The action at the European Tour’s Madeira Islands Open took a backseat Sunday when the caddie for Alastair Forsyth died after having a heart attack on the ninth hole.
Iain McGregor, 52, a Zimbabwean known to many as “Zim Mac,” suffered cardiac arrest while in the fairway on the group’s final hole of the day.
Photos: Caddies, players react to tragic news
In a statement, the European Tour said the circuit “extends our deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Ian 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.”
Play in Portugal was suspended for about an hour before resuming at 1 p.m. ET. Forsyth made par on his final hole of the day and signed for 75.
“Everybody is in shock,” Forsyth told reporters afterward. “To see that happen to someone in front of your eyes – I don’t know how or when you get over that.
“We 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 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.”
One of the caddies ian Mcgregor (mac) died on the course today in Madeira while working for al forsyth , great guy RIP my friend
— Paul Lawrie (@PaulLawriegolf) May 11, 2014
Very sad news coming from Madeira... All my thoughts are with Alastair Forsyth Caddie and his family... #RIP #DEP @EuropeanTour
— Pablo Larrazabal (@plarrazabal) May 11, 2014
Ian MagGregor... What i am going to say... Great guy, good laugh, a proper Zim,... Rest in peace buddy... #prayingforyou #RIP
— Pablo Larrazabal (@plarrazabal) May 11, 2014
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.
— Tony Johnstone (@TonyJohnstone56) May 11, 2014
— Brooks Koepka (@BKoepka) May 11, 2014