PGA Tour player Murray’s death a stark reminder of depression’s grips

Amid the usual golf headlines—Scottie Scheffler’s legal battles and the condition of Colonial Country Club’s renovations—a devastating news struck on Saturday afternoon: PGA Tour player Grayson Murray was dead. This tragedy put everything else into perspective, underscoring the triviality of many of our daily concerns in the face of life and death.

On Sunday morning, Murray’s parents, Eric and Terry, issued a poignant statement:

“We have spent the last 24 hours trying to come to terms with the fact that our son is gone. It’s surreal that we not only have to admit it to ourselves, but that we also have to acknowledge it to the world. It’s a nightmare.

“We have so many questions that have no answers.

“But one.

“Was Grayson loved? The answer is yes. By us, his brother Cameron, his sister Erica, all of his extended family, by his friends, by his fellow players and – it seems – by many of you who are reading this. He was loved and he will be missed.

“We would like to thank the PGA TOUR and the entire world of golf for the outpouring of support. Life wasn’t always easy for Grayson, and although he took his own life, we know he rests peacefully now.

Please respect our privacy as we work through this incredible tragedy, and please honor Grayson by being kind to one another. If that becomes his legacy, we could ask for nothing else.

Thank you.”

The release also included an important reminder: “If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the United States at 988 or visit their website at 988lifeline.org.”

The announcement of Murray’s death serves as a stark reminder that we often don’t know what others are truly going through. The terms “mental health awareness” and “mental health crisis” have moved from hidden shame to potentially overused buzzwords, yet they represent complex, deeply personal struggles that we may never fully understand or solve despite advancements in science and increased funding.

Murray, 30, had achieved the rare feat of making it to the PGA Tour and winning tournaments. This level of success, which many might envy, didn’t shield him from his personal battles. Publicly, he had spoken about his struggles with depression and alcohol. In 2021, he criticized PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan for the perceived lack of support for mental health issues among players. Monahan, who flew to Fort Worth after learning of Murray’s death, had reportedly engaged in discussions with Murray and implemented programs to help players.

Following his victory at the Sony Open in January, Murray expressed optimism: “It just goes back to just my life is so good right now. I wouldn’t trade anything. Everyone in my life right now who is close to me who has been through the struggles with me, it’s all a team effort. I’m not sitting here – I am sitting here alone, but all of them are part of this.

“I think this is just the start of something really special.”

When Murray withdrew from the Charles Schwab Challenge on Friday afternoon due to not feeling well, it barely registered as unusual. Players frequently withdraw from tournaments, and his return to Florida seemed routine.

For many who knew him, that withdrawal was their last interaction with Murray. His tragic death exemplifies the unpredictable nature of depression. Despite his apparent contentment in January, by late May, he was gone—leaving behind unanswered questions that his parents and loved ones will wrestle with indefinitely.

In the wake of this tragedy, it’s crucial to remember the fragility of life and the hidden battles many endure. As we mourn Murray’s loss, let’s honor his memory by fostering kindness and understanding, reinforcing the importance of mental health support and awareness.