Grayson Murray's Playing Partner, Fellow Golfers Emotionally Salute Late PGA Player

Patrick Andres | May 25, 2024

Grayson Murray acknowledges the patrons after a putt on the 16th green during the first round of the 2024 Masters Tournament. / Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

On Saturday, the golf world was shocked by the sudden death of PGA Tour player Grayson Murray at the age of 30. The American had won the Sony Open in Hawaii just four short months ago, on Jan. 14.

Murray played the first round of the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, on Thursday, and then withdrew on Friday citing an illness. His last playing partner, veteran countryman Peter Malnati, emotionally addressed his death in an interview with CBS.

"I didn't know Grayson all that well, but I spent the last two days with him," Malnati said. "We get so worked up out there about a bad break here or a good break there ... and then something like this happens, and you realize we're all just humans."

That was a powerful interview with Peter Malnati about Grayson Murray. It really puts things into perspective. pic.twitter.com/BH0q5TM5ZH

— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) May 25, 2024

Malnati expressed sadness at the fact that Murray—who has been candid about his struggles with alcoholism and mental illness—appeared to be doing well before his death, which several of his fellow players echoed.

Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson noted that he told Murray at the Masters that he was proud of him.

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

Veteran Luke Donald also expressed his condolences.

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

Murray won twice in his PGA Tour career—in Hawaii in January and at the Barbasol Championship in July 2017.