KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian golfing great and sought-after coach M. Ramayah died earlier today after losing his battle against cancer. He was 67.
The 13-time World Cup golfer passed away at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM, Cheras at about 10.30am after being diagnosed with stage four spinal cancer last month. He leaves behind his wife Pathma and his 14-year-old daughter Bhakialakshmi.
Former sportswriter George Das shared his memories following the then-caddy Ramayah since winning the Caddy Championship at the Royal Selangor Golf Club (RSGC) in 1975.
“He was unique – a self-thought golfer who could play with any club. When he touched a club, he came alive,” George told The Vibes.
Being Malaysia’s number-one golfer from 1976 to 1997, Ramayah stepped onto the professional scene when he won the Malaysian PGA Championship at just 19, defeating the likes of Bobby Lim and Zainal Abidin Yusof.
“He learnt golf all by himself as a caddy at RSGC without any professional teaching.
“Most professional golfers have coaching but Ramayah dominated the pro scene for more than a decade on his own.
“Talent is gifted, and Ramayah was gifted as a golfer,” George said.
Ramayah would go on to play in 13 World Cups, with his debut coming at Athens in 1979 where he finished 13th with partner Nazamuddin Yusoff.
George said Ramayah’s victory at the 1981 Marcos International in the Philippines over Europe’s number one Bernhard Langer was his greatest achievement.
“That was an achievement that Malaysians don’t feel for, but the Europeans were shocked that an unknown guy from Malaysia beat their number one golfer. It was something.”
Ramayah also played in the 1998 Johnnie Walker Super Tour with Vijay Singh, Ernie Els, and Jesper Parnevik.
“Some even say that he was better than Vijay who had all the training, while this guy (Ramayah) did not,” he said.
George added that every top veteran golfer in Malaysia has high regard for Ramayah.
“He has left a mark on the professional golf scene in Malaysia. Ramayah is, was, and will always be the best golfer that Malaysia has ever produced.
“But unfortunately Malaysia never recognised him as a great golfer,” he added.
Meanwhile, veteran golf writer Joe Carlos recalled meeting Ramayah in 1980 when he first started in the industry.
“What struck me then was how humble he was. He became a regular fixture in the Malaysian Open and I’d regularly seek him out for a few quotes.
“Ramayah’s prowess as a top national golfer grew by leaps and bounds and naturally, he represented Malaysia in several World Cups,” he told The Vibes.
Joe also remembered how well Ramayah played in an international Skins Game against the likes of Vijay, Jack Nicklaus, and Jack Nicklaus Jr.
“Once I had to write a course review on Meru Valley Golf and Country Club in Ipoh. Ramayah was the pro there, offering to play 18-holes with me and agreeing to give me a 12-stroke handicap.
“Somehow I played okay and won RM35 from him. I’d rather think he allowed me to win.
“A true professional, I am grateful to have known him as a friend.
“The golf industry will indeed miss his warm smiles and professionalism,” he said.
Ramayah had been bedridden before his cancer diagnosis and was supported by The National Athletes’ Welfare Foundation, while other charity golfing tournaments were held to aid in the golfer’s expensive medical bills. – The Vibes, March 6, 2023
