George Chan turns 90 with seventh hole-in-one

KUCHING: Former Sarawak’s Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam, marked his 90th birthday today (September 24) with a birthday present of his own – his seventh hole-in-one.

In a statement issued to Sarawak Tribune today, Dr Chan recorded his latest ace at The Singapore Island Country Club on Wednesday (Sept. 23), just a day before reaching the milestone age.

According to the club’s official Hole-in-One Certificate, he achieved the feat at the 112-metre 4th Hole of The New Course, Forest. The certificate was signed by Club Captain Lam Zhiqun.

For Dr Chan, the timing of his seventh ace made the achievement even more special, as scoring another hole-in-one had been one of his wishes for the year.

His long-time friend, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr Abdul Aziz Husain, said Dr Chan had told him about the wish.

“George told me that one of his wishes this year was to score another hole-in-one. I am so happy that his wish has come true, and what makes it even more special is that it happened just one day before his 90th birthday,” Abdul Aziz added.

A poster documenting Dr George Chan’s seven hole-in-ones, including the dates and courses where he recorded each ace.

“I have known George for many years, and he has always enjoyed golf and the company of his friends. To achieve his seventh hole-in-one at this stage of his life is truly remarkable. I wish my dear friend continued good health, happiness and many more enjoyable rounds of golf.”

Dr Chan’s latest ace at 89 also places him among a select group of senior golfers to achieve the feat late in life.

American PGA professional, Gus Andreone, was 103 when he recorded his eighth career hole-in-one at Palm Aire Country Club in Sarasota, Florida, in December 2014.

The Guinness World Records website lists Swiss golfer, Otto Bucher, as the oldest male hole-in-one golfer in its records.

Bucher was 99 years and 244 days old when he aced a hole at La Manga Golf Club in Spain in 1985.

For Ting Kuok Ing, Dr Chan’s long-time golf buddy, Wednesday’s round was one he will not forget.

Ting was playing alongside Dr Chan and witnessed the shot.

“I was very fortunate to be playing with George when he made his seventh hole-in-one. We watched the shot and then realised the ball had gone straight into the hole. Everyone was so excited,” he said.

“To witness my good friend doing this at 89, just one day before his 90th birthday, was truly unforgettable. We were all very happy for him. It was the perfect birthday present.”

Dr Chan began his professional career as a doctor in Miri before entering politics and eventually serving as Sarawak’s Deputy Chief Minister.

Since retiring from politics, he has remained active, enjoying golf, social activities and time with family and friends, with his wife, Datin Patinggi Datuk Wira Lorna Enan Muloon Chan, by his side.

His approach to life was perhaps best summed up on his 88th birthday two years ago.

“The most important thing in life is to be happy and to have a lot of friends. When everybody is happy, the world will be a happier place,” he said.

Two years later, his wish for another hole-in-one has come true – fittingly, on the eve of his 90th birthday.