PGA TOUR winner Grayson Murray passes away at 30

 Grayson Murray, who recently secured his second PGA TOUR title at this year’s Sony Open in Hawaii, tragically passed away on Saturday.

"We are devastated to learn – and heartbroken to share – that PGA TOUR player Grayson Murray passed away this morning. I am at a loss for words,” PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan said. “The PGA TOUR is a family, and losing a member of our family is a profound loss. 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 requested that we continue with tournament play,” Commissioner Monahan continued. “They were certain that Grayson would want us to proceed. As difficult as it will be, we want to honor 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, stated that more information will be shared as it becomes available.

Murray, 30, was a standout golfer from a young age. He won three consecutive Callaway Junior World Championships (2006-08) and was the top-ranked golfer in his age group. He made his first cut on the Korn Ferry Tour at just 16, becoming the second-youngest player ever to do so. After attending Wake Forest University, East Carolina University, and Arizona State University, he got his big break in 2016 with a sponsor exemption into the Korn Ferry Tour event near his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina. A top 10 finish at the Rex Hospital Open earned him another start, and a subsequent top 10 at the BMW Charity Pro-Am set his professional career in motion. He concluded the season with a victory at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship, finishing second on the Korn Ferry Tour money list and earning full PGA TOUR status for the 2016-17 season. The win came just before his 23rd birthday.

As a rookie, Murray quickly made his mark on the PGA TOUR, winning the 2017 Barbasol Championship at 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 and earned nearly $1.5 million.

Though Murray faced struggles in the following seasons, he found his form again on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2023. Victories at the Advent Health Championship in Kansas City and the Simmons Bank Open outside of Nashville helped him finish fourth on the tour’s points list, earning a return to the PGA TOUR for the following season.

Murray's 2024 season began with a thrilling playoff victory at the Sony Open in Hawaii. A clutch up-and-down on the 72nd hole for a birdie forced a playoff, and he 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.

Grayson Murray's untimely passing is a significant loss to the golfing community. His talent, perseverance, and competitive spirit will be remembered by all who had the privilege to know and watch him. The entire PGA TOUR family extends its deepest sympathies to his loved ones during this difficult time.