PGA Tour winner Grayson Murray passes away mid-tournament
The PGA Tour winner, Grayson Murray, passed away during the Charles Schwab Challenge at the age of 30. A sad day for golf enthusiasts around the world, who mourn the loss of one of America's most promising talents on the green.
Murray, who won his second PGA Tour title at this year's Sony Open in Hawaii, passed away on May 24th, after he abandoned the Charles Schwab Challenge, mid-tournament. According to the Spanish news network Antena 3, he pulled out with only two holes left to play.
"We are devastated to learn - and are heartbroken to share - that PGA Tour player Grayson Murray passed away this morning. I am at a loss of words," shared PGA Tour Commissioner, Jay Monahan.
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"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," Commissioner Monahan continued.
The American golfer was a standout talent from his youth after he won three consecutive Callaway Junior World Championships. He was the top-ranked golfer in his age group. He secured two important 'Top 10' finishes in the BMW Charity Pro-Am and the Rex Hospital Open, which launched him to the big stage.
At the age of 21, Murray earned full status on the PGA Tour for the 2016-17 season. He wasted little time establishing himself as a strong rookie, and wouldn't take too long to earn his first title on the road.
He won the 2017 Barbasol Championship while still just 23 years old, a remarkable achievement from the young golfer. "His final-round 68 not only secured a one-shot victory but also solidified a two-year exemption through the 2019 PGA Tour season," according to the PGA Tour.
Furthermore, he finished 66th in the FedExCup in 2017, earning a total of $1.5 million (€1.38m,£1.27m).
Grayson would go on to struggle to regain his form until 2023, on the Korn Ferry Tour, bagging two important wins. He finished fourth on the tour's points list and earned a spot back onto the PGA Tour for the following season.
Sadly, the family believes the American golfer took his own life, following years of battling alcoholism. "Life wasn't always easy for Grayson, and although he took his own life, we know he rests peacefully now," shared the family in an interview to the BBC.
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