European Tour Caddie Dies of Apparent Heart Attack


European Tour officials announced that caddie Ian MacGregor passed away after suffering an apparent heart attack during the final round of the Madeira Islands Open on Sunday.

The 52-year-old MacGregor, the caddie for Alastair Forsyth of Scotland, collapsed on the ninth fairway, Forsyth's final hole.

The European Tour said in a statement, "It is with great sadness and deep regret that we report the untimely passing of caddie Ian MacGregor during play on the final day of the Madeira Islands Open."

Gary Player was among those who paid tribute to MacGregor, a native of Zimbabwe, on Twitter, writing: "RIP Big Mac. You will be missed."

The tournament, which had already been cut to 36 holes because of fog delays, was immediately suspended. But after discussions with the players and caddies, the event resumed.

England's Daniel Brooks and Scott Henry of Scotland finished tied at 9-under 135. On the first playoff hole, the par-4 18th, Henry three-putted from 25 feet for a bogey, while Brooks two-putted from 12 feet for par and the victory.

The win was bittersweet for Brooks. "It's great to get a win, but it's not nice to do it in these circumstances," he told the European Tour's website. "It's horrible what happened out there so my condolences go out to all of his family.

"I'm over the moon to have won on the European Tour but I played good golf for the last few days so I'm happy with that. Scott did really well in the last three holes and it was a great performance from him. I was pretty calm during the play-off, more tired than anything, but I was a little bit nervous obviously.

"Anything can happen in a playoff so to hit the fairway from the tee was nice and then to hit a good shot in and put him under a bit of pressure was great. It's why we play golf, to win, so I'm really happy."

As for the tournament continuing after the death of his caddie, Forsyth said, "Everybody is in shock. To see that happen to someone in front of your eyes - I don't know how or when you get over that.

"Myself and playing partners Adam (Gee) and Tano (Goya) met tournament officials and spoke to George O'Grady on the phone before taking the decision to play on, because we felt that was what Mac would have wanted.

"He was a guy I've known for 15 years and was very popular amongst the caddies. Obviously my thoughts go out to his family at this time. For something like this to happen so suddenly is so sad.

"He's was far too young for this to happen. He was the life and soul of the caddies' lounge and a nice guy who will be sorely missed. I'm absolutely numb."

For all the scores, visit http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2014/tournamentid=2014036/leaderboard/index.html.