Former PGA Tour player Matt McQuillan has died suddenly at the age of 45.
The Canadian was “surrounded by his family” when he passed away on 5 August, according to an obituary in the Kingston Whig-Standard newspaper - the publication of his hometown in Ontario.
"Matty was a respected golfer, devoted son, hilarious brother, and friend,” the obituary reads. “His father, Mark, started teaching him how to swing the club at the young age of ten and his passion and talent grew immensely.
"Starting as a junior on the Canadian Tour and making it to the PGA in 2011, Matt developed lifelong friendships while mentoring anyone who loved the game of golf.
“There will be a celebration of life held at the ANAF at a later date to be determined and announced by family. He will be deeply missed by many and his spirit, love and compassion will be remembered every day. Rest easy, Matty. We love you."
McQuillan played at collegiate level at Oklahoma State and then the University of Georgia before turning professional in 2003.
He played in 32 PGA Tour events across his career, making the cut nine times, with his best finish coming at the John Deere Classic in 2011 when he tied for third alongside two-time major champion Zach Johnson.
He managed one win on the Canadian Tour at the Telus Edmonton Open in 2005, while also taking the crown at the 2008 Cataraqui Pro-Am.
PGA Tour paid tribute to its former member, noting in a statement: “In recent years, McQuillan remained connected to the game as a teaching professional in his hometown, helping introduce and develop the next generation of Canadian golfers.”
