A number of European Tour members have gone onto Twitter to criticize the European Tour at what they say was an insensitive decision to restart the Madeira Islands Open after the sad death of Zimbabwean born caddy Iain McGregor.
What was to be a celebration of the European Tour’s 1,500th tournament ended in tragedy with the passing of such a dear friend.
The decision to finish the even met with strong disapproval by a number of players, including Sweden’s Joel Sjoholm who had previously worked with MacGregor. “Can’t believe that they are sending out players to finish the 2nd and final round when someone just died on the course!!!,”
Genial Iain McGregor who passed away during the final round of the Maderia Islands Open – He was due to celebrate his 53rd birthday tomorrow (Monday).
Sjoholm, who missed the 18-hole cut in Madeira, wrote on Twitter. “R.I.P my dear Mac!Way to young! This going to be a tough evening!”
France’s Jean-Baptiste Gonnet, who also missed the cut, added: “Can’t believe there are still playing in Madeira.there is no respect anymore.how you can even walk on the 9th fairway. RIPmac.”
Spain’s Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano wrote: “Really sad news from Madeira. We are going to miss you Mac. One of the nicest guys on Tour. #RIPIainMcgregor.”
And in reply to a post saying it was “a pity” the tournament had continued, Fernandez-Castano added. “I can’t agree more #shame.”
A statement from the European Tour read: “It is with great sadness and deep regret that we report the untimely passing of caddie Iain McGregor during play on the final day of the Madeira Islands Open – Portugal – BPI.
“Everyone at The European Tour extends our deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Iain at this time. Following consultation with the players and caddies involved, however, it has been decided that play should continue and the tournament should finish.
“A minute’s silence has taken place at the clubhouse and play resumed at 6.00pm local time. All administration will be taken care of by The European Tour and we will help in any way possible.”
Nine-time major winner Gary Player led the tributes on Twitter, writing: “RIP Big Mac. You will be missed. My condolences.”
And McGregor’s fellow Zimbabwean Tony Johnstone added: “Just heard very sad news of passing of my friend Ian MacGregor (Zim Mac) whilst caddying in Madeira. A top man and will miss him. RIP Mac.”
England’s Matt Blackey also expressed his condolences, adding: “Just heard that one of my old caddies passed away today doing the job he loved in Madeira. Thoughts and prayers with his family! #RIPMac.”
Scottish caddie Craig Connelly, who was preparing to work for joint-leader Martin Kaymer in the final round of the Players Championship in Florida, wrote: “Just got to the course and hearing the news that Ian MacGregor (Mac) died on the course in Madeira. Very sad news! Great character!”
The event had been troubled all week with delays caused by fog before England’s Daniel Brooks and Scotland’s Scott Henry eventually finished tied on nine under par.
Henry birdied the last three holes to force a play-off but then three-putted the first extra hole, the 18th, as Brooks secured the title with a par.
