Asia has lost one of its golf greats.

Last Saturday, Myanmar-born Kyi Hla Han passed away due to complications with cancer treatment. He was 61.

Kyi Hla will be remembered for not only his brilliance on the courses but also as an accomplished administrator through his role as

the Asian Tour chairman.

After turning professional in 1980, Kyi Hla had enjoyed an illustrious spanning a quarter century where he amassed a total of 10

titles, notably his victories at the 1994 Singapore Open and 1999 Volvo China Open.

He also emerged as the Asian Tour Order of Merit winner in 1999.

While plying his trade on the Asian Tour, he also competed actively on the Japan Tour in 1993, 1995 and 1998.

Kyi Hla may not have enjoyed as much success in Japan as he did on the Asian Tour, but he captured heart of the fans and fellow

competitors with his kindness and great personality.

After hanging up his clubs in 2004, Kyi Hla gave back to the sport he loved so much through his role as an official.

He took up the challenge as an Executive Chairman of the Asian Tour and contributed extensively to the development of professional golf in Asia over the next 10 years.

It was under his tutelage that the cooperation between the JGTO and Asian Tour had also gone from strength to strength, with the

Asia-Pacific Diamond Cup Golf and Panasonic Open Golf Championship becoming regular co-sanctioned fixtures on both Tours.

Kyi Hla will surely be missed for his sense of humour, friendliness and great hospitality - all those traits which made the Japanese

players felt welcomed at Asian Tour events.

Besides golf, he was also known for his love for music and the outdoor activities.

Speaking to the Asian Tour last year on the eve of his 60th birthday, Kyi Hla said: "I had wanted to be a pro golfer since I was 10 years old. I’ve been very fortunate to pursue a sport that I loved. Traveling all over the world, meeting new people, making so many friends, and playing a lot of great tournaments and golf courses."

Kyi Hla's death came as a surprise to many, especially after being seen attending the SMBC Singapore Open at the Sentosa Golf Club last month.

Said Commissioner and CEO of the Asian Tour, Cho Minn Thant: "We are all only just processing the news as we recently saw him at the SMBC Singapore Open in January.

"Asian golf has lost one of its greatest players, its greatest personalities, and its greatest leaders. We will forever remember Kyi Hla.”

The Tour will be creating a Kyi Hla Han Future Champion Award in his honor to aid the development of juniors and the sport of golf in Asia.