Exclusive: Gary Player Reflects On His 'great' Friendship With Papwa Sewgolum

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 wasnt 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.