LPGA's Morris brother is shot dead

U.S. golfer Marianne Morris has headed home from the Australian Ladies Masters following the shooting death of her brother John Michael Morris.

John Michael Morris was discovered dead in his suburban Atlanta golf shop with a bullet wound to the back of his head.

A 10-year professional with earnings of more than $820,000, Marianne Morris received the news when she arrived on the Gold Coast.

Tournament officials arranged for the golfer to fly home.

"It's a terrible thing to have happened," said fellow U.S. tour pro Kris Tschetter. "All the girls heard about it and were very upset. Marianne is very well known and extremely well liked."

John Michael Morris had been a big influence on his sister's career since she graduated in 1988 from the University of South Carolina and turned professional. In 1996, she recorded seven top 10 finishes, earning $299,438.

Responding to a call Monday that a person was unconscious at the Golf Shack, police found the body of John Michael Morris, 39, of Lawrenceville, Ga. They believe he died from gunshot wounds inflicted during a robbery late Sunday.

TRW