Grayson Murray, a talented and beloved PGA TOUR player, tragically passed away on Saturday. His untimely death has left the golfing community and his fans in deep sorrow.
"We were devastated to learn – and are heartbroken to share – that PGA TOUR player Grayson Murray passed away this morning. I am at a loss for words,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “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."
Commissioner Monahan personally reached out to Grayson's parents to extend his deepest condolences. Despite their immense grief, they requested that the tournament play continue, believing it’s what Grayson would have wanted. "As difficult as it will be, we want to respect their wishes,” Monahan added.
In the wake of this tragedy, grief counselors have been made available at this week’s PGA TOUR and Korn Ferry Tour events to support those affected. Commissioner Monahan, who traveled from the TOUR headquarters in Florida to Fort Worth, Texas, assured that more information would be shared as it becomes available.
Grayson Murray, only 30 years old, had a remarkable journey in the world of golf. His talent was evident from a young age, winning three consecutive Callaway Junior World Championships from 2006 to 2008, and consistently ranking as the top golfer in his age group. At just 16, he made his first cut on the Korn Ferry Tour, becoming the second-youngest player to achieve this milestone.
After attending Wake Forest University, East Carolina University, and Arizona State University, Murray’s professional career took off in 2016 when he received a sponsor exemption for a Korn Ferry Tour event near his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina. His top 10 finish at the Rex Hospital Open qualified him for another start, and another top 10 finish at the BMW Charity Pro-Am propelled his career forward.
He concluded that season with a victory at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship, finishing second on the Korn Ferry Tour money list and earning full status on the PGA TOUR for the 2016-17 season, just before his 23rd birthday.
As a rookie on the PGA TOUR, Murray quickly made a name for himself by winning the 2017 Barbasol Championship at just 23 years old. His final-round 68 secured a one-shot victory and a two-year exemption through the 2019 PGA TOUR season. That year, he finished 66th in the FedExCup and earned nearly $1.5 million.
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Although Murray faced challenges in the following seasons, he found his form again in 2023 on the Korn Ferry Tour, winning the Advent Health Championship in Kansas City and the Simmons Bank Open outside of Nashville. These victories secured him fourth place on the tour’s points list and a return to the PGA TOUR for the subsequent season.
The 2024 season began on a high note for Murray with a dramatic playoff victory at the Sony Open in Hawaii. His birdie on the 72nd hole forced a playoff, where he then sank a 40-foot birdie putt on the first extra hole to defeat Byeong Hun An and Keegan Bradley. This victory elevated him to a career-high 46th in the Official World Golf Ranking.
Grayson Murray’s journey in golf was a testament to his talent, determination, and resilience. His achievements and the impact he had on those around him will not be forgotten. The golfing community mourns his loss deeply and extends heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.