PGA Tour fans praise legendary commentator for handling difficult moment 'in dignified manner'

PGA Tour fans praised legendary commentator Jim Nantz for his tribute to Grayson Murray on the one-year anniversary of his death.

Murray, a two-time winner, withdrew from last year's Charles Schwab Challenge after only playing 16 holes of his second round. 

The troubled golfer took his own life 24 hours later at his home in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. 

He was 30 years old. 

Murray had previously been open about some of the mental health conditions he faced and issues with alcohol. 

"Well, a year ago, we came on the air on Saturday having just received the tragic news of the passing of two-time PGA Tour winner Grayson Murray," Nantz told CBS viewers before coverage of the third round began. 

"Grayson had struggled with mental health issues his entire professional career but he was loved out here by his friends and fellow professionals.

"His family made a generous gift this week to the Ben Hogan Foundation which also supports mental health initiatives. 

"His folks, Terry and Eric, came here for closure this week - including stepping on the 16th hole which was the last hole their son ever played before abrubtly withdrawing in the second round last year. 

"He was gone just a day later. It's been a year and he's still remembered by everyone out here and always will be."

The tribute tugged on the heartstrings of third round viewers. 

"Perfectly stated, respectful and touching," one X user wrote.

Another added: "The Grayson Murray story is obviously an awful one. If there was anyone who could handle it in a poignant and dignified manner, it was Jim Nantz who showed once again as GolfonCBS opened there there may be no better than him on the mic."

Watch the tribute here:

"Murray's death puts everything in perspective" - Rory McIlroy

Murray's death had a profound impact on the PGA Tour. 

Peter Malnati, who played alongside Murray during his final event, broke down in tears live on air whilst he was interviewed by Amanda Balionis. 

PGA Tour boss Jay Monahan said Murray was the first player to send him a text message wishing him well after he took a leave of absence from his role as commissioner. 

Monahan stepped away for one month in 2023 over the fallout of the PGA Tour/PIF deal. 

Rory McIlroy later said Murray's death offered a reminder of what is important in life. 

"It's a cliche, but it puts everything in perspective," he previously said.  

"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."

McIlroy added: "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," he said.

"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."

Murray's parents launched the Grayson Murray Foundation in January 2025 to honour the legacy of their son.