Carter Jenkins said he had a friendly chat with Grayson Murray just weeks ago at their shared childhood golfing spot, Wildwood Green Golf Club in Raleigh, North Carolina. They discussed the Masters and the U.S. Open in a "casual conversation, the usual back and forth."
But that seemingly harmless conversation turned out to be the last one he'd have with Murray. The 30 year old golfer was found dead in his Florida home on Friday night, less than 24 hours after pulling out of the Charles Schwab Challenge.
His family has revealed he took his own life, a fact that Jenkins is finding hard to come to terms with. "When I first got the news, I didn't really know what to think," Jenkins confessed to 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."
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Jenkins and Murray used to practise their swings together at Leesville Road High School, situated in Raleigh's northwestern corner. Their friendly rivalry continued as Jenkins climbed his way up the ranks in both college and professional golf.
Jenkins chose to stay local for higher education, spending his initial years at UNC-Greensboro before relocating back to the Research Triangle to enrol at North Carolina, ahead of moving into the professional leagues. By 2024, Jenkins had participated in a pair of PGA Tour events.
From the heart of Carolina, Murray became one of the top 50 global golfers by January 2024. Earlier that year, he bagged his second PGA Tour win at the Sony Open in Hawaii, showcasing the highest cut line percentage of his career with 14 tour appearances in 2024.
Murray won his second PGA Tour event in January (Getty Images)However, Murray's contribution reached beyond his sporting prowess, demonstrating remarkable bravery in tackling societal unfairness and his own mental health challenges. He openly expressed views on Donald Trump and COVID-19, about which Jenkins commented, "He was true to himself, he was not afraid to be himself," whilst also detailing his fights against alcoholism, social anxiety and depression.
"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."
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org , visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
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