Kyi Hla Han - one of the most iconic figures in Asian golf as both a player and an official - has passed away due to complications with cancer treatment. He was 61 years old.
The former Asian Tour Number One turned professional in 1980 and enjoyed a 25-year playing career that saw him record 12 victories, most notably the 1994 Singapore Open and the Volvo China Open in 1999 - the year he topped the Asian Tour Order of Merit. He also represented Myanmar in five World Cups.
After retiring from competitive action in 2004 he went on to play a key role in shaping Asian golf. He took on the role of Asian Tour Executive Chairman in 2006 – becoming the first Asian to hold the position – and drew on his two and a half decades of experience to lead the Tour for over 10 years.
European Tour group Chief Executive Keith Pelley said: “On behalf of everyone at the European Tour group, we are very sad to lose Kyi Hla who not only gave our game so much, but was a great friend to so many of us. He will be sorely missed and our thoughts are with his family.”
Tributes have have been paid to the charismatic and popular figure from across the golf world.
This is real sad news.
— Thomas Bjørn (@thomasbjorngolf) February 21, 2022
Kyi Hla, I will miss your friendly ways and our great discussions.
Gone way too soon.
Rest in peace my friend
🙏 https://t.co/CwuqHsaUJS
Extremely saddened by the news of Kyi Hla Han. He has been a dear friend of mine for many, many years. An amazing golfer, and an even better human being. He knew how to enjoy his life on and off the golf course. Thanks for making our lives better Kyi Hla. #RIP https://t.co/ip2RFtmC0z
— Jeev Milkha Singh (@JeevMilkhaSingh) February 21, 2022
Such sad news. Always smiling, generous and personally made me feel so welcome on the Asian Tour. His contribution to the tour as both a player and commissioner speak for themselves, he achieved so much with both. My condolences to Marlene and his family. https://t.co/4naFVHCqQk
— Richard Kaufman (@KaufmanRichard) February 21, 2022
Shocked and saddened by this very sad news. Kyi Hla played such an important role in the development of the Asian Tour. Our condolences to his family and many friends. Rest in peace. https://t.co/ymrVtkSh2e
— Hong Kong Golf Club (@hkgolfclub) February 21, 2022
Sad to read the passing of Kyi-Hla-Han
— Mark Mouland (@moulieontour) February 21, 2022
A great player and former boss of the Asian tour
Rest in peace my friend #Golf
Tour pays tribute to legendary Kyi Hla Han https://t.co/ZknlCRzK7w #asiantour
Just can’t believe that Kyi Hla Han is no more. One of the luminaries of Asian golf, I have known him as a very gregarious man and one heck of a player. Last we met, he spoke so passionately about unearthing Asian junior champions. #RIPKyiHla. You will be missed.@asiantourgolf pic.twitter.com/4dx7Qu3lFm
— Joy Chakravarty (@TheJoyofGolf) February 21, 2022
