Two-time PGA Tour champion Grayson Murray has died at the age of 30.
The PGA Tour revealed the shocking news in a statement, with the American golfer passing away on Saturday morning.
Murray had withdrawn from playing at the Charles Schwab Challenge event in Texas on Friday due to illness.
He had shot a two-under-par 68 in his opening round, before lasting until the 16th hole in the second round.
The North Carolina native, who won the Sony Open in Hawaii in January, was ranked 58th in the world.
The circumstances of his death are unclear, with the PGA Tour and his management team expressing their shock and sadness.
Grayson was reportedly due to marry partner Christiana Ritchie later this year.
The PGA Tour confirmed the Charles Schwab Challenge, taking place at the Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, would continue this weekend despite the tragedy.
A statement from PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said: “We were devastated to learn – and are heartbroken to share – that PGA TOUR player Grayson Murray passed away this morning.
“I am at a loss for words. The PGA TOUR is a family, and when you lose a member of your family, you are never the same.
“We mourn Grayson and pray for comfort for his loved ones.
“I reached out to Grayson’s parents to offer our deepest condolences, and during that conversation, they asked that we continue with tournament play.
“They were adamant that Grayson would want us to do so. As difficult as it will be, we want to respect their wishes.”
The PGA Tour also stated that grief counsellors will be at venues for this week’s PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour events.
His management company, GSE Worldwide, said: “We will hold off on commenting until we learn further details, but out heart aches for his family, his friends and all who loved him during this very difficult time.”
Meanwhile, Murray’s caddie Jay Green posted an emotional statement, where he remarked: “Grayson was the absolute best.
“Not only was he an incredible, thoughtful and generous boss, he was an even better friend.
“He truly would do anything for anyone. He has the best family, and my heart goes out to them. We will all miss him deeply.”
Murray scooped the Barbasol Championship in 2017 to claim his first PGA Tour win and won his second career title earlier this year at the Sony Open in Hawaii.
His best performance at a major came when he was tied 22nd at the PGA Championship in 2017, and he finished in 51st place at this year’s Masters.
He collected $6.3million (£5m) in official prize money during his career on the PGA Tour since turning professional in 2015.
Murray had previously been a stand-out junior player, having won three straight Junior World Championships from 2006 to 2008.
After his victory in Hawaii in January, Grayson revealed he had been suffering with mental health issues.
He said: “My parents have been through hell and back basically for the last six years with me fighting some mental stuff.
“It’s not easy on me, and the people around me that love me, they don’t like to see me down. They’ve been my number one supporters. There’s a few friends as well that have been there and it makes these moments a lot more special.”
Grayson had previously revealed in 2021 that he had been receiving treatment for alcoholism.
Britain’s Ryder Cup hero Luke Donald was among those to pay tribute to Murray on social media following the tragic news of his passing.
Taking to X, he posted: “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.”
Meanwhile, two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson said: “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.”
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