In a heartbreaking turn of events, the golf community is mourning the sudden loss of Grayson Murray, who passed away Saturday. Murray, a celebrated golfer who recently claimed victory at the Sony Open in Hawaii, was only 30 years old.
“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,” PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan said. “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,” Commissioner Monahan continued. “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. Commissioner Monahan is en route to the Charles Schwab Challenge and said more information will be shared when it is available.
Grayson Murray's journey in golf began with extraordinary promise. As a youth, he won three consecutive Callaway Junior World Championships from 2006 to 2008, establishing himself as the top-ranked golfer in his age group. At just 16, he made his first cut on the Korn Ferry Tour, becoming the second-youngest player ever to achieve this feat.
Murray's collegiate career saw him at Wake Forest University, East Carolina University, and Arizona State University before he got his big break in 2016. A sponsor's exemption into the Korn Ferry Tour event near his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina, set the stage for his professional rise. Top 10 finishes at the Rex Hospital Open and the BMW Charity Pro-Am propelled him into the spotlight, culminating in a victory at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship. This win secured his spot on the PGA TOUR for the 2016-17 season, just before his 23rd birthday.
Murray quickly made his mark on the PGA TOUR. His victory at the 2017 Barbasol Championship, at age 23, was a testament to his talent and determination. The win earned him a two-year exemption and he finished the season ranked 66th in the FedExCup standings, with earnings close to $1.5 million.
Despite his early success, Murray faced challenges in the following seasons. However, in 2023, he rediscovered his form on the Korn Ferry Tour, winning the Advent Health Championship in Kansas City and the Simmons Bank Open near Nashville. These victories secured his return to the PGA TOUR for the subsequent season.
Murray's resurgence culminated in a dramatic playoff victory at the Sony Open in Hawaii to open the 2024 season. His clutch performance, including a critical birdie on the 72nd hole and a 40-foot birdie putt in sudden death, secured his win over Byeong Hun An and Keegan Bradley. This triumph elevated him to a career-high 46th in the Official World Golf Ranking.
The golf community is united in grief over the loss of Grayson Murray. As the PGA TOUR and its members come to terms with this tragedy, they honor the legacy of a talented golfer whose life and career were filled with remarkable achievements and untapped potential. Grief counselors and support systems are in place to help those affected by this profound loss.
Grayson Murray's impact on the sport and the lives he touched will not be forgotten. His legacy will endure in the memories of those who knew him and in the history of the game he loved.
