Grayson Murray: Tour pro’s suicide confirmed by parents

The parents of Grayson Murray have confirmed that the two-time PGA Tour winner died by suicide. 

In an emotional statement, released by the PGA Tour, Eric and Terry Murray revealed that the world No.58 “took his own life” in news that has rocked the sport this weekend.

Murray, 30, withdrew from the Charles Schwab Challenge on Friday citing ‘illness’.

His death was confirmed on Saturday afternoon by PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan.

“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.”

Now, in a statement, Murray’s parents have shared some further details around their son’s passing.

“We have spent the last 24 hours trying to come to terms with the fact that our son is gone,” they wrote. “It’s surreal that we not only have to admit to ourselves, but that we also have to acknowledge it to the world. It’s a nightmare.

“We have so many questions that have no answers. But one.

“Was Grayson loved? The answer is yes. By us, his brother Cameron, his sister Erica, all of his extended family, by his friends, by his fellow players and – it seems – by many of you who are reading this. He was loved and he will be missed.”

They added: “We would like to thank the PGA Tour and the entire world of golf for the outpouring of support. Life wasn’t always easy for Grayson, and although he took his own life, we know he rests peacefully now.

“Please respect our privacy as we work through this incredible tragedy, and please honour Grayson by being kind to one another.

“If that becomes his legacy, we could ask for nothing else.”

The golf world has been quick to pay its respects to Murray since news of his death broke.

European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald, former US Open champion Justin Rose and two-time major champion Justin Thomas led the tributes.

World No.1 Scottie Scheffler added his own thoughts after completing the third round of the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial.

“I’m thinking about his family and praying hard for all of them,” said the Masters champion.

“I can’t imagine how difficult of a time this is. I got to know Grayson a bit better over the last six months or so and  there’s not really a way to put into words how sad and tragic it is, but I’m thinking about his family.”

Murray’s long-time coach and mentor Ted Kiegel described himself as “absolutely numb” and “crushed” by the news.

“He was family. He was more than family,” wrote Kiegel. “We were kindred spirits, sharing so many victorious ‘life’ moments, while suffering through downturns that challenged his very essence. Leaning on each other, finding strength in each other. Having spent countless hours over 20+ years, we knew each other very well.”

Kiegel went on to say that Murray was a “kind and gentle soul that had the heart of a lion when it came to competing”, adding: “Words cannot express the tragedy of this moment. What I can say is Grayson came from something the was ordinary and made it extraordinary. He burned bright for the 30 years he gave us.”

Players wore red and black ribbons on Sunday in the final round of the Charles Schwab Challenge to honour Murray.

He wore the colours of his hometown Carolina Hurricanes, when competing on Sundays. His family requested that ribbons with the same colours be worn at Colonial.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered 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.

Deputy Editor