Golf mourns caddie Edwards

Tom Wastson and Bruce Edwards

Bruce Edwards, who caddied for eight-times major winner Tom Watson for more than 30 years, has died aged 49.

Edwards was diagnosed with a degenerative wasting disease in 2003, but continued to caddy for Watson until he could no longer cope.

On Wednesday, the eve of the Masters in Augusta, Edwards was honoured with the Ben Hogan award.

The honour is given annually to a person still active in golf despite a physical handicap or serious illness.

Five-time Open champion Watson paid tribute to his friend, after firing an impressive four-over par opening round 76.

"Typical. He wanted to die on the first day of the Masters, his favorite tournament," Watson said.

You lost a man in body, but you didn't lose him in spirit Tom Watson

"He loved it here. Last year he was crying in the parking lot because he knew it might be his last Masters and it was."

Two-time Masters champion, Watson, played with Edwards' course guidebook in his hip pocket.

"I felt he was with me," Watson said. "He was out there. I could hear him. After I hit my 4-iron fat at 15, he went "'Aaaagggh.'

"You lost a man in body, but you didn't lose him in spirit. I'm relying on his spirit to take care of me."

"Bruce laughed his way to the end. He would want you to laugh at some of the tough things he went through, not feel sorry for him," Watson said.

"There's grief. I'll cry before it's over. He will be missed."