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LPGA.com counts down to the end of 2012 with the LPGA Tour's 12 top stories of the year. Join us as we look back at the year's most memorable milestones. Read about Doug Brecht in Story No. 12.

A Light is Dimmed

The LPGA lost a dear family member in October when longtime LPGA Rules Official Doug Brecht passed away following a three-month battle with the West Nile virus. Doug, a 22-year veteran on the LPGA Rules Team, was 62 years old.

Despite his somewhat gruff exterior, Doug was beloved throughout the LPGA’s family of players, tournaments and sponsors for being a “softie” with a heart of gold. Doug’s golf cart was often one of the most popular spots on Tour for long chats, as he was always willing to listen and was quick to answer any question that someone had.

To celebrate Doug’s life, the LPGA created a golf cart in his honor that sat on the 17^th hole at the Tour’s season-ending event, the CME Group Titleholders. The cart, which was Oklahoma Red in honor of his beloved alma mater, had a sticker on the front reading “LPGA Rules Official – Doug Brecht” and also had an OU sticker and a Chicago Cubs sticker on the sides since those were two of Doug’s greatest loves. Players, staff and those who knew Doug had an opportunity to sign the cart and leave behind messages for the man who had spent more than two decades policing the game.

While Doug is no longer with us, his legacy here at

Counting Down LPGA Tour's 12 top stories in 2012: No. 12

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