Rory McIlroy gives emotional reaction to Grayson Murray’s death | Golf | Sport

“It’s incredibly sad, first and foremost, and I think we’re all thinking of Grayson’s family and hoping that they’re doing OK and getting through this incredibly tough period,” the 35-year-old said to reporters. “It’s cliche, but it puts everything in perspective.

“At the end of the day, golf is golf and, yeah, we play it for a living, but it pales in comparison to the things that actually matter in life. I’ve had to realize that at times and I’m still working my through that in terms of not making golf the be-all and end-all for me. I think it slaps you in the face when something like that happens last week.

“It’s incredibly sad and everyone has to remember out here that we go out and we do things that a lot of people can’t, but at the end of the day we’re still human beings and we’re vulnerable and we’re fragile, and I think if there’s a lesson for anyone out there, it’s just to be kinder to each other.”

The golf world was rocked when news of Murray’s death was confirmed. The 30-year-old was participating in the Charles Schwab Challenge before suddenly withdrawing from the tournament in the second round with two holes remaining after shooting 68 through 16 holes.

Murray was found dead the following morning, and his parents confirmed that he took his own life. The 30-year-old’s parents released a statement confirming the cause of death and explained how devastated the family is as they come to terms with the passing of their loved one.

“We have spent the last 24 hours trying to come to terms with the fact that our son is gone. 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,” the statement read.

“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.”

Fellow golfer Peter Malnati couldn’t contain his emotions when asked about Murray’s passing. “This is gonna be really hard. I didn’t know Grayson all that well, but I spent the last few days with him and it’s so funny…. we get so worked up out here about a bad break here or a good break there,” a tearful Malnati told CBS reporter Amanda Balionis.

“This is just a really, really hard day because you look at Grayson and you see in him someone who has visibly, outwardly struggled in the past, and he’s been open about it. And you see him get his life back to a place where he’s feeling good about things. It’s just so sad.”

Additionally, CBS announcers Jim Nantz and former Masters champion Trevor Immelman also struggled to fight back tears after hearing of Murray’s death. Nantz added that the tour offered to stop the tournament but Murray’s family insisted it be continued for his sake.

“Grayson Murray, gone way too soon, at the age of 30. It’s a sad day on the PGA Tour and somehow, with heavy hearts, we’re gonna cover a golf tournament. After a break – we’re gonna cover it and we’re gonna try the best we can to be as respectful as we can in our tone and our hearts,” Nantz said.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler also offered his thoughts on the situation: “Obviously, the news hasn’t really sunk in quite yet, but I’m thinking about his family and praying hard for all of them. 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. There’s not really a way to put into words how sad and tragic it is, but I’m thinking about his family.”

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