Memorable Moments: Golfer Peter Malnati Reflects on Rounds With Grayson Murray Prior to Tragic Passing
PGA Tour golfer Grayson Murray, aged 30, tragically passed away just a day after stepping back from the Charles Schwab Challenge tournament. Peter Malnati shares emotional memories of playing rounds with Murray before his untimely death.
Golfer Peter Malnati Tearfully Remembers Playing Rounds With Grayson Murray Days Before His Death
Peter Malnati and Grayson Murray Julio Aguilar/Getty Images ; Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Pro golfer Peter Malnati revealed that he played a round of golf with Grayson Murray the day before Murray passed away on Saturday, May 25.
Malnati, 36, shared with CBS Sports on Saturday that although he didn't know Murray well, he had spent the last two days with him. He became emotional as he expressed, "It’s funny, we get so worked up out here about a bad break here or a good break there. We’re so competitive. We’re so competitive out here. We all want to beat each other. Then something like this happens, and you realize, ‘We’re all just humans.’"
Malnati expressed that the day on the fairway was especially tough following Murray's passing at 30 years old.
He mentioned, "It's a really tough day because when you look at Grayson, you see someone who has openly faced challenges in the past, particularly with substance abuse and mental health. But you also see him making progress and feeling positive about his life again."
He expressed his sadness, mentioning that he had spent time with the golfer the day before. He praised the golfer's skills and performance on the course.
The PGA is currently holding the Charles Schwab Challenge tournament at the Colonial Golf Course in Fort Worth, Texas. The event started on Thursday, May 23, with Murray participating. Unfortunately, he had to withdraw from the remaining rounds due to an undisclosed illness. The tournament is set to conclude on Sunday, May 26, and the PGA commissioner mentioned that Murray's family gave their approval to continue as planned.
Murray’s cause of death has yet to be announced.
As Malnati and other PGA pros played on Saturday, they reflected on Murray's impact on the sport. “Obviously, the news hasn’t really sunk in quite yet, but I’m thinking about his family and praying hard for all of them,” Scottie Scheffler shared with CBS Sports after his round on Saturday. “I can’t imagine how difficult of a time this is. I got to know Grayson a bit better over the last six months or so, and yeah, really just, there’s not really a way to put into words how sad and tragic it is. I’m thinking about his family.”
The PGA announced on Saturday that Grayson Murray had passed away. PGA Commissioner Jay Monahan expressed his sorrow in a statement, saying, "We are devastated by the news of Grayson Murray's passing this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time."
Murray turned professional in 2015 and recently secured his second PGA Tour victory in January. Participating in the Masters last month was a new experience for him.
Fellow golfer Bubba Watson expressed his sadness upon hearing the news of Grayson Murray's passing. Watson shared his fond memories of Murray at the Masters, where he had congratulated him and expressed his pride. He extended his heartfelt condolences to Murray's loved ones during this challenging time, emphasizing that Murray will be greatly missed.
Murray is survived by his parents and his fiancée, Christiana Ritchie.
Editor's P/S:
The sudden passing of Grayson Murray has sent shockwaves through the PGA community, leaving many in disbelief and mourning. Pro golfer Peter Malnati's poignant reflections on their final round together serve as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. Murray's struggles with substance abuse and mental health are a testament to the challenges faced by many, highlighting the need for support and understanding within the golfing world.
Murray's recent successes, including his second PGA Tour victory and participation in the Masters, underscore his determination and talent. His passing has left a void in the sport, and his contributions to the game will be remembered. As the PGA tournament continues, Murray's memory will be honored, and the thoughts and prayers of the golfing community will be with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
