Grayson Murray could still rise in the Official World Golf Rankings despite his tragic passing last month.
The 30-year-old tragically died after he had taken his own life just months after after he won the Sony Open in Hawai i, defeating Byeong-hun An and Keegan Bradley in a playoff. Murray openly discussed his struggles with alcohol and his mental health over the years. Last year, he regained his place on the PGA Tour and sought sobriety .
But despite his tragic passing, Murray could still, shockingly, rise in the golfing rankings. Murray has been named as the 61st-ranked golfer this week - and could see a big rise in the coming weeks due to the rankings' formula to determine their list.
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At current, Murray will remain in the rankings for at least the next four weeks, similar to previous golfers who had not played on the tour.
It has echoes of Payne Stewart, who died in a plane crash in 1999 a year after winning the US Open and being ranked as the No. 8 golfer in the world . Stewart remained on that list for a month before he was withdrawn. It is expected that Murray will remain on the list also, and could rise up the rankings.
On Murray's current position, the organization has stated that it is "currently discussing how this delicate item could be managed," according to the AP .
Golfers across the PGA Tour have paid tribute to Murray in recent weeks, as they privately gathered to mourn him this past week. A ceremony had occurred in a garden area at Muirfield Village, which had his golf bag and a large framed photograph of the 30-year-old. Murray's parents, siblings, and fiancee were not in attendance.
Just days after his passing, Murray's family released a heartwrenching statement. They had written: "We have spent the last 24 hours trying to come to terms with the fact that our son is gone," Murray's parents said. "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.
"Please respect our privacy as we work through this incredible tragedy, and please honor Grayson by being kind to one another. If that becomes his legacy, we could ask for nothing else. Thank you."
For emotional support you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or go to http://SuicidePreventionLifeline.org
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