'LOST FOR WORDS'
Grayson Murray dead aged 30: Golf star and two-time PGA Tour winner dies hours after withdrawing from tournament
The golfer told playing partners he was feeling unwell before his death
GOLF star and two-time PGA champion Grayson Murray has died at the age of 30.
The American golfer had pulled out of this week's PGA Charles Schwab Challenge in Texas just a day before his death was announced.
4
4
4
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said he was "lost for words" to learn the pro had died on Saturday morning.
Murray told playing partners in Texas he was feeling unwell before pulling out with just two holes left to play.
He said: "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.
"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."
In July 2017 Murray won the Barbasol Championship in his first PGA tour victory.
Then in January of this year he earned his second - winning the Sony Open in Hawaii.
Most read in Golf
The North Carolina native, who began his professional golfing career in 2015, had also competed in the Masters Tournament this year, the US open in 2022 and The Open Championship.
He first took part in the US Open as an amateur in 2013.
Murray's cause of death is not yet known.
He was reportedly due to marry his fiancee, Christiana, this Spring.
In January he said in an honest interview: "My rookie year was 2017 - I was young and thought I was invincible and wasn't doing the correct stuff off the course to really give myself the best chance to succeed out here.
"Over the years, I've given in a few times and then right when I try to give up, someone gives me a little bit more inspiration, saying: "Hey you got it, you can do it".
"Those are just the people that are close to me that I really lean on in hard times and I just have to keep pushing through. That's the only way I know how."
The brave golf pro went on to say: "I've obviously been vocal about the alcohol use in the past and I'm over eight months sober and I have a beautiful fiancee that I love so much, who's so supportive of me and my parents are so supportive of me.
"My caddie, Jay (Green), is one of my biggest cheerleaders. And it just makes everything so easy when I get out here inside the ropes.
"When everyone in my circle is just really pulling for me and they're right there with me when I do have those hard days. And I still have hard days but I feel a lot more at peace inside the ropes now."
Golf journalist Brentley Romine said Jay Green shared a heartfelt tribute via text after news of Murray's death broke.
He said: "Grayson was the absolute best. Not only was he an incredible, thoughtful and generous boss, he was an even better friend.
"He truly would do anything for anyone. He has the best family, and my heart goes out to them. We will all miss him deeply."
Monahan added: "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.
"The PGA Tour has grief counselors available at both tournament sites (this week's PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour events), as well as virtually for those not in the field.
"I am en route to Ft. Worth and will share more information when we can."
Golfer Luke Donald also paid tribute to the 30-year-old, writing: "Truly devastating news that Grayson Murray has passed away.
"He asked me for some advice on how to play Augusta a few months ago, last week I saw him at the PGA Championship, life truly is precious.
"My condolences and prayers to his whole family that they may find some peace."
The PGA published a detailed post online following Murray's passing.
They described him as: " a standout golfer from his youth".
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Detailing his achievements, they listed his impressive tours, event wins and victories over a span of almost 20 years.
The tribute said that following his PGA win in January, Murray "reached a career-high 46th in the Official World Golf Ranking after that victory".
4