Grayson Murray’s ‘casual’ final conversation with friend before tragic death
In a poignant reflection, golfer Carter Jenkins recounted his last conversation with childhood friend Grayson Murray, held at their familiar haunt, Wildwood Green Golf Club in Raleigh, North Carolina. They casually discussed the Masters and the US Open, in what Jenkins described as a typical exchange. “It was just casual conversation, the usual back and…
In a poignant reflection, golfer Carter Jenkins recounted his last conversation with childhood friend Grayson Murray, held at their familiar haunt, Wildwood Green Golf Club in Raleigh, North Carolina. They casually discussed the Masters and the US Open, in what Jenkins described as a typical exchange. “It was just casual conversation, the usual back and forth. I didn’t expect it to be the last,” Jenkins noted.
The golfing community was deeply saddened by the news of 30-year-old Murray’s death, found in his Florida home on a Friday night, shortly after his withdrawal from the Charles Schwab Challenge. Murray’s family later revealed the heartbreaking truth that he had taken his own life, leaving friends like Jenkins grappling with the loss.
“When I first got the news, I didn’t really know what to think,” Jenkins shared with Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News and Observer. “It was a little bit of an out-of-body experience more than anything else. I sat there for about five minutes, didn’t really know how to react to it.”
As time passed, the reality of Murray’s death became more palpable for Jenkins. “It’s gotten more and more real, which makes it harder and harder. Especially being home this week at Raleigh Country Club. Every time I step on the property, it brings back what we used to do when we were in high school and when we were both out here.”
Jenkins reminisced about their days at Leesville Road High School in northwestern Raleigh, where their friendly competition began. This competitive spirit continued as Jenkins progressed through college and into professional golf. Jenkins remained close to his roots for higher education, attending UNC-Greensboro before transferring to North Carolina in the Research Triangle, setting the stage for his professional golfing career. By 2024, Jenkins had participated in two PGA Tour events.
Murray, on the other hand, rose to become one of the world’s top 50 golfers by January 2024, achieving his second PGA Tour victory at the Sony Open in Hawaii and maintaining the highest cut-line percentage across 14 tour appearances in 2024. Beyond his golfing prowess, Murray was recognized for his bravery in addressing social injustices and openly discussing his mental health struggles. “He was true to himself, he was not afraid to be himself,” Jenkins said.
Reflecting on Murray’s legacy, Jenkins emphasized the positive impact he had on those around him despite his well-documented troubles. “For as well-documented as his troubles have been, I think the positive impact he had on people when he was around them, the passion he had for the game that he loved, and that was all he ever wanted to do, leaves a bigger mark.”
“Everyone has troubles. Everyone has demons. He took his demons and was still able to have a phenomenal career and a phenomenal life with them. … He was so comfortable in being who he was and made everyone else around him better for that,” Jenkins concluded.