Dylan Naidoo made history by winning the South African Open, becoming the first Indian heritage player to do so. His victory occurred at the same Durban Country Club where Papaw Sewgolum, who faced apartheid-era restrictions, once triumphed. Naidoo expressed gratitude for the support he received and is a graduate of a program honoring Sewgolum, aimed at helping young golfers from underprivileged communities.
Dylan Naidoo achieved a historic victory at the South African Open on Sunday, becoming the first player of Indian heritage to win the prestigious tournament. This milestone took place at the Durban Country Club, where a significant incident in the history of apartheid sports unfolded decades earlier. Naidoo triumphed in a playoff against England’s Laurie Canter to claim the highest honor in South African golf.
Notably, 62 years prior, Indian golfer Papaw Sewgolum had won the Natal Open on the same course, despite facing numerous racial barriers. Sewgolum, who first learned the game as a caddy, showcased remarkable talent that garnered him sponsorship to compete in Europe, where he achieved notable success, including winning the 1959 Dutch Open.
Due to apartheid laws, Sewgolum was barred from playing professionally in South Africa and was only allowed to participate in the 1963 Natal Open under discriminatory conditions. He was required to change in a van and eat with Black caddies, as entry into the clubhouse was restricted to white players. His subsequent win was overshadowed by the rain, which forced the prize-giving ceremony to occur outside rather than in the clubhouse.
Sewgolum remains a revered figure among South Africa’s Indian population, who were marginalized during the apartheid era. His legacy endures, particularly in Durban, which has one of the largest Indian communities outside of India. Naidoo, a product of a development program named after Sewgolum, expressed profound gratitude for the support he received during his victory at the Open.
Praising the moment, Naidoo stated, “This is a special moment for me, it’s a special moment for everybody here in Durban – it’s overwhelming.” He added, “I said yesterday it felt like I was Tiger Woods. There were so many people following me and that gave me energy. I can’t thank everyone enough for coming out.”
Dylan Naidoo’s victory at the South African Open marks a significant moment in golf history, highlighting the progress made since the apartheid era. His triumph not only honors the legacy of Papaw Sewgolum but also reflects the ongoing efforts to support young golfers from disadvantaged backgrounds. Naidoo’s heartfelt appreciation for community support underlines the importance of inclusivity in sports.
Original Source: sportstar.thehindu.com
