Grayson Murray, mental health, and the importance of reaching out

This week the PGA Tour has been reeling from the passing away of player, Grayson Murray. His death, ruled a suicide, has brought up the importance of talking about mental health struggles among players on the tour.

Murray, who passed away on Saturday, was a two-time winner on the PGA Tour. His most recent victory came this past January at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Murray had been open about his struggles with alcoholism, depression, and anxiety in the recent past.

In January of 2024, Murray commented that he had been sober for a few months. He was suspended by the PGA Tour in 2021 due to an alcohol-related incident. In an interview with Golf Digest, Murray commented on his past discretions. "I struggle with comparing myself to others, self-esteem. There's a lot of issues that — I call them issues. I think they're common issues that we all endure," said Murray.

His situation seems to be common among many players on tour. Many players such as Tony Finau, Justin Thomas, and Rickie Fowler have all commented in the past on their own struggles and how important it is for them to take care of themselves mentally. "The biggest thing is you think you have to be strong or not saying anything or not showing it but kind of owning or talking it out is ultimately kind of being strong," Fowler stated in an interview.

Murray's death was felt by all on the tour. After earning his first solo victory on the PGA Tour this past weekend at the Charles Schwab Challenge, Davis Riley commented emotionally on Murray's passing. Riley spoke about his heart going out to his family and that there was a little extra to play for on Sunday.

The PGA Tour released a statement about his passing as well as many articles celebrating the late golfer.

In each article, information was presented for anyone looking to seek help for their mental health struggles through the national suicide and crisis lifeline.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the United States at 988 or visit their website at 988lifeline.org.