R.I.P. Doug Brecht

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Sad, sad news from the LPGA's Kraig Kann on the passing of longtime rules official and vice president of competitions Doug Brecht, who passed away Friday night from complications related to contracting West Nile Virus. He had been hospitalized during the Toledo event in August and later transported to his Oklahoma home.

A statement from LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan:

"I talked to Doug’s wife Stephanie, and she told me that Doug passed very peacefully, and with his family close-by.

I’m no expert on how to grieve, but this one has hit pretty hard. There are no words that can either ease the pain of losing a member of our family, or help to fully explain or understand his passing.   

What I do know for certain is that Doug loved being a part of the LPGA family, and he told me – on numerous occasions – that he felt blessed to have a job that he loved so much.

Personally, there was a distinctive peacefulness that always seemed to accompany Doug. No doubt, he is in a place of peace now and he will always be remembered for his kind heart and many gifts."

Randall Mell has more on Brecht and the reaction to his passing.