Caddie's death takes shine off Brooks' 1st Euro title

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Shanghai Daily, May 13, 2014
Adjust font size:

Scotland's Alastair Forsyth's caddie Ian McGregor of Zimbabwe lies on the grass after suffering a heart attack during the Madeira Open in Santo da Serra on Sunday.

Caddie Iain McGregor died from a suspected heart attack at the Madeira Islands Open on Sunday, prompting anger that the event was not called off as a mark of respect.

Zimbabwe-born McGregor, 52, who was caddying for Scotland's Alastair Forsyth, collapsed on the ninth hole at the Clube de Golf do Santo da Serra.

The decision to continue playing the event, which had been reduced to 36 holes after three days ruined by heavy fog, was criticized by players. "Cant believe they are going to keep playing in Madeira... Life is more important than golf...#RIPmac," tweeted Spain's Pablo Larrazabal.

Sweden's Joel Sjoholm and Finland's Mikko Ilonen also criticized the decision. "Can't believe that they are sending out players to finish the 2nd and final round when someone just died on the course," tweeted Sjoholm. Ilonen wrote: "Call it off NOW European Tour. Have some respect please."

But Forsyth insisted that McGregor would have wanted the tournament to carry on.

"Everybody is in shock," said Forsyth who completed the event. "Myself and playing partners Adam (Gee) and Tano (Goya) met officials and spoke to (EPGA chief executive) George O'Grady on the phone before taking the decision to play on, because we felt that was what Mac would have wanted."

England's Daniel Brooks went on to take the title — his first on the European Tour. Scott Henry birdied the final three holes to card a 4-under par 68, to move to nine under alongside Brooks and force extra holes.

In Florida, Martin Kaymer produced one of the most unlikely pars on the 17th green at the TPC Sawgrass for a one-shot victory in The Players Championship.

Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.
Print E-mail Bookmark and Share

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)

No comments.

Add your comments...

  • User Name Required
  • Your Comment
  • Enter the words you see:   
    Racist, abusive and off-topic comments may be removed by the moderator.
Send your storiesGet more from China.org.cnMobileRSSNewsletter