Though weak, the 67-year-old former touring pro and coach has been imparting his golf knowledge to some of his former students from his hospital bed.

Ramayah, a top golfer from 1976 to 1997, is bedridden, with drastic physical changes, and on soft diet.

Singaporean businessman Dave Looi, his wife Phoebi Pon and their friend Judy Ng, who had trained under Ramayah, have been keeping his mind sharp.

Their frequent visits to Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM, where Ramayah has been receiving treatment since last week, have brought him much cheer.

On Monday, they were joined by Looi’s neighbour, Uzbek Svetlanna Goltman, for another round of golf lessons from Ramayah.

Looi said: “He checked on our grip and swing, watching us intently and offering valuable lessons. He even asked me to bring a club to the hospital.

“The legend may be down but he certainly is not willing to call it a day.”

Looi, who owns a chain of restaurants in Singapore and China, said Ramayah had repeatedly asked him to take him on a visit to Royal Selangor Golf Club where his golfing career began.

He said his group was fond of Ramayah, “a humble guy, and a gentleman on and off the course”.

He recalled that his final game under Ramayah was in December last year when “my teacher offered to buy me a beer if I were to birdie a hole”.

“I did it, but since Ramayah doesn’t drink, he discouraged me from drinking,” said Looi.