NICK Dougherty's mother Ennis has died at the age of 61 following the heart attack she suffered over a week ago.

The 25-year-old Shaw Hill professional, watched by both his parents when he made his Masters debut earlier this month, was lying 10th with a round to go in the Verizon Heritage tournament at Hilton Head in America when he was told she had collapsed in Florida.

Husband Roger and sons Nick and Marcus, a New York-based banker, were at her bedside when she passed away.

A statement from Dougherty's management company, International Management Group, said: "Ennis was a great influence on Nick and Marcus as they rose to the top of their respective professions in golf and the law.

"Having walked the fairways throughout Nick's amateur career, Ennis enjoyed one of her proudest moments when she watched Nick play his first US Masters."

Dougherty added in the statement: "I spoke to my mum every day and was extremely close to her. She has been the very best mother and a huge influence on my career and life and I will miss her unbearably."

The family will be bringing Ennis back home to Liverpool for the funeral and for the moment Dougherty, eighth in the race for places in the Ryder Cup team, has put all playing plans on hold.

His next scheduled tournament was due to be next week's Italian Open.