Tributes have flooded in for caddie Max Zechmann (55) after he collapsed and died during the first round of the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters.
Zechmann, who had carried the bag in European Tour victories for German Marcel Siem and Austria's Markus Brier, was working for France's Anne-Lise Caudal this week having retired from the European Tour.
They were only four holes into the opening round, having started on the back nine, when Zechmann collapsed on the 13th fairway and was taken to hospital where he later died.
Scotland's Carly Booth, who was playing in the same group, tweeted: "Tough start today for our group to experience something so horrendous."
Siem wrote on social media: "A true gentleman and friend left us. He was always smiling and helping everybody where and whenever he could. We miss you."
Very sad to see the passing of another caddie. Done many rounds with Big Max. #RIP thoughts go out to his family and friends. https://t.co/vUZpgWac5S
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) December 7, 2016
Play was immediately halted and will resume on Thursday with the tournament being played as a 54-hole event.
"A minute's silence will be held at 12:00 tomorrow in memory of Maximilian Zechmann. Our thoughts are with his loved ones #RIP" said a tweet from the Ladies European Tour.
LET chief executive Ivan Khodabakhsh, speaking immediately after the incident, said that first thoughts were with Zechmann's family.
"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," he said.
"On behalf of our membership, we offer heartfelt condolences to the individual's family and loved ones."
