Golf tournament criticized for playing on after caddie dies on course

The European Tour is facing criticism for completing the final round of the Madeira Islands Open after a caddie died on the course.

Iain McGregor, who was working the bag for Alastair Forsyth of Scotland, collapsed on the ninth fairway Sunday and subsequently died of a suspected heart attack.

After a brief pause at the Clube de Golf do Santo da Serra in Portugal, tournament officials decided to play on.

“Can’t believe that they are sending out players to finish the 2nd and final round when someone just died on the course!!!” Swedish golfer Joel Sjoholm tweeted.

Officials issued a brief statement.

“Everyone at the European Tour extends our deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Iain at this time,” it stated. “A minute’s silence has taken place at the clubhouse and play resumed at 6 p.m. local time.”

Though other players echoed Sjoholm’s opinion, Forsyth said he told officials to continue “because we felt that was what Mac would have wanted.”