PGA Golfer Grayson Murray Dies at 30 Years Old

Grayson Murray, a prominent PGA Tour golfer, has tragically passed away at the age of 30. The news was confirmed on Saturday, May 25, in a statement by PGA Tour officials on Twitter. “We were devastated to learn – and are heartbroken to share – that PGA TOUR player Grayson Murray passed away this morning,” read a statement from PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan. Although no official cause of death has been reported, the heartbreaking news comes less than 24 hours after Murray was forced to withdraw from the Charles Schwab Challenge in Texas, citing illness.

Commissioner Monahan expressed the deep sorrow felt by the entire PGA Tour community, stating, “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.” Monahan confirmed that he had reached out to Murray’s parents to convey the condolences of the PGA Tour. Despite the tragedy, Murray’s parents requested that the tournament continue, as they believed it was what Grayson would have wanted.

Grayson Murray leaves behind a remarkable legacy in the world of golf. His journey from a standout junior golfer to a PGA Tour champion was marked by pure talent and determination. Murray’s golfing prowess was evident from a young age, having clinched three consecutive Callaway Junior World Championships from 2006 to 2008. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the second-youngest player ever to make a cut on the Korn Ferry Tour at just 16 years old.

After attending Wake Forest University, East Carolina University, and Arizona State University, Murray’s breakthrough came in 2016 with a sponsor’s exemption into the Korn Ferry Tour event near his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina. He secured a top-10 finish at the Rex Hospital Open, earning another start, and continued his momentum with a top-10 finish at the BMW Charity Pro-Am. One of his crowning achievements came with his victory at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship, securing full status on the PGA Tour for the 2016-17 season.

As a PGA TOUR rookie, Murray made an immediate impact. In 2017, at just 23 years old, he secured victory at the Barbasol Championship, earning a two-year exemption through the 2019 PGA Tour season. Despite facing stiff competition, Murray finished 66th in the FedExCup and earned nearly $1.5 million. After several setbacks, he regained his form on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2023, clinching victories at the Advent Health Championship and the Simmons Bank Open, earning a return to the PGA Tour for the subsequent season.

Murray’s resilience and determination were evident as he kicked off the 2024 season with a playoff victory at the Sony Open in Hawaii, catapulting him to a career-high 46th in the Official World Golf Ranking. Tributes have since poured in from across the golfing community. Titleist tweeted, “We are heartbroken to learn about the sudden loss of Grayson Murray. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire PGA TOUR community during this impossibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Grayson.”

Golfer Bubba Watson expressed his sorrow, tweeting, “Very sad to hear the news of Grayson Murray’s passing today. Life is so fragile… I was just hugging you at the Masters, telling you how proud of you I am. Thankful to have known you. My deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. He will be missed.” The DP World Tour also shared their condolences, and Luke Donald paid tribute, reflecting on a recent interaction with Murray at the PGA Championship.

Our thoughts are with Murray’s family, friends, and fans during this difficult time, as they remember a talented golfer who left an indelible mark on the sport.