LET event suspended after caddie death

• Play suspended during first round of Dubai Ladies Masters
• Anne-Lise Caudal’s caddie collapsed on the 13th fairway
• He was taken to hospital where he was later pronounced dead

First round play was suspended at 10.30am on Wednesday at the Ladies European Tour’s (LET) Omega Dubai Ladies Masters following the death of caddie Max Zechmann.

After being immediately attended to by the on-site medical team, Zechmann – who lived in Dubai and was on the bag for two-time LET winner Anne-Lise Caudal (below) – was taken to hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

As well as the Ladies European Tour, Zechmann also worked on the European Tour and achieved victories with German Marcel Siem (below) and fellow Austrian Markus Brier.

LET chief Ivan Khodabakhsh 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 CEO 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.”

Fellow European Tour caddie Gary Marshall tweeted:

R.I.P Big Max Zechmann. A true gentleman. Well done @LETgolf for your act of respect too. Sad days.

— Gary Marshall (@tartancaddy) December 7, 2016

Richie Ramsay added:

Sad to hear about big Max in Dubai. Thoughts with his family & friends

— Richie Ramsay (@RamsayGolf) December 7, 2016

Round one play at the LET event will resume on Thursday and the tournament will now be played over 54 holes.

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