PGA Tour golfer Grayson Murray dies aged 30, just 24 hours after withdrawing from this week's event in Texas due to 'illness'

Two-time PGA Tour winner Grayson Murray has died aged 30.

The American's death was announced by the PGA Tour on Saturday, 24 hours after he withdrew towards the end of his second round of the Charles Schwab Challenge in Texas. He had told his fellow players that he felt bad.

No cause of death has been given, with Commissioner Jay Monahan left “lost for words”.

“We are devastated to learn – and heartbroken to share – that PGA Tour player Grayson Murray passed away this morning,” Monahan said of the world No. 58.

“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.

The world number 58 appears alongside his fiancee, Christiana, in a post from earlier this year.

Just last month, Murray's girlfriend Christiana caddied for him during the Par 3 contest before The Masters. The couple were to marry in the spring of 2024. He he had previously spoken about his struggles with alcohol and his mental health.

“My parents have been through hell and back basically for the last six years with me, battling some mental stuff,” he once revealed.

“It's not easy for me and the people around me to love me. They don't like to see me down and they've been my number 1 supporters and everyone has their battles.

'Sometimes people are able to hide them and function and sometimes they are not. I think our society is getting better now by accepting that it's okay not to be okay.”

She added: “I'm not ashamed that I go through depression and anxiety. I know I've helped people in the past just through my social media emails, people messaging me, and I can use the my platform to continue helping with things like this.

Murray and his fiancee, Christiana, after his win at the Sony Open in Hawaii in January

Murray, who was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, was photographed alongside golf legend John Daly

At the Sony Open in Hawaii in January, when he won his second PGA Tour title, the North Carolina native gave a moving interview about tough times away from the course.

“My rookie year in 2017 — I was young and I thought I was invincible and I wasn't doing the right things off the course to really give myself the best chance to be successful here,” he said.

“Over the years, I've given up a few times and when I try to give up, someone gives me a little more inspiration, saying, 'Hey, you've got it, you can do it.'

“These are just the people close to me that I really lean on in the hard times and I just have to keep moving forward. That's the only way I know how to do it.

Murray flanked by NBA legends Andre Iguodala (left) and Stephen Curry (right)

Christiana caddied for Murray during the Par 3 contest before this year's Masters at Augusta

He admitted there were “multiple low points”, adding: “Obviously I've talked about drinking in the past and I'm over eight months sober and I have a beautiful girlfriend who I love so much, she gives me so much support me and my parents support me.

“My caddy, Jay (Green), is one of my biggest cheerleaders. And he makes everything so easy when I'm out here inside the ropes. When everyone in my circle loves me and stands by me when I have these hard days. And I still have hard days, but now I feel much more at peace inside the ropes.”

Green released a heartbreaking statement shortly after Murray's death was confirmed. 'Grayson was the absolute best. Not only was he an amazing, thoughtful and generous boss, he was an even better friend,” she said.

“He would seriously do anything for anyone. He has the best family, and my heart goes out to them. He will be deeply missed by all of us.

Earlier this week, Murray shot a two-under par 68 in his first round, but was five over for his second round when he withdrew from the tournament.

The North Carolina native tied for 43rd at last week's PGA Championship at Valhalla

Murray's caddy, Jay Green, issued a heartbreaking statement after his death was confirmed

Play continued Saturday at the Colonial, even after the devastating news, with Monahan revealing, “I reached out to Grayson's parents to offer our deepest condolences, and during that conversation, they asked that we continue the tournament

'They were adamant that Grayson would want us to do it. As difficult as it may be, we want to respect your wishes.

“The PGA Tour has grief counselors available at both tournament sites (the PGA Tour and this week's Korn Ferry Tour events) as well as virtually for those not on the course. I'm on my way to Ft. It's worth it and we'll share more information when we can.'

Murray was a bright prospect, winning three consecutive Callaway World Junior Championships between 2006 and 2008. He made his first cut on the Korn Ferry Tour at just 16 years old and was the top golfer in his age group.

“He has the best family, and my heart goes out to them. We will all miss him deeply,” Green said

He then turned pro in 2015 before winning twice on the PGA Tour. Murray won his first title in 2017 at the Barbasol Championship, when he was just 24 years old. His second and final title came in January in Hawaii.

Murray tied for 43rd last week PGA Championship and finished the 2024 Master's at 51.

European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald also paid tribute to Murray, writing on social media on Saturday: “Truly devastating news that Grayson Murray has passed away.

“He asked me for advice on how to play Augusta a few months ago, last week I saw him at the PGA Championship, life really is beautiful. My condolences and prayers to all his family that they find some peace.”