Daniel Brooks wins Madeira Islands Open

Daniel Brooks claimed his first European Tour title at the Madeira Islands Open in an event overshadowed by the death of Alastair Forsyth's caddie

Daniel Brooks claimed his first European Tour title at the Madeira Islands Open in an event overshadowed by the death of Alastair Forsyth's caddie.

Iain McGregor collapsed on the 9th hole of the undulating Santo da Serra golf course and was confirmed dead after suffering a suspected heart attack.

After consultation with players and event organisers, the tournament - which had already been reduced to 36 holes due to heavy fog - resumed at 6pm local time.

Forsyth later defended the decision to continue while paying his respects to his late bagman.

He said: "Myself and playing partners Adam (Gee) and Tano (Goya) met tournament officials and spoke to (chief executive) George O'Grady on the phone before taking the decision to play-on because we felt that was what Mac would have wanted.

"Everybody is in shock. To see that happen to someone in front of your eyes - I don't know how or when you get over that.

"He was far too young for this to happen. He was the life and soul of the caddies' lounge and a nice guy who will be sorely missed. I'm absolutely numb."

Brooks set the clubhouse target on nine-under-par after a closing 67, but was caught by Scott Henry, who birdied his last three holes to force a play-off.

The Scotsman, though, three-putted the first extra hole, handing Brooks a somewhat sombre maiden victory on the circuit.

“It’s great to get a win, but it’s not nice to do it in these circumstances,” he said.

"It’s horrible what happened out there so my condolences go out to all of his family."

Madeira Islands Open - Portugal - BPI

Clube de Golf do Santo da Sierra

May 8-11, purse €600,000, par 72

1) Daniel Brooks (ENG) 68-67 = 135 €75,000 2) Scott Henry (SCO) 67-68 = 135 €50,000 T3) Jordi Garcia Pinto (ESP) 69-69 = 138 €21,375 T3) Julien Guerrier (FRA) 69-69 = 138 €21,375 T3) Antonio Hortal (ESP) 69-69 = 138 €21,375 T3) Fabrizio Zanotti (PAR) 70-68 = 138 €21,375 T7) Johan Edfors (SWE) 70-69 = 139 €11,610 T7) Martin Wiegele (AUS) 69-70 = 139 €11,610 T7) Michael Lorenzo-Vera (FRA) 71-68 = 139 €11,610Bold signifies Titleist golf ball usage