PGA Tour winner dead at 30 as golf world rocked

A star golfer has died at the age of 30 in the middle of a tournament, with his parents revealing his heartbreaking cause of death.

Two-time PGA Tour winner Grayson Murray has died at the age of 30, golf officials announced on Sunday morning.

The star’s parents revealed a few hours later that he died by suicide.

“We have spent the last 24 hours trying to come to terms with the fact that our son is gone,” Eric and Terry Murray said in a statement.

“It’s surreal that we not only have to admit it to ourselves, but that we also have to acknowledge it to the world. It’s a nightmare.”

The couple said they 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 will be missed,” the statement continued.

“We would like to thank the PGA Tour and the entire world of gold 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 out privacy as we work through this incredible tragedy, and please honor Grayson by being kind to one another. If that becomes his legacy, we could ask for nothing else.”

Murray previously talked openly about battling depression and alcoholism, and he had recently been in the midst of a career resurgence, The NY Post reports.

After winning the Sony Open in January, Murray said that he had been sober for eight months.

Murray withdrew from the Charles Schwab Challenge on Saturday during the second round due to illness.

Golfer Grayson Murray has died at age 30. Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images.

“We were devastated to learn — and are heartbroken to share — that PGA Tour player Grayson Murray passed away this morning,” PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement.

“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. I reached out to Grayson’s parents to offer our deepest condolences, and during that conversation, they asked that we continue with tournament play. They were adamant that Grayson would want us to do so.

“As difficult as it will be, we want to respect their wishes. The PGA Tour has grief counsellors available at both tournament sites, as well as virtually for those not in the field. I am en route to Fort Worth and will share more information when we can.”

Murray withdrew from competition in the Charles Schwab Challenge on Friday, May 24, due to illness. Picture: Getty Images.

Murray won the Sony Open this past January as well as Barbasol Championship in 2017.

After the Sony Open win in Hawaii, an emotional Murray discussed the hard fight he had with mental issues and finding happiness and admitted he had considered suicide.“It’s not easy,” he said. “I wanted to give up a lot of times. Give up on myself. Give up on the game of golf. Give up on life, at times.”

Murray also praised his fiancée, Christiana Ritchie and Jesus, for giving him love and support during the hard times.

“When you get tired of fighting, let someone else fight for you. … I hope everyone at home watching can get a little inspiration from it. If I can just help one person, that’s all it takes … I knew today was not going to change my life, but it did change my career, and I’m excited.”

Grayson Murray previously talked openly about battling depression and alcoholism, and he had recently been in the midst of a career resurgence. Picture: Andrew Redington / Getty.

He had also been open earlier about battling depression and alcohol issues throughout his career, and said in 2023 that he had gotten sober.

“I just thought I was a failure,” he said. “I thought I had a lot of talent that was just a waste of talent.”

After playing collegiately at Wake Forest, East Carolina and Arizona State, Murray turned pro in 2015.

Including his two PGA Tour wins, Murray had 10 top-10 finishes.

CBS announcer Jim Nantz became emotional while announcing the news during the third round of the Charles Schwab Challenge on Saturday.

“I just want to say that the Tour did offer to the [Murray] family to stop play, right here basically at the top of the hour,” Nantz said on the broadcast. “The family was adamant that Grayson and the family wants the tournament to go on. Grayson Murray, gone way too soon, at the age of 30.

“It’s a sad day on the PGA tour. And somehow, with heavy hearts, we’re gonna cover a golf tournament after a break. We’re gonna cover it, we’re gonna try as best we can, be as respectful as we can in our tone and in our hearts.”