Grayson Murray, a two-time PGA Tour winner known for his battles with alcohol issues and depression, has died at the age of 30, according to PGA Tour officials.
Murray participated in the first round and part of the second round of this week’s Charles Schwab Challenge but withdrew from the event after 16 holes. The cause of death has not been listed.
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan stated staff and players, announcing the availability of grief counsellors and the continuation of the tournament as scheduled. “We were devastated to learn – and are heartbroken to share – that PGA Tour player Grayson Murray passed away this morning,” Monahan said. “I am at a loss for words. The PGA Tour is a family, and when you lose a member of your family, you are never the same. We mourn Grayson and pray for comfort for his loved ones.”
Murray’s family has asked for the tournament to continue, respecting what they believe would have been Grayson’s wishes.
Career Highlights and Challenges
Murray attended Wake Forest University, East Carolina University, and Arizona State University. He won the 2017 Barbasol Championship and the 2024 Sony Open in Hawaii. He showed early promise by capturing three straight IMG Junior World titles starting in 2006 and becoming the second youngest player to make the cut at a Korn Ferry Tour event at age 16. He also played in the 2013 U.S. Open at Merion as an amateur.
Despite his success, Murray faced significant personal struggles. He admitted to drinking during the week he won the Barbasol Championship and revealed that he played three days hungover when he won. “The best thing and worst thing that ever happened to me was winning my rookie year,” he said. “I think the alcohol brought a side out of me that wasn’t me. It was kind of the monster in me in a way.”
Murray’s career was marked by inconsistency and personal battles. He struggled to make cuts and dealt with jealousy towards peers who had greater success. He had a public Twitter spat with a fellow player, suffered a scooter accident in Bermuda in 2022, and threatened to quit on multiple occasions. He also faced anxiety and depression, and he often felt like a failure despite his talent.
A Turning Point
Murray’s life appeared to take a positive turn in 2023 when he got sober. He regained exempt status on the PGA Tour after winning twice on the Korn Ferry Tour last year and approached the 2024 season as a new beginning. “It was by choice,” he said of his sobriety. “It was time.”
Murray, a native of Raleigh, North Carolina, expressed optimism about his return to the PGA Tour. “I was young and thought I was invincible. Wasn’t doing the correct stuff off the course to really give myself the best chance to succeed out here,” he said. He also spoke fondly of his supportive fiancée and parents.
Public Struggles
Murray made headlines in 2021 when he opened up about his struggles with Tour life, which led to his alcoholism. He claimed he was on probation with the PGA Tour after getting drunk in a Hawaii hotel bar, despite causing “no scene whatsoever.” He also expressed disappointment that the Tour didn’t help him deal with his alcohol problem.
Final Thoughts
Grayson Murray’s death is a profound loss to the golfing community. His talent, struggles, and efforts to overcome personal demons have left an indelible mark on the sport. The PGA Tour and fans around the world mourn the loss of a promising player whose journey was cut tragically short.
