Very sadly the afternoon Pro-Am in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic has been cancelled after a former Emirates Club captain collapsed of a heart attack on the practice range.

A police helicopter landed on the range to convey Mr. Ashok Bakshi to hospital however the 75-year old Indian-born tragically did not recover.

Bakshi was set to play the afternoon Pro-Am in the company of French golfer Romain Wattel.

The Pro-Am got underway with a shotgun start at 12.45pm without Mr. Bakshi and with most groups having played around five holes when European Tour officials learning of his death cancelled the Pro-Am at 2.20pm local time as a mark of respect.

As well, all practice facilities were closed and with players and caddies returning to their respective hotels.

Ashok Bakshi (standing with white cap) collapsed and died of a heart attack.

The event organisers later issued a statement saying:  “Mr. Bakshi collapsed on the practice range early this afternoon, and was immediately attended to by the European Tour’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Roger Hawkes, as well as the local Paramedic Team from the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Service who are based at the Emirates Golf Club during the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

“After initial stablisation on the practice range, Mr Bakshi was transferred by air ambulance to the Rashid Hospital, where he had further treatment bu unfortunately passed away.

A police helicopter takes off from the practice range at the Emirates Club but sadly Mr. Ashok Baskhi passed away.

“The European Tour, in conjunction with the tournament promoter golf in Dubai and the Emirates Golf Club, took the decision to close the golf course, as well as all golfing facilities at the Emirates Golf Club, as a mark of respect to Mr. Bakshi who was hugely popular figure throughout the golfing community in Dubai”.

Mr. Bakshi was Club Captain of the Emirates Golf Club in 2003.

Players, caddies and officials will wear black ribbons throughout the event in memory of the very affable Mr. Bakshi.