Paige Spiranac honored the late Grayson Murray on Sunday, reflecting on the PGA Tour pro’s kindness in a heartfelt tribute following his death by suicide Saturday.
In a post shared on X, the longtime golf influencer, 31, recalled how Murray “went out of his way” to celebrate her accomplishments, “whether big or small.”
“I’ve known Grayson since our junior golf days and I’ll never forget how he always went out of his way to congratulate me on accomplishments whether big or small. He had always been incredibly kind to me. Unbelievably sad and my prayers go out to his friends and family,” Spiranac wrote to her one million followers.
Murray won three Callaway Junior Championships from 2006-08. He later enrolled at Arizona State University in 2014.
Meanwhile, Spiranac began her collegiate golf career at the University of Arizona in 2011 before transferring to San Diego State for her sophomore year.
Murray’s parents revealed Sunday their son took his own life. He was 30 years old.
“We have spent the last 24 hours trying to come to terms with the fact that our son is gone,” Eric and Terry Murray said in a statement. “It’s surreal that we not only have to admit it to ourselves, but that we also have to acknowledge it to the world. It’s a nightmare.
“We have so many questions that have no answers. But one.
“Was Grayson loved? The answer is yes. By us, his brother Cameron, his sister Erica, all of his extended family, by his friends, by his fellow players and – it seems – by many of you who are reading this. He was loved and he will be missed.
“We would like to thank the PGA TOUR and the entire world of golf for the outpouring of support. Life wasn’t always easy for Grayson, and although he took his own life, we know he rests peacefully now.”
A two-time PGA Tour winner, Murray had been competing in this weekend’s Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, but withdrew Friday during the second round due to illness.
The news of his death was first reported Saturday.
Murray, who turned pro in 2015, had been open about his battles with alcoholism and depression in the past.
Upon winning the Sony Open in January, Murray spoke candidly about his struggles.
“It’s not easy,” Murray said. “I wanted to give up a lot of times. Give up on myself. Give up on the game of golf. Give up on life, at times.”
Members of the PGA Tour honored Murray on Sunday during the final round of the Charles Schwab Challenge by wearing red and black ribbons, a nod to his beloved Carolina Hurricanes, at the request of the Murray family.
Murray, a Raleigh, N.C., native, wore red and black on Sundays for the team.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.