Nellan has played alongside some of the best players at his first Malaysian Open in 1969. He shot rounds of 73 and 76 to miss the cut but felt like a winner," he recalled.
Representing his country in the 1976 and 1977 World Cups remains the pinnacle of Nellan's career. He partnered Zainal Abidin Yusoff in his maiden appearance at Missions Hills, Palm Springs, where they finished 32nd. The tournament featured such upcoming superstars such as Australian Greg Norman, Spaniard Seve Ballesteros and Bernhard Langer of Germany.
The following year, partnered with Bobby Lim, Nellan put Malaysia on the golfing map with a commendable joint 11th result when the tournament was held at the Wack Wack Golf Club in Manila.
It wasn't until 1985 that Nellan savoured the sweet taste of victory. The first of his three professional triumphs came at the Malaysian Matchplay Championship when he defeated Barie Bluah in the final at Royal Perak.
Two years later, he bagged the Malaysian PGA Championship, an event which boasts such illustrious names as Vijay Singh and Kyi Hla Han on its roll of honour. Playing at Subang National Golf Club, Nellan beat top Thai player Sukree Oncham with a birdie at the second play-off hole.
Nellan played in the 2003 & 2006 Asian Senior Masters Singapore and the 2005 & 2006 Asian Senior Masters Malaysia.
Photos from the 2006 ASM Malaysia
Photos from the 2005 ASM Malaysia
Photos from 2006 ASM Singapore
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