DUBAI // The first day’s play at the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters was called off on Wednesday following the death of a player’s caddie.
The Ladies European Tour (LET) initially suspended play at the Majlis at Emirates Golf Club at 10.30am, after a caddie collapsed on the par-5 13th. He was attended to by medical staff and then taken by ambulance to Rashid Hospital. His death was confirmed by the LET in a statement at 12.10pm. The caddie’s identity was not released.
Ivan Khodabakhsh, chief executive of the LET, said: “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 chief executive 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.”
All of the players were taken off the course at Emirates Golf Club immediately after the incident, with the morning three-balls yet to complete their first round. The tournament has been shortened to 54 holes, with play to resume on Thursday. The Dubai Ladies Masters is the season-concluding event on the LET.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
