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Caddie Dies on Course: Euro Tour Plays On

by Jeff Skinner

This weekend the European Tour’s Maderia Islands Open was won by Daniel Brooks but the tournament is shrouded in controversy. During play on the final day long time Euro Tour caddie, Iain McGregor passed away on the golf course.

McGregor was working for Scotsman Alastair Forsyth on their last hole of the day when he collapsed on the ninth fairway and died of a heart attack. Click here for the Mail Online story.

Forsyth and his fellow players stood by in shock as emergency personnel tried to revive the 52 year old McGregor but failed.

After a delay and consultation with the European Tour, the players and administration the decision was made to continue on an finish the round. Click here for the Euro Tour’s statement.

Forsyth defended the decision to play on saying it was what McGregor would have wanted. “Everybody is in shock,’ Forsyth said. “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 (European Tour 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.”

“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.”

Many of the Euro Tour’s own players criticized the decision to play on and indeed it was an extremely difficult situation. But I can understand the Tour taking input from those who knew him best and thinking that playing on was acceptable.  Click here for some of the criticism by the Euro Tour players.

In the moment, with little time to contemplate the effects of the decision their decision making is affected by several variables. But a day or two removed from the frantic, shocking moments that followed his death I would think suspending play until the next day would have been the right path.

Sure, plenty of player’s and official’s plans would have been disrupted but a man’s life and showing respect for that life outweighs anything and everything in this game.

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