Terry and Eric Murray, parents of the late professional golfer Grayson Murray, revealed in an interview with “Today” that they suggested their son that they should leave the PGA tour after breaking down during a visit.
Murray tragically took his life on May 25, 2024, shocking and saddening the world of golf.
The 30-year-old fought alcohol and gambling addiction and dealt with anxiety and depression, but appeared to have turned the corner following the 2024 Sony Open victory in Hawaii .
still, Terry and Eric explained on wiveww That Murray felt behind the scenes pressure that comes with the highs and lows of his profession.
“He would have had a happy face on the road. Our house became his safe haven. If he was depressed, he would go to his room and for two and three days. He won't come out,” Terry said.
Once he visited his parents' house, Murray broke down and Eric described an emotional scene where the two were sitting on the couch, both crying.
“I was holding him like a baby,” Eric said.
Eric suggested that Murray leave the tour to focus on his mental health, but his love for professional golf was too big for him to stop him.
“I actually asked him to do that,” Eric said. “But Grayson loves golf and there's no place on the planet that was happier than a golf course. But at the same time, it was extremely difficult.”
Murray's death hit the world of golf violently.
PGA golfer Peter Marnaty Broken with tears While talking to CBS Sports after his death and two tour winner Akshay Batia, Murray described in an Instagram post as “a great friend who has always supported me.”
Eric and Terry have heard more stories about their son since his death. This includes buying Murray for the family of cancer children they encountered after parents found out they had transport issues.
“He told me, 'If I could help one person, it was worth it,” Eric said.
Eric and Terry founded it Grayson Murray Foundation Helps to increase mental health and addiction awareness and support.
According to Eric and Terry, the idea came from a book he found in a journal that continued to outline his desire to help people struggling with mental health through the foundation he wanted to set.
“I think he's proud to continue doing things we didn't have time to follow ourselves,” Terry said.
