Golf Community Mourns Grayson Murray’s Death: “So Sad”

Numerous members of the golf world have released statements mourning the death of golfer Grayson Murray, who died over the weekend from suicide.

Murray’s cause of death was revealed by his parents in a statement on Sunday, asking to have their privacy respected as they deal with their loss. Webb Simpson, a professional golfer, said his “heart sank” when he heard the news of Murray’s death, adding that he recently played against him.

“We had a great time together, and his game looked good, and I just hate it,” Simpson said on Sunday. “I hate it so much; I’ve gotten to know him even better this year. We shared a meal together at Pebble Beach with his fiancee, and I know she’s hurting, and everyone associated with Grayson Murray is hurting. But I know that he came to faith, placed his faith in Jesus Christ this year, I think it was. And so, you know, I hate it, I miss him, but I’m thankful that he was in the place he was in with his faith before this morning happened.”

Fellow professional golfer Peter Malnati was visibly upset when asked about Murray’s death, crying for a bit before reflecting that the loss of a good friend makes one realize “we’re all just humans.” He added that Murray had been open about his personal struggles in the past and that he had seemed to get his life back to an area where “he’s feeling good about things.”

Murray’s parents, Eric and Terry, stated that the death of their son is “a nightmare,” and that it is “surreal” to have to deal with both his death and inform the world of it.

“Was Grayson loved? The answer is yes,” a statement from Murray’s parents read. “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.”

Golf on CBS issued its own statement, telling all players and caddies among the PGA Tour that the Murray family has asked them to wear either black or red ribbons during the Charles Schwab Challenge. The colors of the ribbons are meant to honor Murray, who would wear red and black during PGA Tour Sundays to pay homage to the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes.

Prior to his death, Murray made a name for himself in the world of golfing by winning three consecutive Callaway Junior World Championships between 2006 and 2008. This year alone, he reached a career-high rank of #46 in the Official World Golf Ranking.