Forsyth defends decision
Despite his caddie Iain McGregor dying on the course, Alastair Forsyth played on after a delay and he defends his decision to do so.
The Scot was playing his last hole of the round on the hilly Santo da Serra course at the Madeira Islands Open in Portugal, over 2000 feet above sea level.
His caddie, McGregor, was strolling on the ninth fairway when he collapsed and suffered a heart attack. Play was suspended immediately, but officials resumed play at 6pm local time.
“Everybody is in shock,” said Forsyth of the 52-year-old Zimbabwean’s death.
“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.”
But the decision to play was not popular with some golfers. Sweden’s Joel Sjoholm, who had previously worked with McGregor, was one of them.
“Can’t believe that they are sending out players to finish the 2nd and final round when someone just died on the course!!!” he posted on Twitter.
Latest
-
European TourCollin Morikawa wins Race to Dubai as Rory McIlroy’s frustrations boil over
The Northern Irishman appeared to rip his shirt open in the recording area behind the 18th green.
-
NewsTiger Woods shares footage of him hitting balls as rehab continues
Woods was injured in a car accident in February.
-
-
European TourRory McIlroy takes one-shot lead into final round in Dubai after shooting a 67
England’s Sam Horsfield is just a shot off the lead, one ahead of Scot Robert MacIntyre.
-
European TourDouble bogey on final hole sees Rory McIlroy slip shot off the pace in Dubai
The round one leader is a shot behind Ryder Cup team-mate Shane Lowry, England’s Sam Horsfield and American John Catlin.
-
European TourI’m on the right path – Rory McIlroy excited about road to next majors challenge
McIlroy is now a combined 148 under par in the £6.6million season-ending DP World Tour Championship.
-
European TourOpen champion Collin Morikawa determined to take chances in Race to Dubai bid
Morikawa had the chance to top the Order of Merit by winning last year’s DP World Tour Championship.
-
European TourRory McIlroy unlikely to change schedule despite new-look European Tour
The European Tour will be known as the DP World Tour from the 2022 season but Florida-based McIlroy will continue to focus on the PGA Tour.
-
European TourPunter’s pointers at the DP World Tour Championship: Course and desert specialists to the fore
It’s the final week of the 2021 European Tour season and the best 50 players of the season are convening at Jumeirah’s Earth Course.
-
European TourJB Hansen wins AVIV Dubai Championship to claim second European Tour title
The Dane finished a shot clear of Italy’s Francesco Laporta and Austria’s Bernd Wiesberger.