Scottie Scheffler sends heartfelt message to Grayson Murray’s family after suicide: Major reason he came second in PGA Tour title

Scottie Scheffler came up short in his attempt to clinch a fifth PGA Tour title of the season, but the only thing on his mind was Grayson Murray after the two-time PGA Tour winner took his own life

Scottie Scheffler emotionally admitted it was difficult to focus on golf on Sunday after the news that his friend Grayson Murray took his own life.

Murray, 30, withdrew from the Charles Schwab Challenge after 16 holes of his second round on Friday, telling his playing partners he was feeling unwell. He was found dead on Saturday and his parents, Eric and Terry, later confirmed their son had ended his own life.

Murray had spoken openly about his struggles off the course over the years, battling mental health issues and alcohol addiction. But he had taken steps to turn his life around, announcing in January that he had been sober for eight months.

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World number one Scheffler was too upset to speak to reporters on camera on Saturday after learning of Murray’s passing when the Masters champion completed his third round. After his final round at Colonial in Fort Worth, Texas, he said he and Murray had grown close in recent months, spending time together before the PGA Championship at Valhalla the previous week.

Scheffler, 27, shared a message of support for Murray’s loved ones. He said: “Obviously, it was a pretty difficult day to come out to the golf course today with the news of Grayson yesterday. I spent that moment of silence today really thinking about him and praying for his family and his fiancee.

It was difficult to come and play golf, but like his parents said, he would have wanted the tournament to continue.

“I got to know him fairly well over the last few months, shared a couple of meals with him and played a couple of practice rounds. For a few hours, he was at our rental house last week. It’s a tough day for us out on tour and we’re thinking about his family and we’re praying hard for them, for sure.”

Scheffler was in contention to win his fifth PGA Tour event of the season, sitting in second place and starting the day four shots behind leader Davis Riley. But Scheffler carded a one-over-par final round to lose out by five shots on a sombre day for the world of golf.

It was a milestone day for Riley, claiming his first solo title on the PGA Tour, bringing with it numerous perks including entry to signature events and securing his tour card for two years. But the 27-year-old was quick to pay his respects to a fellow competitor gone too soon.

“It’s a super sad day in the golf world but my heart just goes to [Murray] and his family. There was definitely a little extra to play for today. Sad day and I have a heavy heart for his family and I hope for the best.”