THE world’s number one golfer, Scottie Scheffler, became emotional during a moment of silence for a fellow player who died just days ago.
Scheffler covered his face with his hands during the tribute to Grayson Murray, the 30-year-old golf pro who took his own life on Saturday.
Both men were taking part in the PGA Tour in Texas and Murray was due to play just two more holes in the Charles Schwab Challenge yesterday.
Instead, players on the course took a moment to honour him after his family released an emotional statement confirming his suicide.
Heartbreaking pictures showed Scheffler, who was arrested just last week outside the PGA course, wiping his eyes in an emotional moment.
Just a day before the golfing pro said of Murray’s death: “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.”
The traditional silence is held yearly for those who have died serving in the US army.
But it appeared to resonate with the golfers particularly following Murray’s death.
Jim Nantz, legendary sports broadcaster, said: “There’s a bit of a tradition here over Memorial Day Weekend at the Colonial, and that is a moment of silence on this special American holiday weekend.
“Let’s be honest, on this day it has dual purpose.”
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said he was “lost for words” to learn the pro had died on Saturday morning.
Murray had told playing partners he was feeling unwell before pulling out.
His devastated parents Eric and Terry Murray said on Sunday: “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.
“He was loved and he will be missed.
“Life wasn’t always easy for Grayson, and although he took his own life, we know he rests peacefully now.”
Murray had bravely opened up about his mental struggles before his tragic death.
Once saying his parents had been through “hell and back” with his depression, anxiety and alcoholism issues throughout his career.
Murray was reportedly due to marry his fiancee, Christiana, this Spring.
But Christiana was not mentioned in the statement released by Murray’s parents.
She has not yet made any public comment on his death.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support.
The following are free to contact and confidential:
Mind, www.mind.org, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Email info@mind.org.uk or call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary).
YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too.
Rethink Mental Illness, www.rethink.org, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).
Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk, is the a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales.
