The news of Grayson Murray’s passing broke around when CBS Sports came on for its broadcast.
Fans rarely see Jim Nantz at a loss for words, but it affected him when he had to deliver this news. His co-host, Trevor Immelman, shared sentiments similar to Nantz’s about the young man. After the news went live, golf did not feel nearly as important.
In his statement, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan insisted that Murray’s family wanted the tournament to continue, so it did.
Once players began to come off the course, some spoke with Amanda Balionis on air, while others politely declined to talk. Webb Simpson and Peter Malnati both gave interviews with Balionis, and she let them have the stage.
Both Malnati and Murray were PGA Tour winners this year. The former Arizona State golfer won the Sony Open in Hawaii, while Malnati won the Valspar Championship.
Both men gave heartfelt statements about Murray. Malnati broke down in tears as he tried to put his thoughts into words. He put this tragedy into perspective the best he could, and it was heartwrenching to watch him.
“This is gonna be really hard. I didn’t know Grayson all that well, but I spent the last few days with him, and it’s so funny…. we get so worked up out here about a bad break here or a good break there,” Malnati said fighting through tears. “We’re so competitive, so competitive out here. We all want to beat each other.”
Balionis even wiped tears from her eyes as Malnati struggled to get out his words.
“Then something like this happens, and you realize we’re all just humans. This is just a really, really hard day because you look at Grayson, and you see in him someone who has visibly, outwardly struggled in the past, and he’s been open about it. And you see him get his life back to a place where he’s feeling good about things. It’s just so sad.”
While they are all competitive, the sport does not seem to matter as much when a heartbreaking tragedy like this happens. Life is so short, and Malnati’s words likely hit home for many watching.
Simpson and Murray, the two-time PGA Tour winner, had the same swing coach for a while. Murray was also the first winner of Simpson’s junior tournament.
Webb Simpson, who has known Grayson Murray for 20 years: “It was a huge shock. My heart sank. I’ve had a junior tournament for 14 years now — the Webb Simpson Challenge — he was the first ever winner. I remember that day like it was yesterday when he got the trophy. I knew he…
— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterCBS) May 25, 2024
As two Raleigh natives, Simpson has known Murray since he was eight. He was also likely the first to know, as their former coach told him the news earlier today.
Murray openly discussed his anxiety and depression struggles. He also discussed his issues with alcohol and his newfound faith. After his win in Hawaii, things looked bright for the 30-year-old.
As the afternoon continued, current and former PGA Tour players posted their condolences on Twitter after they learned that golf had lost one of its up-and-coming standouts.
Bubba Watson, the LIV Golf RangeGoats captain, posted his words. Like Murray, he has dealt with his own mental health struggles.
“Life is so fragile… I was just hugging you at the Masters, telling you how proud of you I am. Thankful to have known you,” Watson wrote.
Very sad to hear the news of Grayson Murray’s passing today. Life is so fragile… I was just hugging you at the Masters, telling you how proud of you I am. Thankful to have known you.
My deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. He will be missed.
— bubba watson (@bubbawatson) May 25, 2024
Ryder Cup Team Europe captain Luke Donald also shared a recent story about his time with Murray.
Truly devastating news that Grayson Murray has passed away. He asked me for some advice on how to play Augusta a few months ago, last week I saw him at the PGA Championship, life truly is precious. My condolences and prayers to his whole family that they may find some peace
— Luke Donald (@LukeDonald) May 25, 2024
Rose, also in the Charles Schwab Challenge field, wrote his own words about Murray. He recently spent a lot of time with him as they played together at the last three events.
I had the opportunity to spend a few rounds of golf alongside Grayson in recent weeks at Hilton Head, Quail Hollow and Valhalla. I will always remember that and use it to remind myself that you never know what challenges people have going on in their lives and how they may be… pic.twitter.com/3yXnz1t8cK
— Justin ROSE (@JustinRose99) May 25, 2024
Once he learned about Murray’s death, Scottie Scheffler declined to speak after his round. Many chose not to, and it should not surprise anyone. Murray will be missed by many on and off the PGA Tour. He was a light and advocate for mental health struggles.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, be sure to follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.
***If you or someone you know has a mental illness, is struggling emotionally or has concerns about their mental health, there are ways to get help. Call or text 988 or chat online to connect with a trained crisis counselor. The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
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