Whatever happened

Next up in our line-up of golfing legends from the past is a man who certainly did not have it easy in his early days. The ‘law’ at the time prohibited him from playing golf where and when he wanted to, solely because of the pigmentation of his skin.

It is truly remarkable to speak with Mokgeteng ‘John’ Mashego as you get a small glimpse into how different South Africa was for black people under apartheid.

Mashego though is not one to dwell on the past and expressed his desire to focus rather on the future and reflect on the many achievements that he has had.

“IwontheBushveldClassicin1991in Ellisrastobecomethefirstblacktowin atournamentontheSunshineTour”

Mokgeteng Mashego grew up in White River and came to Johannesburg in 1971 to play football.

However, his love of golf and his natural ability to play the game exceptionally well, led to him turning professional in 1980.

In 1981 John became a Tournament Players Association (the black equivalent of the SAPGA) member and in 1984 he became a Sunshine Tour temporary member.

Speaking to SA Golf Trader, Mokgeteng spoke fondly about his past “I won the Bushveld Classic in 1991 in Ellisras to become the first black to win a tournament on the Sunshine Tour, I finished second to John Bland in Namibia and second to John Nelson in Newcastle in 2002”.

Mashego amassed almost R400 000 during ten seasons

(playing more than two hundred and Tour.

Mashego was a member of the European until 2009. His best finish was tied El Sheikh Seniors Open in Egypt in He rediscovered some of his best form season, with a share of tenth place Midas Group share of 13th Senior Open

Those results, to prevent where he exempt card.

He found registering

He finished Seniors Open appearances

Mokgeteng member member

Mashego clearly seems in a good space say “My first win on the Sunshine Senior Park Golf Club in the North West with win came in Gauteng at the Ebotse scored rounds of 64 & 72.