Sewsunker "Papwa" Sewgolum

Sewsunker "Papwa" Sewgolum (1930-1978) was a legendary Indian golfer from South Africa who carved a niche for himself in golfing folklore when he became the first golfer of colour to win a provincial open in South Africa. He became a symbol of the sports boycott movement when pictures of him receiving his trophy outdoors in the rain, because of apartheid he was not allowed to enter the clubhouse, were published across the world.

Sewgolum, a former caddie, with his wrong-way-round grip (left hand beneath his right) caused a stir in 1963 when he beat 103 white golfers including Harold Henning in the provincial Natal Open tournament at the Durban Country Club. In 1965 he beat Gary Player to win the title for the second time. He also won the Dutch Open in 1959, 1960 and 1964. He was the winner of a number of non-white golfing championships in South Africa.

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