Grayson Murray, who tragically died by suicide on May 25, will retain his Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) until after the Travelers Championship on June 23, according to a source close to the situation.
Murray was positioned at No. 61 in the world rankings this week. Given the rolling two-year formula, there is a chance he might briefly climb back into the top 60. This ranking is crucial as the OWGR will be referenced again on Sunday to determine the top 60 players not already exempt for the U.S. Open next week.
In a related piece of news, Robert MacIntyre will claim one of those top 60 spots after his impressive jump from No. 76 to No. 39 by winning the Canadian Open.
There is a mathematical possibility for Murray to re-enter the top 60, though this outcome remains unlikely with numerous players competing at the Memorial Tournament who are closely trailing him.
The OWGR has acknowledged the sensitive nature of this situation, stating they are ‘currently discussing how this delicate item could be managed.’ Per an email from the USGA regarding the exemption category, Murray would be removed from the OWGR list used to finalize the top 60, suggesting the spot would then go to the next eligible player if not already in the field.
Historically, there has been precedent for maintaining a golfer’s ranking after an unexpected death. Payne Stewart, for instance, remained ranked for three weeks following his death in a plane crash on October 25, 1999, when he was No. 8 in the world.
Murray’s posthumous retention in the OWGR brings a complex and emotional dimension to the rankings as the golfing world finds ways to honor his legacy and manage the technicalities of the situation.
Source: Espn
