US golf star Grayson Murray has died aged 30, the PGA Tour have confirmed.
The devastating news comes just 24 hours after Murray, a two-time PGA Tour winner, pulled out of the Charles Schwab Challenge during the second round of play.
After bogeying the 16th hole at the Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, it’s claimed Murray informed his playing partners of his decision to withdraw from the tournament, citing illness.
Murray won the second of his two PGA Tour titles at the Sony Open in Hawaii in January, a victory which took the North Carolina native to his highest ever ranking of 46.
‘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,’ a statement from PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan read.
‘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.’
In a heartfelt message on X, Luke Donald, Europe’s 2023 Ryder Cup captain, passed on his condolences to Murray’s loved ones and revealed the American had recently come to him for advice.
‘Truly devastating news that Grayson Murray has passed away,’ Donald wrote.
‘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.’
Truly devastating news that Grayson Murray has passed away. 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 ð
— Luke Donald (@LukeDonald) May 25, 2024
American sportscaster Jim Nantz appeared on the verge of tears as he broke the news on CBS’ live coverage from the Charles Schwab Challenge, revealing that Murray’s family had turned down the PGA Tour’s offer to halt play in Texas.
‘I just want to say that the Tour did offer to the family to stop play right here, basically at the top of the hour,’ he said.
‘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.’
After triumphing at Hawaii’s Sony Open at the start of the year, Murray spoke openly about the mental health battles he had been through in the past.
‘Yeah, my parents have been through, you know, hell and back basically for the last six years with me fighting some mental stuff,’ he said at the time.
‘It’s not easy on me, and the people around me that love me, they don’t like to see me down. They’ve been my number one supporters.
‘There’s a few friends as well that have been there and it makes these moments a lot more special.’