Legendary Gary Player has led tributes on Twitter to Iain McGregor who sadly passed away while caddying in the second and final round of the Maderia Islands Open.
‘Mac’, as he was affectionately known, was a very dear friend to www.golfbytourmiss.com and news of his untimely death comes as a real shock, and a day before he was due turn 53 years of age.
No matter the occasion ‘Mac’ was always happy and obliging. We would find ourselves travelling often to various tournaments and talking about either rugby or cricket.
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).
One can only imagine the shock it must have been for his colleagues and those competing out in Madeira.
Player wrote: “RIP Big Mac. You will be missed. My condolences.”
And MacGregor’s fellow Zimbabwean Tony Johnstone said: “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 here 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!”
A minutes silence is held on the putting green for caddie Iain McGregor who tragically died on the 9th Fairway today, during the final round of the Madeira Islands Open – Portugal – BPI at Clthub de Golf do Santo da Serra on May 11, 2014 in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
The European Tour’s 1,500th tournament had already been in trouble with fog delays that resulted in the event being reduced to 36 holes.
But no one could have imagined what transpired late on Sunday when there was yet another delay but on this occasion it had nothing to do with the weather.
The eventual decision to finish the event was criticized 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!!!,”
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.”
