Felix “Cassius” Casas, one of the Philippines’ finest golfers, passed away on Monday, Nov. 18. He was 57.

Four years ago, he underwent a major heart surgery that forced him to retire to his home province in Davao.

During his prime, Casas dominated the Philippine tour in the 1990s and the early 2000s, ruling tournaments such as the now-defunct Philip Morris Golf Circuit, the Philippine Masters in 2000 and the prestigious Philippine Open in 2001.

He represented the country in the World Cup of Golf in 1997 and has competed in the Asian Tour, while also placing third in the Wills Indian Open with a course-record 65 at the Classic Golf Resort.

Casas was also part of the gold-medal winning team in the 1989 Southeast Asian Games and in the 1992 World Amateur Championship.

Among the biggest highlights of his career was his rare opportunity to face off against Tiger Woods in an exhibition match at Mimosa Golf and Country Club in 1998.