Longtime PGA golfer Grayson Murray had died suddenly and unexpectedly at just 30 years old after withdrawing from this weekend’s tournament.
The tour announced that Murray withdrew from the Charles Schwab Classic, citing an illness.
The top golfer had already gotten off to a decent start in the tournament on Thursday when he shot two under 68.
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan wrote in a statement:
“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.”
“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.”
Murray’s management company, GSE Worldwide, confirmed the death.
“We will hold off on commenting until we learn further details, but our heart aches for his family, his friends and all who loved him during this very difficult time,” GSE said in a statement.
Jay Green, Murray’s caddie, lamented the loss of his “friend” in a statement to the Golf Channel.
“Grayson was the absolute best. Not only was he an incredible, thoughtful and generous boss, he was an even better friend,” Green wrote.
“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.”
ESPN reported: Monahan said he first learned of Murray’s death late Saturday morning and that he spoke with Murray’s parents to offer condolences. They asked that the tournament in Fort Worth, Texas, continue. The tour cited illness when Murray withdrew from Friday’s second round.
Monahan said grief counselors were on-site at the PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour event. He also flew to Texas on Saturday.
“To be in the locker room, to see the devastation on the faces of every player that’s coming in, it’s really difficult to see. And really just profound,” Monahan said on the CBS broadcast.
“Grayson was a remarkable player on the PGA Tour, but he was a very courageous man, as well. And I’ve always loved that about him, and I know that the locker room is filled with people that really will take that away when they think about Grayson.”
Several players shared stories of Murray on CBS’ coverage.
“It was a huge shock. My heart sank,” said Webb Simpson, who learned of Murray’s death shortly before teeing off Saturday. He said Murray was the first winner of his junior tournament and that they shared the same swing coach as juniors.
“I just hate it so much,” Simpson said. “I’m miss him. I’m thankful he was in the place with his faith before this morning happened.”
READ: Boy, 14, Dies from Heart Attack on Plane – Mother Suing Airline
