Irawan made his debut on the PGA Tour Series-China back in 2016
Malaysian professional golfer Arie Irawan was found dead in his China hotel room on Sunday, according to PGATour.com. He was 28.
Irawan’s death appears to be from natural causes, but a coroner’s report has not yet been completed, PGATour.com reported.
The golfer was in Sanya to compete in the PGA Tour Series-China’s Sanya Championship. According to the outlet, Irawan missed the 36-hole cut, but was still on site when he died at the Sheraton Sanya Resort across the street from Yalong Bay Golf Club. His roomate — American golfer Kevin Techakanokboon — found Irawan unresponsive in his bed.
Another American player, Shotaro Ban, administered CPR while a third player’s wife called local emergency services. He was pronounced dead by emergency responders at the hotel, according to PGATour.com.
In a statement, PGA Tour Series-China’s executive director Greg Carlson told the outlet, “This is just a terrible tragedy that affects all of us who are part of a very tight-knit family here in China.”
“Arie played with us in 2018, his first full year on our Tour, and I know he was excited about this season as he continued his professional golf pursuits. We are incredibly saddened by this news, and we extend our sincere condolences to his wife and family.”
Continued Carlson further, “He was just an incredibly popular player, well-liked by fellow players and staff.”
According to PGATour.com, Irawan made his debut on the PGA Tour Series-China back in 2016. Before that, he attended the University of Tulsa in the U.S., playing for the golf team there. He turned pro in 2013.
PGATour.com said that Irawan is survived by his wife, Marina, and his parents and sister.