Grayson Murray, Two-time PGA Tour winner dies after Charles Schwab Challenge WD

Grayson Murray, a two-time winner on the PGA Tour, tragically passed away on Saturday. The PGA Tour announced the news during the third round of the Charles Schwab Challenge. Murray had withdrawn from the event in Fort Worth, Texas, with two holes left to play on Friday, citing an illness.

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan expressed deep sorrow in a memo to the membership. “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,” Monahan said. “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.”

Monahan further shared that he had reached out to Murray’s parents to offer condolences. They insisted that the tournament continue, as they believed Murray would have wanted. “As difficult as it will be, we want to respect their wishes,” Monahan added. He also mentioned that grief counselors would be available at both the PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour events, and that he was on his way to the Charles Schwab Challenge, promising more information would be provided as available.

Jay Green, Murray’s caddie, also shared his sentiments after the news broke. “Grayson was the absolute best,” Green texted Brentley Romine. “Not only was he an incredible, thoughtful, and generous boss, he was an even better friend. He truly would do anything for anyone. He has the best family and my heart goes out to them. We will all miss him deeply.”

Murray, originally from Raleigh, had collegiate stints at Wake Forest University, East Carolina University, and Arizona State University. His breakthrough came when he received a sponsor exemption for a Korn Ferry Tour event near Raleigh, finishing in the top 10 and earning a spot in the next event, where he again finished in the top 10 at the BMW Charity Open.

Murray won his first PGA Tour title as a rookie in 2017. His second win came earlier this year at the Sony Open in Hawaii, where he triumphed in a playoff by sinking a 40-foot birdie putt on the 73rd hole, defeating Byeong Hun An and Keegan Bradley. This victory propelled him to No. 46 in the Official World Golf Rankings.

Murray’s career, marked by highs and lows, included open discussions about his battles with alcohol, anxiety, and depression. However, his recent win in Hawaii had him optimistic about his future. He had spoken about his rediscovered faith and was engaged to Christiana Ritchie, whom he met in 2021.

Murray had made the cut in the first two majors of the year, finishing 51st at The Masters and T43 at the PGA