Professional golfer Grayson Murray has passed away at the age of 30. His death comes after he withdrew on Friday during the second round of the 2024 Charles Schwab Challenge, citing an illness.
"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," said PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan 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."
Monahan reached out to Murray's parents to offer his deepest condolences. "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," he added.
Murray, an undeniable talent, was the second-youngest golfer in history to make the cut on the Korn Ferry Tour before eventually turning professional in 2015. Throughout his career, he alternated between the Korn Ferry Tour and the PGA Tour, becoming a polarizing figure due to frequent on-course outbursts.
Despite these challenges, his potential was evident. He won twice on the PGA Tour, capturing the 2017 Barbasol Championship and the 2024 Sony Open in Hawaii, along with three victories on the Korn Ferry Tour.
Winning the Sony Open appeared to mark a turning point for Murray, who had battled anxiety, depression, and alcohol abuse throughout his career. In January, he announced he had been sober since early 2023, crediting his faith and fiancée for helping him stay grounded.
"Yes, I would drink during tournament weeks," Murray said after his Sony Open win. "It was my outlet. I thought I was invincible coming out here as a 22-year-old, winning as a rookie, played three days hungover when I won. The best thing and worst thing that ever happened to me was winning my rookie year — but also feeling like I was invincible."
Murray emphasized his road to recovery, saying, "It took me a long time to get to this point... I'm a different man now. I would not be in this position today if I didn't put that drink down eight months ago."
He added, "People who don't know me, I'll have to show it through my actions, and they'll get back on Grayson's side. My demeanor is so much better. It's really a lot of fun now. I really don't live and die by a golf shot anymore. I'm not going to sit here and say it's going to be all glory and roses, but it's going to be a lot better."
A native of Raleigh, North Carolina, Murray attended Wake Forest, East Carolina, and Arizona State, where he played golf before turning pro. In 141 career PGA Tour starts, he achieved 10 top-10 finishes, including his two victories.
The PGA Tour has provided grief counselors at both tournament sites this week and made others available virtually for its members.
CBS Sports will continue updating this breaking news story.
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