Caddie dies at Omega Dubai Ladies Masters

Dubai - The caddie's identity was not revealed but it is being reported that he was the caddie of French player Anne-Lise Caudal.

It was a day bathed in sunshine but gloom descended over the Emirates Golf Club, the venue of the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, after a caddie died following a suspected heart attack on Wednesday.

Max Zechmann, who had been living in Dubai after his retirement, collapsed on the par-5 13th fairway and was attended to by paramedics on site before being rushed by ambulance to the Rashid Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The Ladies European Tour as well Golf in Dubai later released a statement confirming the caddie's death.

The caddie's identity was not revealed but it is being reported that he was the caddie of French player Anne-Lise Caudal. Players were shocked and first round play was suspended for the day.

"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," Ladies European Tour CEO Ivan Khodabakhsh said.

Meanwhile, 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."

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