Amid all the chaos in the world of golf, from the constant tussle between teams and players, claims for the prize money, Tour championships, and whatnot, now and then there is somber, heart-breaking news for everyone to deal with.
As the golf world takes a leap owing to the advent of exciting leagues, the demise of a former amateur player and one-time major winner Lexi Thompson’s ex-caddie Kevin McAlpine has left the community shocked. The fans mourn with the bereaved family the loss of a “good man and a good caddie”.
Golf world mourns the loss of a respected caddie and former Scottish amateur champion
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On Twitter, BunkeredOnline announced the passing of former Scottish Amateur champion and successful caddie Kevin McAlpine. Based in Arizona, McAlpine has tragically passed away at the age of 39.
The son of former Dundee United goalkeeper Kevin McAlpine represented Scotland as an amateur alongside Lloyd Saltman and Richie Ramsay before moving to the United States for college. Despite his amateur success, injuries hampered his professional career, leading him to transition to caddying.
During his service years, the golfer stood beside big names in the golfing realm like Lexi Thompson, Martin Laird, and Amy Yang. Not just that, McAlpine’s personal life included a marriage to major champion Anna Nordqvist but the couple announced their divorce earlier this year.
Kevin McAlpine – the former Scottish Amateur champion who had successful stints caddying for Lexi Thompson, Martin Laird and Amy Yang – has died suddenly at the age of 39.
Story below 👇🏼https://t.co/cygStAkmuW
— bunkered (@BunkeredOnline) October 20, 2023
McAlpine’s sudden passing has left his family devastated, with details surrounding his death still unknown. An autopsy is planned to determine the cause. While the golf world takes in the news with a heavy heart, here’s a quick glimpse at what the fans have to say.
Heart-broken fans pay tribute to a “helluva caddie by all accounts”
The golfing community has always been close-knit to rejoice and mourn the gains and losses. After the news about Kevin McAlpine’s death broke, the golf fans took to Twitter to express their condolences.
A fan, taken aback by the news of McAlpine’s death at such a young age, offered his condolences to his family and friends.
That’s incredibly sad , meet and chatted with Kevin over the years about many different areas of the industry.
Thoughts are with all his family and friends.— phil crawford (@philcra16226636) October 20, 2023
Another fan couldn’t hide his shock. They could only utter two words.
Shocking news ⛳️⛳️
— Chris Unsworth (@chris_unsworth) October 20, 2023
Is it a surprise that people are at a loss for words? It’s clear that McAlpine made his mark both as an amateur golfer and caddie in a short life.
Absolutely speechless at this news one of the best amateurs in the country before going on to caddy https://t.co/7T1k8kRtYy
— Iain (@tailso1988) October 20, 2023
Another user showed his grief and expressed his appreciation for the work McAlpine did on the bag for many golfers.
Knocked sideways by this news. Kevin was a lovely lad. Always happy to chat and a helluva good caddie by all accounts. Thoughts with his family and friends at this very sad time. https://t.co/pB8YZmzm6j
— Michael McEwan (@MMcEwanGolf) October 20, 2023
There is not much to say when such a piece of tragic news comes to pass. This fan is no different.
a good soul. May he rest in peace
— moo ꪜ (@thvprintt) October 20, 2023
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This fan just couldn’t take it as he paid tearful tribute to McAlpine.
What a shame, RIP Big Man, what a great guy, what an unbelievable golfer 😢 https://t.co/uawPmPSE1U
— Stuart Graham (@StuartG51305637) October 20, 2023
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These tributes suggest Kevin McAlpine was a popular figure on the golfing scene. Is there anything you know about McAlpine that’s worth sharing with your fellow readers? Please do so in the comments section below.
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