The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Family’s thanks as golfer airlifted during club final
EMERGENCY: Player in seniors final flown to hospital by helicopter after heart problem
A Fife golfer is recovering after being airlifted to hospital during a club championship.
Gordon Fyfe had teed off for Lochgelly Golf Club’s seniors final on Sunday and was level with his opponent Alex Sharp when he took ill on the course with a heart problem.
After a dramatic exit from the championship in an air ambulance, Gordon is now recovering, having had two stents fitted.
Posting on the club’s Facebook page on Monday, his son Steven said: “I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who helped my dad yesterday and got him medical help quickly.
“Dad had a heart stent fitted yesterday and another one fitted today. We are hoping he is able to come home tomorrow.
“Myself and my whole family and friends are extremely grateful for everyone’s quick reactions and support.
“I appreciate my dad doesn’t do anything by half and just wanted to travel in style to the hospital.”
An ambulance was called after Gordon started feeling unwell.
He was given first aid at the clubhouse while a helicopter from Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) was scrambled. The aircraft, which was deployed from Perth Airport in Scone, landed on a fairway at the Lochgelly course at 3.35pm.
It is understood a club member gave one of the paramedics a lift to the clubhouse in a golf buggy.
The air ambulance took just 16 minutes to reach Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, where Gordon received emergency treatment.
Lochgelly Golf Club said on its Facebook page: “Unfortunately our seniors final could not be finished due to Gordon Fyfe taking unwell on the course.
“We’re relieved to be informed that Gordon is going to be fine and should be back home soon.
“A massive thank you to everyone who helped out but a special thanks to Janet Swan for providing first aid and the SCAA for their speedy response and care. Get well soon Gordon.”
Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance operates two helicopters, one based at Scone and the other at Aberdeen International Airport.
It costs £4 million a year to run both aircraft and the charity receives no public money, relying entirely on public donations and sponsorship from corporate partners.
Golf courses provide an ideal landing area for the air ambulance, providing the aircraft with sufficient room while doing minimal damage to the fairway.