The tragic death by suicide of professional golfer Grayson Murray has started a conversation around the mental health provisions of individual sports like golf. In January 2024, Grayson Murray won the Sony Open in Hawaii after a birdie on the first playoff hole. "My life is so good right now," said Murray, who has openly discussed his struggles with depression and alcohol .
"I wouldn't trade anything. I have a beautiful fiancée. I have beautiful parents.
I have beautiful nephews, siblings. Everyone in my life right now who is close to me who has been through the struggles with me, it's all a team effort." Four months later, one day after Murray had walked off the green of a PGA event in Texas, Murray died by suicide.
He was 30 years old. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan confirmed grief counsellors would be available at the upcoming PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour events, but the tragic news has also started a conversation around the provisions of individual sports like golf. Proactive approach required Back in 2021, Murray slammed the PGA Tour in a since-deleted tweet that criticized the competition for not giving him the right resources to address his anxiety, depression, and trouble with alcohol.
The North Carolina native posted "the PGA Tour didn't force me to drink, but the PGA Tour never gave me help." Murray added that in his five years on the tour he had only ever received the following response from the Player Advisory Council: "we will get back to you." Monahan said .
