KUALA LUMPUR: Having realised his dreams to walk inside the ropes at Major tournaments, Boo Chi Chai (or CC Boo as he is fondly known in the local golf scene) will have the honour of officiating at the 2016 Rio Olympics this August.

The national rules committee chairman received an invite from the International Golf Federation’s Olympic golf competition committee last week to serve as a rules official (referee) at one of the most anticipated golfing events of the year.

The Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) in a statement said that the invitation is an honour to the national governing body and is an affirmation that the country can produce world-class golf rules officials qualified to officiate at prestigious golf events.

“It is indeed an honour for the MGA and our rules committee chairman Mr Boo and we will like to express our sincere appreciation to the International Golf Federation on appointing a Malaysian to officiate at the first Olympic golf competition since 1904,” said MGA president Senator Admiral (R) Tan Sri Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor.

“Boo is creating a slice of history in the MGA as well as the golfing fraternity in Malaysia at large by officiating at the world’s prestigious multi-sport events. The Jalur Gemilang will be flying high in Rio as we look certain to be represented – both on the field of play and on the officials ranks. As of today, three professionals – Danny Chia, Kelly Tan and Michelle Koh – all former national players under the MGA – are well within the Olympics qualification mark,” he added.

Boo’s Major journey began in 2013 when he was invited to officiate at The Open Championship in Muirfield, Scotland before becoming the first Malaysian to be invited by the United States Golf Association (USGA) to referee at the 2014 U.S. Open held in Pinehurst #2, North Carolina. He was again invited to officiate at the 2015 edition in Chambers Bay, Washington and will make his third straight trip to the US Open in Oakmont this June.