A pall of gloom descended on the Emirates Golf Club when Ashok Bakshi, a founding member of the club and a past captain, tragically passed away on the golf course.
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The 75-year-old Bakshi was warming up for his afternoon pro-am tee time of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, when he collapsed on the practice range around noon.
Players wearing black ribbons in honour of Ashok Bakshi, a past club captain who sadly passed away during the pro-am. pic.twitter.com/1WVGu4l5rl
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) January 29, 2015
That led to the afternoon pro-am being cancelled. Players were called off the course at 14:20 as a mark of respect.
Bakshi received immediate medical attention through the European Tour’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Roger Hawkes, as well as the local paramedic team from the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Service.
After initial stabilisation on the practice range, Bakshi was transferred by air ambulance to the Rashid Hospital, where he had further treatment but unfortunately passed away.
Thoughts go out to the family of Ashok Bakshi from @EmiratesGC who passed away doing what he loved doing golf. @OmegaDDC from all @aesgc
— Tom Buchanan (@tompro66) January 28, 2015
The European Tour, in conjunction with tournament promoter golf in DUBAi and the Emirates Golf Club, took the decision to close the golf course, as well as all golfing facilities at the Emirates Golf Club.
Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, said: “We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our dear friend. He was a fun-loving, generous, and caring person, who always wore a smile on his face and had a positive attitude towards life.
Sad day at the Dubai Desert Classic after the passing of Ashok Bakshi, former club captain. My thoughts are with his family. H
— Henrik Stenson (@henrikstenson) January 28, 2015
“He died doing something he loved. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. May God rest his soul in peace.”
