The golf world is still reeling after the death of Grayson Murray, who died by suicide Saturday after withdrawing from the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club in Forth Worth.
His family confirmed the cause of death Sunday, Fox News reported.
Eric and Terry Murray released a statement which said their son “took his own life” on Saturday.
Murray scored a 68 in his first round but struggled after that with three straight bogeys on holes 14-16, according to Golf Digest.
After that he withdrew from the tournament, citing illness.
Murray struggled with Alcohol addiction and depression for many years.
He won the Sony Open in January.
“It’s not easy. I wanted to give up a lot of times. Give up on myself. Give up on the game of golf. Give up on life, at times,” he said after the win.
Murray’s caddie, Jay Green, spoke about Murray’s character as a human being and a golfer, Fox News reported.
“Grayson was the absolute best,” Green said. “Not only was he an incredible, thoughtful and generous boss, he was an even better friend. He would truly do anything for anyone.”
“He has the best family, and my heart goes out to them. We will all miss him deeply,” Green said.
Golfer Harry Higgs, who won the Korn Ferry Tour’s AdventHealth Championship over the weekend, spoke about the loss of Murray and being nice to each another.
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said officials considered stopping play in the Charles Schwab Challenge so players could mourn Murray’s death, but the family wanted the tournament to continue.
Play did go on with players remembering Murray by wearing black, red, gray and white ribbons — the colors of the Carolina Hurricanes, the NHL team of Murray’s hometown, Raleigh, North Carolina
The family also released a statement about their loss.
“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,” Murray’s parents said.
“We have so many questions that have no answers. But one,” they said. “Was Grayson loved? 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,” they said.
