Jackson Reid
On Saturday, May 26, 2024, 30-year-old professional golfer Grayson Murray died by suicide, shocking the sports community. The two-time PGA Tour winner had withdrawn from the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, a day before his death, citing illness. Murray's parents, Eric and Terry, confirmed their son's death in a statement released through the PGA Tour, expressing their grief and acknowledging the challenges he faced in his life. Murray had previously spoken about his struggles with alcohol, anxiety, and depression and shared his journey to sobriety. His death has left the golfing world mourning, with grief counselors made available at PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour events.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Golfer's name | Grayson Murray |
| Age | 30 |
| Day of death | Saturday |
| Date of death | 26th May 2024 |
| Manner of death | Suicide |
| Cause of death | Not mentioned in sources |
| Tournaments won | Barbasol Championship (2017), Sony Open (2024) |
| History of mental health issues | Yes |
| History of alcohol use | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Grayson Murray's history of alcohol use and mental health struggles
Grayson Murray, a professional golfer, died by suicide at the age of 30. In the days and months leading up to his death, Murray had been open about his mental health and alcohol use struggles.
Murray had a history of battling alcoholism, anxiety, and depression. He shared that he used to drink during tournament weeks, even playing three days hungover when he won as a rookie at the age of 22. He attributed his talent and feeling of invincibility as a rookie to his alcohol consumption, stating that winning in his first year was both the best and worst thing that happened to him.
Murray's alcohol use and subsequent mental health struggles were intertwined. He admitted that he had anxiety and depression, which he believed stemmed a lot from his alcohol use. He also experienced self-esteem issues and had days when he did not want to get out of bed, seeing himself as a failure and believing that his talent was going to waste.
However, in January 2024, Murray shared that he had been sober for eight months and credited this change with his success, stating, "I would not be in this position right now today if I didn't put that drink down eight months ago." He also acknowledged that he had struggled with his mental health and that it had taken him a long time to get to where he was.
Murray's openness about his journey served as a wake-up call to the professional golf world, highlighting the interconnected issues of alcoholism, addiction, and mental health. His courage to speak out and seek help inspired others and underscored the importance of prioritizing comprehensive mental health and addiction resources within the golfing community.
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The golfer's withdrawal from the Charles Schwab Challenge
Grayson Murray, a professional golfer, died by suicide, his family confirmed. The 30-year-old was a two-time PGA Tour winner and had gained full status on the PGA Tour in 2017. He had also won the Barbasol Championship in 2017 at the age of 23. Murray withdrew from the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, before his death the following day.
Murray had been open about his struggles with anxiety and depression, which he said stemmed from alcohol use. He had been sober for eight months before his death and was engaged to be married. He had also spoken about experiencing low self-esteem and feeling like a failure. Despite these challenges, Murray had turned his life around and achieved success in his career.
The Charles Schwab Challenge is a prestigious golf tournament that offers a substantial prize purse. In 2025, several notable golfers withdrew from the competition, including Matt Wallace, who turned down the chance to make his second European start of the year to take his place in the PGA Tour field. Brothers Rasmus and Nicolai Hojgaard, Zach Johnson, and Will Zalatoris also pulled out of the tournament, allowing other golfers to take their spots.
The withdrawals of these golfers from the Charles Schwab Challenge did not involve the same tragic circumstances as Grayson Murray's withdrawal in 2024. Murray's death by suicide shocked the sports community and served as a reminder of the importance of addressing mental health and seeking support. Grief counselors were made available at PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour events following Murray's death, highlighting the impact of his loss and the commitment to providing assistance to those affected.
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Grief counsellors at the PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour events
The tragic death of Grayson Murray has shocked the sports community, with the golfer's parents confirming that their son died by suicide. Murray, a two-time PGA Tour winner, had a promising career ahead of him. He had been open about his struggles with anxiety and depression, which he said stemmed from alcohol use, and shared that asking for help had changed his life.
In the wake of Murray's passing, the PGA Tour community has rallied together to support one another. Grief counsellors were made available at the PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour events, recognising that the loss of a member of their community has left many reeling. Korn Ferry Tour is the developmental tour for the PGA Tour, featuring professional golfers who are aspiring to or have previously been a part of the PGA Tour. The PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan shared his own grief, acknowledging the devastation felt by Murray's fellow players and emphasising Murray's courage.
The PGA Tour released a statement on behalf of Murray's parents, Eric and Terry, expressing their gratitude for the outpouring of support from the golf community. They shared their heartbreak, stating, "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." They also requested privacy and urged people to honour their son's memory by showing kindness to one another.
The Korn Ferry Tour, sponsored by Korn Ferry, a Los Angeles-based consulting firm, has been the primary pathway for golfers seeking PGA Tour membership since 2013. The tour offers Official World Golf Ranking points, and top performers can gain immediate promotion to the PGA Tour. The tour events closely resemble those of the PGA Tour, with 72-hole stroke play formats and prizes worth 18% of the total purse.
The grief counsellors at the PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour events serve as a vital support system during this difficult time, providing a space for golfers and community members to process their emotions and cope with the loss of a talented golfer and courageous man, Grayson Murray.
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The golfer's parents' statement about their son's death
We have spent the last 24 hours trying to come to terms with the fact that our son is gone. 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. 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.
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 honor Grayson by being kind to one another. If that becomes his legacy, we could ask for nothing else.
We would like to thank the PGA Tour and the entire world of golf for the outpouring of support. We are devastated and heartbroken to share that Grayson passed away. 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.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741, or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.
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Grayson Murray's career as a professional golfer
Professional golfer Grayson Murray had a promising career ahead of him, with his talent evident from a young age. He is remembered by his loved ones as a man with immense talent and a kind heart.
Murray's passion for golf was evident from his early years. Even as a child, he would dress up in his golf outfit to putt in his uncle's garage. At the age of 11, he already aspired to become a professional golfer. His dedication to the sport continued as he grew up, and he impressed a group of N.C. State golfers with his impressive shots while still in middle school.
Murray's career as a professional golfer began after playing at Wake Forest University, East Carolina University, and Arizona State University. He gained full status on the PGA Tour in 2017 and won his first title that same year at the Barbasol Championship at the young age of 23. This win marked the beginning of a successful career, with Murray going on to achieve more notable victories.
In 2023, Murray won twice on the Korn Ferry Tour, claiming victory at the AdventHealth Championship in Kansas City, Missouri, and the Simmons Bank Open outside Nashville, Tennessee. These wins earned him a tour card for the 2024 PGA Tour season.
The year 2024 marked a significant turning point for Murray. In January, he earned his second PGA Tour victory by winning the Sony Open in Hawaii, achieving this feat while sober. He attributed his success to his sobriety, stating that he had been sober for eight months and believed his best golf was yet to come. Murray's honesty about his struggles with alcohol and his journey to sobriety inspired many. This win also led to his appointment to the PGA Tour's 16-member player advisory council.
Unfortunately, Murray's life and promising career were cut short. In May 2024, at the age of 30, he died by suicide, shocking the sports community and leaving his loved ones with immense grief.
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Frequently asked questions
The 30-year-old professional golfer died by suicide on Saturday, May 26, 2024.
Yes, Murray was open about his struggles with anxiety, depression, and alcoholism. He had been sober for eight months before his death and credited sobriety and his supportive family for helping him feel "more at peace inside the ropes."
Murray's parents, Eric and Terry Murray, released a statement saying, "We have spent the last 24 hours trying to come to terms with the fact that our son is gone. 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." They added, "Life wasn't always easy for Grayson, and although he took his own life, we know he rests peacefully now."
