Tour chief is sorry for Madeira ‘hurt’
EUROPEAN TOUR chief executive George O’Grady has apologised for the ‘hurt and upset’ caused by the decision to finish the Madeira Islands Open following the death of caddie Iain McGregor.
Zimbabwean McGregor suffered a fatal heart attack on the ninth hole at Santo da Serra and, although an indefinite suspension of play was initially announced, the decision was later taken to resume the event, which had already been reduced to 36 holes due to bad weather.
Many players and caddies criticised that decision and O’Grady held an ‘emotional’ meeting with the European Tour Caddies Association during the Spanish Open this week.
O’Grady said in a statement: ‘We had a full and frank meeting with chairman Gerry Byrne and his committee, which was understandably emotional at times and one during which I apologised to them for the hurt and upset caused by events in Madeira.
‘I completely understand the views of people who say that we should not have carried on but it was a terrible situation for anyone to be in and the decision to finish the tournament was not taken lightly, either by myself or by the tournament officials on the ground in Madeira.
‘I have also personally instructed a review of how we deal, operationally, at tournaments with situations such as this so we can ensure the lessons are learned.’
O’Grady also paid tribute to Alastair Forsyth, whose bag McGregor was carrying at the time, adding: ‘He accepted our decision to play on with grace and dignity and should command enormous respect for the way he has conducted himself in this difficult week.’