Tributes have poured in following the death of former European Tour caddie Dave Musgrove.
Musgrove was one of the most well-respected caddies on the European Tour having steered the likes of Sandy Lyle, Seve Ballesteros and Lee Janzen to major titles.
‘Muzzy’, as he was known, spent nine years on the bag of Scotsman Lyle and four with enigmatic Spaniard Ballesteros, who was known for his strained relationships with caddies.
Helping Lyle to an Open and Masters title were perhaps Musgrove’s crowning moments, but there is a single moment that summed up the wit of the man.
As Ballesteros strode up the 18th at the Open at Royal Lytham in 1970 it is reported he claimed he could take four putts and still win, but Musgroves responded: “No you can’t, I’ve a bet on you to finish under par.”
Musgrove was also once known to have said of Bernhard Langer: “When he practises on his own, he can hold up a fourball.”
Many golfers, including Lyle, used Twitter on Tuesday to express their condolences for Musgrove’s death:
Muzzy RIP. We wrote history together. @TheOpen @TheMasters @theplayerschamp we'll miss your humour and stories #gentleman
— Sandy Lyle (@SandyLyle1) February 14, 2017
Very sad to hear of the passing of Dave Musgrove. A true gentleman who had time for everyone. We've lost one of the very best!
— Craig Connelly (@theweeman77) February 14, 2017
Just heard very sad news Dave Musgrove has passed away , great guy legend caddie RIP Muzzy
— Paul Lawrie (@PaulLawriegolf) February 14, 2017
Very sad to hear that true gent and caddy legend Dave Musgrove has passed away. RIP Muz.
— Tony Johnstone (@TonyJohnstone56) February 13, 2017
So sad to hear about Dave Musgrove,can't say enough about him on here. One of the best people I've met over my few years on tour! Great man!
— Tommy Fleetwood (@TommyFleetwood1) February 14, 2017