Grayson Murray parents release heartfelt statement on PGA Tour golfer's death

On Saturday, PGA commissioner Jay Monahan announced Grayson Murray, a two-time winner on the PGA Tour, had died. Murray’s parents, Eric and Terry, released a heartfelt message regarding their son’s death on Sunday.

“We have spent the last 24 hours trying to come to terms with the fact that our son is gone,” they wrote. “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. He was loved and he will be missed.

“We would like to thank the PGA Tour and the entire world of golf for the outpouring of support. 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.”

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.

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 would 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.”

On3’s Nick Schultz also contributed to this article.