The first round of the Dubai Ladies Masters, the final tournament of the Ladies European Tour season has been halted due to the death of a caddy.
The unnamed caddy, who was carrying the bag of France's Anne-Lise Caudal, collapsed on the 13th hole and later passed away in a Dubai hospital.
In a statement released by the European Tour, they announced that the tournament has been reduced by a round
Ladies European Tour CEO Ivan Khodabakhsh commented: “Everyone at the Ladies European Tour is extremely shocked and saddened today by this sudden death and therefore we have taken the decision to suspend first round play as a mark of respect. On behalf of our membership, we offer heartfelt condolences to the individual’s family and loved ones.”
Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in Dubai said: “We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of this caddie. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.”
Round one play will resume on Thursday and the tournament will now be played over 54 holes.
In 2014, Zimbabwean caddy Ian McGregor died from an apparent heart attack at the MadeiraIslands Open on the European Tour. McGregor was working with the time with Scotland's Alastair Forsyth.
Despite the tragedy of the incident, that tournament was played to a conclusion, and won by England's Daniel Brooks.
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