Golfer dies at Dubai Desert Classic pro-am

The afternoon pro-am of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic was cancelled at 14:20 following the tragic death of Ashok Bakshi, a founding member and past captain of the Emirates Golf Club.

Bakshi suffered a cardiac arrest while warming up for the pro-am on the driving range at the Emirates Golf Club.

Bakshi, 75, collapsed on the practice range early in the afternoon, and was immediately attended to by The European Tour’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Roger Hawkes, as well as the local Paramedic Team from the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Service who are based at the Emirates Golf Club during the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

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.

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, as a mark of respect to Bakshi, who was a hugely popular figure throughout the golfing community in Dubai.

“We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss 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,” said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in Dubai.

“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.”

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