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 The tour has been criticized for continuing with the Madeira
event after the 52-year-old Zimbabwean, caddying for Scotland's
Alastair Forsyth, died of a heart attack during the final round.
The tournament was briefly halted but then resumed after discussions
with players and bagmen.
Tour chief executive George O'Grady traveled to this week's Spanish
Open in Girona to hold talks with the Caddies Association in a
meeting that was also attended by Players Tournament Committee
chairman Thomas Bjorn.
"We had a full and frank meeting with (Association) chairman Gerry
Byrne and his committee, a meeting which was understandably
emotional at times and one during which I apologized to them for the
hurt and upset caused by events in Madeira," O'Grady said in a
statement on Saturday.
"I completely understand the views of people who say we should not
have carried on but it was a terrible situation for anyone to be in
and the decision to finish the tournament was not taken lightly,
either by myself or by the tournament officials on the ground.
 "However, that decision is in the past and the important thing now
is we continue to work with Mac's family and friends – as we have
done from Sunday – to assist with arrangements surrounding the
funeral which will take place in Madeira on Thursday," said O'Grady.
"I have also personally instructed a review of how we deal,
operationally, at tournaments with situations such as this so we can
ensure the lessons of Madeira are learned."
O'Grady also paid tribute to the dignity shown by twice tour winner
Forsyth.
"Throughout this whole process Alastair has behaved like a true
gentleman in incredibly challenging circumstances," said the chief
executive.
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"He accepted our decision to play on in Madeira with grace and
dignity and he should command enormous respect for the way he has
conducted himself throughout this difficult week." Byrne said the tour caddies felt it was wrong to continue with
the tournament following McGregor's death.
"We went into the meeting unhappy and it was emotional at times but
George's humility and honesty in dealing with tough questions was
greatly appreciated and it reassured us of the caddies' important
position within the tour," added Byrne.
Players and caddies have been encouraged to wear 'Black for Mac' in
the first round of the BMW PGA Championship in England on Thursday
as a mark of respect.
The Wentworth competition is the tour's flagship event.
(Editing by Sudipto Ganguly)
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