Davao has lost one of its golfing jewels after Felix “Cassius” Casas, considered as one of the Philippines’ greatest golfers, passed away early Monday at the age of 57.
Casas’ death was confirmed by his sister, Angelita “Angie” Casas Borja, who bared that her brother died at 12:47 AM at the Davao Doctors Hospital in Davao City, just two hours after being admitted due to breathing difficulties. Angie shared that details of his wake will be announced once the family settles the hospital bill of P67,000, adding that they are seeking ways to cover the cost.
Casas is a former national team member and a highly-regarded professional player.
In his prime, the Davao-born big-hitter won the Philippine Open in 2001 by five shots over Danny Zarate at Wack Wack’s East course and the Philippine Masters in 2000 at Villamor, where he beat Robert Pactolerin in an epic playoff.
He also won the Razon Cup twice in 2010 and 2015 at The Country Club and one of his last professional victories came in 2014 at the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge at the old Sta. Barbara course, where he beat Elmer Salvador by one shot.
Casas was so popular in his prime that among all the Filipino golf stars, he was chosen to play with Tiger Woods when the former world No. 1 played in an exhibition game at Mimosa in Clark back in 1998.
Casas was also the first Filipino to play at the US Open, making it as the first alternate at Bethpage Black in 2002.
Casas, who passed away from heart failure just 12 days before his 58th birthday, achieved an illustrious career with 71 titles, including a victory at the prestigious Philippine Open. His success in golf earned him an estimated P50 million in career winnings, solidifying his legacy as one of the country’s most accomplished golfers.
