The game of golf has suffered an unexpected blow. After spending more than a quarter of a century playing the sport he loved the most, Grayson Murray has bid this world goodbye and gone on to the next. The sad news of his demise comes just a day after he withdrew from the ongoing PGA Tour event, the Charles Schwab Challenge, leaving the community with a heavy heart on Saturday.

An announcement was made by Jay Monahan on the PGA Tour’s official social media handle, divulging the details surrounding the same. Although the exact reason behind his departure has not been specified, the commissioner did make sure to express his condolences regarding the same while mourning for the golfer. Meanwhile, he wasn’t alone in doing so, as many in the golf world came forward to express their grief as well.

Jay Monahan and the PGA Tour express condolences for Grayson Murray’s death

“We were devastated to learn – and are heartbroken to share – that PGA TOUR player Grayson Murray passed away this morning,” disclosed the 54-year-old official before adding how he was at a loss for words due to the unfortunate news. Monahan then went ahead to mention how the PGA Tour is like a family before going ahead to express his condolences for the death of the 2-time PGA Tour champ; “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, at the same time, divulged how he had contacted the golfer’s parents and family to offer the same when they requested the commissioner to go ahead with the event from which he withdrew after the 16th hole during Round 2. Commenting on the tourney that is currently being held at the Colonial Golf Course, he recounted the conversation with his parents, “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 professional had earned his qualification for the Charles Schwab Challenge as a result of his second victory on the circuit at the Sony Open in Hawaii.

The official also went ahead to announce how there would be grief counselors available at the tournament sites for both the PGA Tour event as well as the Korn Ferry Tour event, the Visit Knoxville Open, in Tennessee. Moreover, he also added how they will be made available for those who are not physically present on the course as well before adding, “I am en route to Ft. Worth and will share more information when we can. “

The commissioner wasn’t the only person who expressed his condolences regarding Murray’s death. Many in the community came forward to offer the same as well when they learned of the unfortunate news surrounding the 30-year-old.

Golf world join hands to mourn the loss of Murray

Murray’s golf talent shone brightly even during his years as a junior golfer. The athlete won three consecutive Callaway Junior World Championships (2006-08) while ranking himself at the top of his age group. He followed the same style of play at the Korn Ferry Tour as a result of which he finished second on the money list which meant a Tour card for the 2016-17 PGA Tour season. Although he did struggle a bit after his first win at the 2017 Barbasol Championship, the pro regained his footing with the 2024 Sony Open victory.

His long journey did make him a well-liked colleague as well as an athlete. Consequently, many PGA Tour Pros as well as LIV golfers came forward to offer their sympathies to the family as well as their condolences. Shane Lowry and Justin Rose commented a ‘heartbroken’ emoji under the Instagram post while Luke Donald responded, “This is devastating news, thoughts and condolences to all his family.” At the same time, others including Michael Phelps, Matt Wallace, and Matthieu Pavon commented, “Thoughts and prayers to his family”, “Awful awful news. Terribly sad. Thoughts with everyone close to Grayson,” and “Terrible news. All my thoughts to the family and friends” respectively.

Bubba Watson couldn’t help but recount his meeting with Grayson Murray at the 2024 Masters where the latter finished T51 with a 10-over par overall; “Very sad to hear the news of Grayson Murray’s passing today. 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. My deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. He will be missed.”

Fast forward to the present. The golfer had withdrawn from the Charles Schwab Challenge after finishing the par-3 16th hole on the back nine with a bogey. He had also carded a 68(-2) in his first round which included five birdies and three bogeys. Many in the community went ahead to pray for him while asking about the reason for his passing; “Rest in peace”, “R.I.P.” and “He played 16 holes yesterday and then withdrew. Said he wasn’t feeling well is what I heard.”

The news of his demise is nothing short of saddening for the whole community. One can’t help but feel how the death was untimely and unfortunate, especially when it happened on the day after he pulled out of a tournament. Truly a piece of devastating news!