Grayson Murray: the life and death story of a golf star that shocked the world
29 may 2024 в 16:38
The death of Grayson Murray left the golf world in mourning. The two-time PGA Tour winner was one of the league’s brightest stars and was recognized as one of the best golfers in the world. His premature death at the age of 30 shocked fans.
Learn more about Murray, his life, family, and career below.
Murray was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. He attended Wake Forest University, then transferred to play golf at East Carolina University. After a few weeks, he transferred to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, but ultimately enrolled at Arizona State University.
The late golfer has two PGA Tour titles to his name — the 2017 Barbasol Championship in Kentucky and the 2014 Sony Open Championship in Hawaii.
After winning the Sony Open Championship in January 2024, Murray opened up about his personal struggles during an interview with Golf Monthly. He admitted that he «drank during tournament weeks» and called alcohol his «escape».
«I thought I was invincible when I came here at 22, won as a rookie, played three days hungover when I won», - Murray confessed. «The best and worst thing that happened to me was winning in my rookie year, but also feeling like I was invincible. … It took me a long time to get to this point».
Stating that he had come a long way in his recovery, Murray explained how he managed to quit drinking.
«It was over seven years ago. I’m a completely different person now», - he insisted. «I wouldn’t be in this position today if I hadn’t put that drink down eight months ago».
In addition to alcoholism, Murray described his struggles with anxiety and depression. The late athlete indicated that he «sought help» and was able to overcome it.
«There were days when I didn’t want to get out of bed. I just thought I was a failure», - Murray shared. «I always considered myself a failure. I thought I had a lot of talent that was just wasted».
He also noted that his anxiety and depression «largely stemmed from alcohol use».
«It's hard for me to compare myself to others, self-esteem. There are a lot of issues that — I call them issues», - Murray added. «I got tired of trying to fight this alone, and one day I asked for help, and that’s when my life changed».
Murray was engaged to his fiancée, Christiana Ritchie, whom he first met in 2021. The late golfer proposed to Christiana in December 2023, and he announced their engagement in a now-deleted Instagram post, according to Us Weekly.
«The easiest decision of my life», - Murray captioned the now-deleted post. «I love you so much, baby. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you. God is so good».
According to Murray’s parents, Erica and Terry Murray, the late athlete took his own life. In a statement released by the PGA Tour on behalf of the Murray family, Erica and Terry noted, «Life was not always easy for Grayson, and while he took his own life, we know he is now at peace».
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1−800−273-TALK (8255).
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1−800−662-HELP (4357)
Learn more about Murray, his life, family, and career below.
Murray was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. He attended Wake Forest University, then transferred to play golf at East Carolina University. After a few weeks, he transferred to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, but ultimately enrolled at Arizona State University.
The late golfer has two PGA Tour titles to his name — the 2017 Barbasol Championship in Kentucky and the 2014 Sony Open Championship in Hawaii.
After winning the Sony Open Championship in January 2024, Murray opened up about his personal struggles during an interview with Golf Monthly. He admitted that he «drank during tournament weeks» and called alcohol his «escape».
«I thought I was invincible when I came here at 22, won as a rookie, played three days hungover when I won», - Murray confessed. «The best and worst thing that happened to me was winning in my rookie year, but also feeling like I was invincible. … It took me a long time to get to this point».
Stating that he had come a long way in his recovery, Murray explained how he managed to quit drinking.
«It was over seven years ago. I’m a completely different person now», - he insisted. «I wouldn’t be in this position today if I hadn’t put that drink down eight months ago».
In addition to alcoholism, Murray described his struggles with anxiety and depression. The late athlete indicated that he «sought help» and was able to overcome it.
«There were days when I didn’t want to get out of bed. I just thought I was a failure», - Murray shared. «I always considered myself a failure. I thought I had a lot of talent that was just wasted».
He also noted that his anxiety and depression «largely stemmed from alcohol use».
«It's hard for me to compare myself to others, self-esteem. There are a lot of issues that — I call them issues», - Murray added. «I got tired of trying to fight this alone, and one day I asked for help, and that’s when my life changed».
Murray was engaged to his fiancée, Christiana Ritchie, whom he first met in 2021. The late golfer proposed to Christiana in December 2023, and he announced their engagement in a now-deleted Instagram post, according to Us Weekly.
«The easiest decision of my life», - Murray captioned the now-deleted post. «I love you so much, baby. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you. God is so good».
According to Murray’s parents, Erica and Terry Murray, the late athlete took his own life. In a statement released by the PGA Tour on behalf of the Murray family, Erica and Terry noted, «Life was not always easy for Grayson, and while he took his own life, we know he is now at peace».
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1−800−273-TALK (8255).
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1−800−662-HELP (4357)
© Kolganov Andrey
