MEMORIES OF FRIENDSHIP Gary Player has spoken about his friendship with Papwa Sewgolum. Picture: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images/AFP
Image: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images/AFP
A lot has been written about how Papwa Sewgolum and how he had to receive his 1965 Natal Open trophy out in the rain because he wasn’t allowed inside Durban Country Club due to Apartheid, following Dylan Naidoo’s victory at the same course last week.
Sewgolum beat out Gary Player in that tournament, and the story made headlines because the second-placed white golfer was given preferential treatment due to the colour of his skin.
Player has also come under fire in recent years as his pro-Apartheid comments he made in the 1960s and 1970s had resurfaced.
Player, however, maintains he had a good relationship with the late Sewgolum.
“I was very friendly with Papwa Sewgolum,” Player told IOL Sport in an exclusive interview at the Blair Atholl pre-primary school which his Gary & Vivienne Player foundation helps fund.
“There were a lot of people at the time, the way they could get rid of Apartheid or get at Apartheid was to hammer me. A lot of lies were spoken about Papwa and me.
“We were great friends. We played practice rounds together. I sponsored him with an air ticket to go to Australia. And I said to Dylan, Papwa is in heaven today. And he will be so proud of you because he set the stage for you guys. And it's so wonderful to see.”
As for Naidoo’s win in the SA Open, Player said it was a special moment witnessing the 27-year-old become the first player of colour in South Africa to lift the trophy.
“Well, this was quite ironic because I phoned him after his victory. And I said, you know, Dylan, I won my first South African Open at Durban Country Club in 1956, before your father was born,” said Player.
“Like your father was hugging you and crying. My father was hugging me and crying. The only difference is I won 500 pounds and you won 5 million. What a difference.
“You are so, well, you are such an example to people. He, I believe, was in the Olympiad. That's the master in science to represent South Africa.”
Player said Naidoo was a great example for professional golf.
“He's a brilliant young man. You know, my mind goes back when I won in those days, people of colour were not allowed to play.
“It does my heart so much good today to see you come along and win this tournament.”
Player, who won 13 SA Open titles, hoped Naidoo would build on his breakthrough victory which earned him a DP World Tour card and entry into The Open Championship later this year.
“I'm just hoping he will go on from strength to strength. Because he will be a real true ambassador for South Africa. And people must not forget. Golf gives South Africa more publicity than any [other] sport.”
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