Grayson Murray: PGA Tour winner dies aged 30

PGA Tour winner Grayson Murray has died at the age of 30.

Commissioner Jay Monahan confirmed the news in a memo sent to members this afternoon.

“We were devastated to learn – and are heartbroken to share – that PGA Tour player Grayson Murray passed away this morning,” wrote Monahan. “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.”

World No.58 Murray won his second PGA Tour title at the Sony Open in January.

After opening with a 68, he withdrew from this week’s Charles Schwab Challenge citing illness.

“I reached out to Grayson’s parents to offer our deepest condolences and during that conversation, they asked that we continue with tournament play,” added Monahan. “They were adamant that Grayson would want us to do so. As difficult as it will be, we want to respect their wishes.”

Grief counselors will be available at the venues for this week’s PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour events, with Monahan is route to the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club.

Murray’s talent for golf was obvious from an early age. He won three consecutive Callaway Junior World Championships (2006-08) and was the was the top-ranked golfer in his age group. He subsequently made his first cut on the Korn Ferry Tour at age 16, becoming the second-youngest player ever to do so.

He turned professional in 2015 and, after winning the Web.com Tour money list in 2016, joined the PGA Tour in 2017. He won his first PGA Tour title, the Barbasol Championship, in 2017.

Off the course, Murray fought alcoholism and depression, was involved in multiple spats with fellow players, and was badly injured in a 2022 scooter accident.

He threatened to quit the game on multiple occasions but, after winning his second title in January this year, insisted that he was turning a corner.

“I was young and thought I was invincible,” he said. “I wasn’t doing the correct stuff off the course to really give myself the best chance to succeed out here.

“My scooter accident in Bermuda was really a low point in my life. I’ve obviously been vocal about the alcohol use in the past. I’m over eight months sober now. I have a beautiful fiancée that I love so much and who is so supportive of me, and my parents are so supportive of me.”

Only six days ago, Murray finished in a tie for 43rd at the PGA Championship.

Following news of his passing, fellow players were quick to pay tribute, including European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald.

“Truly devastating news that Grayson Murray has passed away,” wrote the Englishman. “He asked me for some advice on how to play Augusta a few months ago, last week I saw him at the PGA Championship, life truly is precious.

“My condolences and prayers to his whole family that they may find some peace.”

Michael McEwan is bunkered's Head of Content and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Head of Content