The American’s death has sent shockwaves through the golfing world,after Murray had pulled out of the Charles Schwab Challenge during his second round.
Two time PGA Tour winner Grayson Murray has died aged 30,only a day after withdrawing from a tournament in Texas.
The PGA Tour said Murray had not finished the last two holes of his second round in the Texas event,citing illness.
No cause has been given for Murray’s death.
“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,” PGA Tour Commissioner Jay 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.”
PGA Tour golfer Grayson Murray.AP
The PGA Tour has made grief counsellors available for players at the Charles Schwab Challenge.
Murray was five-over par with the final two holes remaining in his second round at Colonial in Fort Worth when he left the course.
Murray has publicly discussed his battles with alcoholism and mental health,and won his latest PGA Tour event at the Sony Open in Hawaii only four months ago. He said after the victory he received treatment for addiction and worked to return to form.
His death sparked an outpouring of tributes on social media and in person with world No.1 Scottie Scheffler paying tribute to Murray in Texas.
“Obviously the news hasn’t really sunk in quite yet,but I’m thinking about his family and praying hard for all of them,” the American said.
“I can’t imagine how difficult of a time this is. I got to know Grayson a bit better over the last six months or so and there’s not really a way to put into words how sad and tragic it is,but I’m thinking about his family.”
Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson posted on X,formerly known as Twitter:“Very sad to hear the news of Grayson Murray’s passing. Life is so fragile. I was just hugging you at the Masters,telling you how proud of you I am. Thankful to have known you.”
Murray,world No.58,made the cut and finished 51st at Augusta National last month before recording his second-best finish in a major when he was tied-43rd at the PGA Championship in Kentucky last week.
A North Carolina native,Murray grew into a standout golfer in his youth,becoming the second-youngest player to make the cut on the Korn Ferry Tour at 16 and playing as an amateur in the U.S. Open at 19. After attending Wake Forest,East Carolina and Arizona State,he earned full status on the PGA Tour for the 2016-17 season. He won the 2017 Barbasol Championship,earning his first victory on tour at 23.
Monahan said he reached out to Murray’s family to offer his condolences. During that conversation,Monahan said Murray’s parents “asked that we continue with tournament play.”
“They were adamant that Grayson would want us to do so,” Monahan said. “As difficult as it will be,we want to respect their wishes.”
with Reuters
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