Hours before Mr. Brian Sherlock was murdered, he had made more than $150 caddying at Mid Ocean Golf Club, The Royal Gazette has learned.

He earned they money at an "open house'' at the club -- an event which draws between 100 and 150 guests from hotels across the Island for golf three times a week.

Though Police are not releasing any details as their investigation is continuing, they said they have not overlooked the possibility that whoever attacked Mr. Sherlock also robbed him.

And at least one fellow caddy said he will be taking extra precautions when he travels in Hamilton because of the violent deaths of two of his colleagues.

The men were murdered less than half a mile apart, and were both known to frequent an area that encompasses Dundonald, Court, Victoria and Princess Streets.

They also socialised with many of the homeless men who gather in the area around the Co-op supermarket.

Last Thursday, a woman on her way to a nearby gym found Mr. Sherlock collapsed, lying on a grassy patch at the corner of Elliot and Brunswick Streets.

Mr. Sherlock was still alive around 6.30 a.m. when he was discovered, but he died on the way to the hospital.

He was the third person murdered this year.

On December 21, 1993, St. Paul's AME Church sexton Mr. Leroy Augustus found Mr. Ivan Dunlop's body lying in an alleyway on the church grounds around noon.

Police are still investigating his death and so far no arrests have been made.

Mr. Willard Dechaves, 70, who has worked as a caddy at Mid Ocean for the past 40 years, said it was unnerving to lose two work mates so close together.

"I am going to be restricting my movements in the city for my own safety,'' he said. "He used to move with a lot of those guys who hang out across from the Co-op. He liked his drink.'' Not all 38 caddies who work at the golf course will be taking such steps to protect themselves even though some have become uneasy.

Caddy master Mr. Leslie Steede said this attitude will pass as the event recedes from people's memories.

"I remember overhearing many of the guys talking right after Ivan was killed.

Some were worried, but with time all those worries blew over.'' Mr. Steede said Mr. Sherlock was a highly sought out `A' grade caddy. This meant that he had a sound grasp of the principles of golf and was able to advise guests on their club selection and how best to negotiate difficult holes.

Mr. Steede said Mr. Sherlock would be missed.

"He was a reliable, very knowledgeable caddy and I never had any problems with him.''