'Taken far too soon': Golf rocked by beloved star's death at 49

The golf world is mourning the tragic death of Swedish star Fredrik Andersson Hed.

The 49-year-old died on Sunday after a battle with cancer.

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Andersson Hed won the Italian Open in 2010 and was one of the most likeable players on the European Tour.

He retired from professional golf in 2015 after a 23-year career.

Andersson Hed leaves behind wife Anna and children Viggo and Molly.

“I’m so deeply saddened by this,” wrote fellow golfer Thomas Bjorn.

“Freddie was a true professional that will be missed by us all.

“A great ambassador for our game and for Sweden.

“Thoughts are with Anna, Viggo and Molly at this time.”

Broadcaster Andrew Coltart tweeted: “Very sad to hear of the death of Fredrik Andersson Hed.

"One of the nicest guys on Tour and always a pleasure to share the fairways with.”

The European Tour’s official account wrote: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Fredrik Andersson Hed, a much-loved member of the European Tour family.”

Golf world mourns death of Fredrik Andersson Hed

European Tour boss Keith Waters also paid tribute.

“On behalf of the European Tour, I send our deepest condolences to Fredrik’s family and friends, particularly his wife Anna and children Viggo and Molly," Waters said.

"It’s always incredibly sad when we lose a member of the European Tour family, and never more so than in the case of someone like Fredrik, who was taken far too soon.

“Fredrik was much loved in the golfing world and beyond, particularly among our Scandinavian players and staff, past and present. Our hearts go out to them at this incredibly sad time.

“I had the pleasure of knowing Fredrik, but even for those who didn’t, one glance at his career record highlights his strength and perseverance, with some genuinely wonderful moments as an individual and a valued teammate.

"I hope those close to him take some comfort in those wonderful memories, and the joy he brought to so many on the golf course.”

Andersson Hed won three titles after turning pro in 1992, spending the majority of his career on the European Tour.

He finished runner-up a further five times.

As an amateur he won the European Young Masters, Swedish Junior Stroke-Play Championship and represented Sweden in the Eisenhower Trophy.

In 2016 he became a TV commentator in Sweden.

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