Caddie Rick Evans died on the eve of the 2024 Epson Tour season last week after suffering a medical incident during a practice round.
The man who was affectionately nicknamed 'Goose' was carrying the bag of junior golfer Yana Wilson at the Florida’s Natural Charity Classic in Winter Haven when he fell ill on Tuesday.
According to Golfweek, Wilson and her family learned on Thursday - the night before the 54-hole competition was due to begin - that the man who was also right alongside the 17-year-old for her win at the 2023 AJGA Mizuho Americas Open had passed away.
Wilson, who was competing as an amateur in the Epson Tour event, opted to remain in Florida and do her best to make her caddie proud, carding three eagles on Saturday to sit just two shots back of the leaders.
However, the teenager - who is ranked 87th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking - began to feel dizzy while warming up on Sunday and was forced to pull out.
In an emotional Instagram post, Wilson paid tribute to "one of the best people" she has ever met.
Wilson said: "Goose, God put you in my life for a reason last summer at Mizuho. What a full and joyful life you’ve lived doing the thing that you loved most: golf.
"I have never met a caddy better than you. Your ability to guide and encourage was unmatched. Thank you for always sharing your expertise and wisdom with me on and off the golf course.
"You were truly one of the best people I have ever met and I'm so grateful to have known and learned from such an incredible person. "Some of your last words were that you were doing one of your favorite things: watching me play golf. I hope you keep watching me from above and I will do my best to make you proud 🤍. Until then, RIP Goose🕊️."
A highly-ambitious player, the former US Girls' Junior champion recently achieved one of her short-term goals by winning her first professional title before she left high school. The victory came on the Cactus Tour in February, where she beat the likes of 2020 AIG Women's Open champion, Sophia Popov.
Before being named AJGA Player of the Year in 2023, the teenager featured in the US Women’s Open at Pebble Beach, too. She has also received an invite to play in this year's Amundi Evian Championship and has already committed to the University of Oregon.
-
Joe Highsmith Wins Cognizant Classic To Claim Maiden PGA Tour Title After Making Cut On The NumberJoe Highsmith took advantage of a Jake Knapp disaster at the 11th to claim his maiden PGA Tour title
-
Who Is Jake Knapp's Girlfriend? Meet Makena WhiteFind out more about Makena White - the Canadian woman Knapp has been in a relationship with since August 2023...
-
Darius Rucker Intercollegiate Format, Which Teams Are Playing And How To WatchThe 13th Darius Rucker Intercollegiate takes place in South Carolina - here are some of the key details about the prestigious college golf tournament
-
Who Are The Best Golfers Under The Age Of 25?It's no secret that the talent pool of golf is getting younger and younger. So, in this piece, we take you through the best players under the age of 25
-
HSBC Women’s World Championship Prize Money Payout 2025The largest purse of the LPGA Tour season so far is on offer as some of the world’s best players compete at Singapore’s Sentosa Golf Club
-
Anna Nordqvist Announced As 2026 European Solheim Cup CaptainAfter two stints as vice-captain, Nordqvist is set to step up the captaincy role for 2026, with the team event taking place at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands
-
Angel Yin Hangs On For Second LPGA Tour Title Despite Sponsor Invite's Closing 61The American narrowly claimed the Honda LPGA Thailand prize ahead of Japan's Akie Iwai - who almost snatched victory away via an outstanding 11-under 61
-
'It Is Very Frustrating How Far Behind The PGA Tour We Are' - LPGA Unveils Own Version Of PGA Tour U As College Coach Reveals Frustration Among NCAA Ranks Over Lack Of OpportunitiesJustin Silverstein, the women's golf team head coach at the University of Southern California, says coaches throughout the NCAA system have long been frustrated at a lack of LPGA Tour and Epson Tour opportunities for their athletes
-
Lydia Ko Celebrates Three Olympic Medals With Special TattooThe New Zealander, who won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024, has unveiled her latest tattoo, which references all three of her medals at the Games
-
'It Couldn't Be More Different' - The Chase For Distance Is Almost Exclusive To Men's Golf, But One Leading College Coach We Spoke To Says A Simple Change Could Help Women Join InUniversity of Southern California women's golf head coach, Justin Silverstein shares why female players generally aren't chasing distance like their male peers
