Grayson Murray's 'casual' final conversation with friend before tragic death

Golfer Carter Jenkins opened up about a "casual" final conversation that he had with Grayson Murray at their childhood stomping ground, Wildwood Green Golf Club in Raleigh, North Carolina. They exchanged thoughts on the Masters and the US Open in what Jenkins described as "casual conversation, the usual back and forth. I didn't expect it to be the last."

Jenkins and the golfing community were shocked to learn that 30-year-old Murray was found dead in his Florida home on Friday night, shortly after withdrawing from the Charles Schwab Challenge.

Murray's family has since disclosed the heartbreaking news that he took his own life, leaving friends such as Jenkins struggling to process the loss. "When I first got the news, I didn't really know what to think," Jenkins shared with Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News and Observer.

"It was a little bit of an out-of-body experience more than anything else. I sat there for about five minutes, didn't really know how to react to it.

"As the days have gone on, it's gotten more and more real, which makes it harder and harder. Especially being home this week at Raleigh Country Club. Every time I step on the property, it brings back what we used to do when we were in high school and when we were both out here."

Jenkins fondly recalled the days he and Murray honed their skills together at Leesville Road High School in northwestern Raleigh. Their friendly competition persisted as Jenkins advanced through the ranks of college and professional golf.

Jenkins remained true to his roots for his higher education, initially attending UNC-Greensboro before transferring to North Carolina in the Research Triangle, setting him on a path towards the professional golfing circuit. By 2024, Jenkins had already taken part in two PGA Tour events.

Murray became one of the world's top 50 golfers by January 2024. His crowning achievement early that year was clinching his second PGA Tour victory at the Sony Open in Hawaii, where he also boasted the highest cut-line percentage across 14 tour appearances in 2024.

Yet, Murray's impact extended far beyond the greens and fairways; he was lauded for his courageous stance on social injustice and candidness about his mental health struggles. "He was true to himself, he was not afraid to be himself," Jenkins explained.

"For as well-documented as his troubles have been, I think the positive impact he had on people when he was around them, the passion he had for the game that he loved, and that was all he ever wanted to do, leaves a bigger mark.

"Because everyone has troubles. Everyone has demons. He took his demons and was still able to have a phenomenal career and a phenomenal life with them. ... He was so comfortable in being who he was and made everyone else around him better for that."