Basil Van Rooyen: Legendary South African Golf Caddy Dies

Basil Van Rooyen: Legendary South African Golf Caddy Dies

South African golf community have been thrown into mourning after the death of legendary caddy Basil van Rooyen on Monday, September 11, 2025.

Van Rooyen, whose career on the fairways spanned several decades, earned respect not only in South Africa but also on the international stage, where his knowledge and presence left a lasting impact.

Throughout his career, Van Rooyen worked alongside several top golf players, guiding them with composure, experience and unwavering support during some of the game’s biggest moments.

He was more than just a caddy; he was regarded as a mentor and friend to many players, with his influence stretching far beyond the ropes.

The cause of Basil's death was not mentioned in any of the media platforms reporting his death.

Sunshine Tour mourn death of van Rooyen

The Sunshine Tour led tributes to van Rooyen, while releasing an official statement on their X account described him as one of the most beloved figures in the South African golf community.

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His passing marks the end of an era for the sport, but his legacy of professionalism, humility and love for the game will continue to inspire both players and fans for years to come.

“Basil van Rooyen was more than a caddy – he was a friend, a mentor, and a legend of the tour,” the Sunshine Tour statement reads on X.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”

Tributes from around the golfing community have honoured van Rooyen’s vibrant spirit, sharp knowledge of the game, and the meaningful relationships he built with both players and supporters.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Raphael Abiola avatar

Raphael Abiola (Sports editor) Raphael Abiola is a Nigerian Sports Journalist with over seven years of experience. He obtained a B.Tech degree in Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 2015. Raphael previously worked as a football editor at Stakegains (2016-2018) and a content editor with Opera News Nigeria (2018-2023). Raphael then worked as an Editor for the Local Desk at Sports Brief (2023-2024). Reach him via email at raphael.abiola@sportsbrief.com.