The information of Grayson Murray’s passing broke round when CBS Sports activities got here on for its broadcast.
Followers not often see Jim Nantz at a loss for phrases, however it affected him when he needed to ship this information. His co-host, Trevor Immelman, shared sentiments much like Nantz’s in regards to the younger man. After the information went stay, golf didn’t really feel practically as essential.
In his assertion, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan insisted that Murray’s household wished the event to proceed, so it did.
As soon as gamers started to come back off the course, some spoke with Amanda Balionis on air, whereas others politely declined to speak. Webb Simpson and Peter Malnati each gave interviews with Balionis, and she or he allow them to have the stage.
Each Malnati and Murray have been PGA Tour winners this yr. The previous Arizona State golfer gained the Sony Open in Hawaii, whereas Malnati gained the Valspar Championship.
Each males gave heartfelt statements about Murray. Malnati broke down in tears as he tried to place his ideas into phrases. He put this tragedy into perspective the very best he may, and it was heartwrenching to look at him.
“That is gonna be actually arduous. I didn’t know Grayson all that effectively, however I spent the previous few days with him, and it’s so humorous…. we get so labored up out right here a couple of dangerous break right here or a very good break there,” Malnati stated combating by way of tears. “We’re so aggressive, so aggressive out right here. All of us need to beat one another.”
Balionis even wiped tears from her eyes as Malnati struggled to get out his phrases.
“Then one thing like this occurs, and also you understand we’re all simply people. That is only a actually, actually arduous day since you have a look at Grayson, and also you see in him somebody who has visibly, outwardly struggled prior to now, and he’s been open about it. And also you see him get his life again to a spot the place he’s feeling good about issues. It’s simply so unhappy.”
Whereas they’re all aggressive, the game doesn’t appear to matter as a lot when a heartbreaking tragedy like this occurs. Life is so brief, and Malnati’s phrases seemingly hit dwelling for a lot of watching.
Simpson and Murray, the two-time PGA Tour winner, had the identical swing coach for some time. Murray was additionally the primary winner of Simpson’s junior event.
Webb Simpson, who has identified Grayson Murray for 20 years: “It was an enormous shock. My coronary heart sank. I’ve had a junior event for 14 years now — the Webb Simpson Problem — he was the primary ever winner. I do not forget that day prefer it was yesterday when he acquired the trophy. I knew he…
— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterCBS) Could 25, 2024
As two Raleigh natives, Simpson has identified Murray since he was eight. He was additionally seemingly the primary to know, as their former coach advised him the information earlier immediately.
Murray brazenly mentioned his anxiousness and melancholy struggles. He additionally mentioned his points with alcohol and his newfound religion. After his win in Hawaii, issues seemed vivid for the 30-year-old.
Because the afternoon continued, present and former PGA Tour gamers posted their condolences on Twitter after they discovered that golf had misplaced certainly one of its up-and-coming standouts.
Bubba Watson, the LIV Golf RangeGoats captain, posted his phrases. Like Murray, he has dealt together with his personal psychological well being struggles.
“Life is so fragile… I used to be simply hugging you on the Masters, telling you ways pleased with you I’m. Grateful to have identified you,” Watson wrote.
Very unhappy to listen to the information of Grayson Murray’s passing immediately. Life is so fragile… I used to be simply hugging you on the Masters, telling you ways pleased with you I’m. Grateful to have identified you.
My deepest condolences to his household and buddies throughout this tough time. He might be missed.
— bubba watson (@bubbawatson) Could 25, 2024
Ryder Cup Staff Europe captain Luke Donald additionally shared a current story about his time with Murray.
Actually devastating information that Grayson Murray has handed away. He requested me for some recommendation on find out how to play Augusta just a few months in the past, final week I noticed him on the PGA Championship, life actually is treasured. My condolences and prayers to his entire household that they might discover some peace
— Luke Donald (@LukeDonald) Could 25, 2024
Rose, additionally within the Charles Schwab Problem discipline, wrote his personal phrases about Murray. He just lately spent numerous time with him as they performed collectively on the final three occasions.
I had the chance to spend just a few rounds of golf alongside Grayson in current weeks at Hilton Head, Quail Hole and Valhalla. I’ll at all times do not forget that and use it to remind myself that you simply by no means know what challenges folks have happening of their lives and the way they might be… pic.twitter.com/3yXnz1t8cK
— Justin ROSE (@JustinRose99) Could 25, 2024
As soon as he discovered about Murray’s loss of life, Scottie Scheffler declined to talk after his spherical. Many selected to not, and it mustn’t shock anybody. Murray might be missed by many on and off the PGA Tour. He was a lightweight and advocate for psychological well being struggles.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf workers author for SB Nation’s Enjoying By way of. For extra golf protection, you’ll want to observe us @_PlayingThrough on all main social platforms. You may also observe her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.
***If you happen to or somebody you recognize has a psychological sickness, is struggling emotionally or has issues about their psychological well being, there are methods to get assist. Name or textual content 988 or chat on-line to attach with a skilled disaster counselor. The Lifeline supplies 24-hour, confidential help to anybody in suicidal disaster or emotional misery.
