The American won the Sony Open this year after winning his first PGA Tour title in 2017
Saturday 25 May 2024 22:26, UK
Professional golfer Grayson Murray has died aged 30, the PGA Tour has said.
The American, a two-time tour winner who was number 58 in the world ranking, withdrew late in his second round at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, on Friday, citing an illness.
"We were devastated to learnand are heartbroken to sharethat PGA Tour player Grayson Murray passed away this morning. I am at a loss for words," said PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan.
"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."
Mr Monahan said he had spoken to Murray's parents to offer his condolences and they asked that the tournament continue.
"They were adamant that Grayson would want us to do so," he said. "As difficult as it will be, we want to respect their wishes."
Murray, who had dealt with alcohol and mental issues in the past, made a massive turnaround this year and to win the Sony Open at Honolulu in January, ending a six-year winless drought.
Read more from Sky News:RAF pilot dies after Spitfire crashNicki Minaj arrested hours before Manchester show
"Yeah, my parents have been through, you know, hell and back basically for the last six years with me fighting some mental stuff," Murray said at the time.
"It's not easy on me, and the people around me that love me, they don't like to see me down. They've been my number one supporters.
"There's a few friends as well that have been there and it makes these moments a lot more special."
Be the first to get
Install the Sky News app for free
Murray won his first PGA Tour title, the Barbasol Championship, in 2017.
His management company, GSE Worldwide, said in a statement: "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."
Sky News footer
