First round of Dubai Ladies Masters suspended after caddie dies on the course

The first round of the Dubai Ladies Masters has been suspended following the death of a caddie, the Ladies European Tour have confirmed.

Play was initially suspended at 10:30am local time due to a "serious incident" on the 13th fairway where the caddie collapsed.

The unnamed male, who was reportedly carrying for carrying for Anne-Lise Caudal, was attended to on the green by the on-site medical team before being taken to hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

A statement from the Ladies European Tour read: "First round play was suspended at 10.30am on Wednesday at the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters after a caddie collapsed on the 13<sup>th fairway.

"After being immediately attended to by the on-site medical team, the caddie was taken to hospital where he was later pronounced dead."

Ladies European Tour CEO Ivan Khodabakhsh commented: "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."

The tournament has now been reduced to 54 holes with round one play to resume on Thursday (8 December).