The father of Billy Hurley III, Willard Hurley Jr., has died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to a Golf Channel report. On July 28, he revealed during an emotional press conference at the Quicken Loans National at Robert Trent Jones GC in Gainesville, Virginia, that his family could not locate his father, 61-year-old Hurley Jr.
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The father of a PGA Tour pro who went missing last month was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was reportedly watching his son play the Quicken Loans on a computer.
“I want to thank the PGA Tour, the greater golf media, and all those who provided their support, prayers and encouragement”, Hurley III said in a statement that was released Thursday. As reported by USA Today, a Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office’s spokesman said that the case is under investigation as an apparent suicide.
A Naval Academy graduate, Billy Hurley served as a Naval officer for five years before earning his PGA Tour card.
According to Golfweek, Hurley Jr. died Tuesday in Loudoun County, and Hurley III has rejoined his family in Leesburg since being notified. His father told authorities in Texas that he was simply traveling and no further details were given as to why he left his home in Virginia.
Hurley III finished in a tie for 25th at the Barracuda Championship last week as he attempted to climb into the top 125 to earn a spot in the FedEx Cup playoffs.
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“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Billy and his loved ones during this very hard time”, PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem said in a statement.
