PGA Tour golfer Grayson Murray dies at age 30

Grayson Murray, a two-time winner on the PGA Tour, has died, commissioner Jay Monahan said in an announcement Saturday. He was 30 years old.

Murray withdrew from this week’s Charles Schwab Challenge after 16 holes in the second round due to an illness. He was 5-over during the round, which came after he shot a 68 to open play this week.

Details were scarce at the time of publication, but Monahan said more information would be available at a later time.

Devastating news as PGA Tour announces that Grayson Murray has died. Murray won his second PGA Tour event back in January at the Sony Open. He was just 30 years old. pic.twitter.com/fKljh7wSbn

— Brentley Romine (@BrentleyGC) May 25, 2024

“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,” Monahan said in a statement. “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.”

Murray started out the 2024 season strong, winning the Sony Open in Hawaii with a score of 17-under. He then missed three cuts in four tournaments, but got back on track when he finished 25th at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March.

One month later, Murray played in his first career Masters at Augusta National, finishing 51st in the field at 10-over. He also played in last week’s PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville and came in tied for 43rd with a score of 6-under.

Murray played college golf at Wake Forest, East Carolina and Arizona State before turning professional in 2015. Prior to this season, his only other win on the Tour came in 2017. He didn’t play on the PGA Tour last year, but regained his card while playing on the Korn Ferry Tour.

As CBS was preparing to begin its coverage of Saturday’s third round, Jim Nantz announced Murray’s death and said the broadcast will be “as respectful as we can” through the rest of play.

“I just want to say that the Tour did offer to the family to stop play right here, basically, the top of the hour,” Nantz said. “The family was, again, 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. Somehow, with heavy hearts, we’re gonna cover a golf tournament after a break. We’re gonna cover it and try the best we can, be as respectful as we can in our tone and in our hearts. We’ll continue live from Fort Worth as we remember Grayson Murray and this tragic news that has just hit us here on the PGA Tour.”