PGA TOUR Winner Grayson Murray Passes Away at 30
A Rising Star Taken Too Soon
Grayson Murray, a promising talent in the world of professional golf, tragically passed away on Saturday at the age of 30. Murray, who recently claimed his second PGA TOUR title at this year’s Sony Open in Hawaii, leaves behind a legacy of determination and success.
PGA TOUR Family Mourns the Loss
“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,” expressed 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.
“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 have been made available at the venues for this week’s PGA TOUR and Korn Ferry Tour events. Commissioner Monahan, who traveled from TOUR headquarters in Florida to Fort Worth, Texas, indicated that more information would be shared as it becomes available.
A Remarkable Journey in Golf
Grayson Murray’s journey in golf began at a young age. A standout golfer from his youth, Murray won three consecutive Callaway Junior World Championships from 2006 to 2008 and was the top-ranked golfer in his age group. He made his first cut on the Korn Ferry Tour at the age of 16, becoming the second-youngest player ever to do so. After stints at Wake Forest University, East Carolina University, and Arizona State University, Murray’s professional career took off in 2016 when he was given a sponsor exemption into the Korn Ferry Tour event near his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina. He finished inside the top 10 at that event, the Rex Hospital Open, which qualified him for another start. He posted another top 10 at the BMW Charity Pro-Am, and soon after, his professional career soared. Murray concluded his 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. This win came just a week before his 23rd birthday.
As a rookie, Murray wasted little time establishing himself on golf’s biggest stage. He won the 2017 Barbasol Championship while still just 23 years old. His final-round 68 secured a one-shot victory and a two-year exemption through the 2019 PGA TOUR season. He finished 66th in the FedExCup standings, earning nearly $1.5 million.
Resurgence and Victory
Grayson Murray faced struggles in the following seasons on the PGA TOUR but found his game again in 2023 on the Korn Ferry Tour. He notched two victories – the Advent Health Championship in Kansas City and the Simmons Bank Open outside of Nashville – finishing fourth on the tour’s points list and earning a spot back on the PGA TOUR for the following season.
Murray opened the 2024 season with a playoff victory at the Sony Open in Hawaii. He made a clutch up-and-down on the 72nd hole for a birdie to force a playoff, then sank a 40-foot birdie putt on the first extra hole to defeat Byeong Hun An and Keegan Bradley. This victory propelled him to a career-high 46th in the Official World Golf Ranking.
Remembering Grayson Murray
The golf world is left in mourning as it remembers a player who showed immense talent and tenacity. Grayson Murray’s impact on the sport, his competitive spirit, and his memorable victories will not be forgotten. As the PGA TOUR continues its tournaments, the memory of Grayson Murray will be a poignant presence, inspiring both players and fans alike.