“We have spent the past 24 hours trying to come to terms with the fact that our son is gone,” Grayson’s parents, Eric and Terry Murray, said in a statement. It was released through the PGA Tour. “It’s surreal that not only do we have to admit it, but we have to let the world know about it. It’s a nightmare.”
“We want to thank the PGA Tour and the golf community at large for the overwhelming support they have shown us. Life has not always been easy for Grayson and although he has taken his own life, we know he is now resting peacefully,” they added.
The parents asked that their privacy be respected and that people honour their son by “being kind to one another”.
Earlier this year, Murray won the Sony Open in Hawaii, his first victory in six-and-a-half years despite struggling with alcohol and mental health issues.
“It’s not easy,” Murray said shortly after his victory earlier this year, according to the Associated Press. “There have been so many times I’ve wanted to give up. I’ve wanted to give up on myself. I’ve wanted to give up on golf. I’ve wanted to give up on life.”
Murray tied for 43rd at the PGA Championship earlier this month after shooting 68 in the opening round at Colonial, then finished five over par in the next round with three consecutive bogeys before withdrawing due to illness, according to the newswire.
“We are heartbroken to learn that PGA Tour player Grayson Murray passed away this morning and are heartbroken to share that news. There are no words to express it,” PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said. said in a statement on Saturday. “The PGA Tour is a family, and when we lose a member of our family, it’s never the same. We mourn Grayson and pray for comfort for his loved ones.”
Monahan said Saturday he had spoken with Murray’s parents about pausing his play at Colonial, but they asked him to continue.
“They were adamant that this is what Grayson wanted, and although it’s difficult, we want to respect their wishes,” Monahan said.
The PGA announced that grief counselors will be available at PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour venues this week.
A native of Raleigh, North Carolina, Murray was considered one of the best golfers in the world from a young age, winning the Callaway Junior World Championship three years in a row. He was ranked among the top golfers of his age group and made his debut on the Korn Ferry Tour at age 16, becoming the second-youngest player in PGA Tour history to do so.
He played in the 2013 U.S. Open at age 19 and won the Barbasol Championship in 2017 at just 23 years old.
He is survived by his parents, brother Cameron, sister Erica, other relatives, friends and fellow players.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-NAMI (6264).
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