SA Golf Trader; Nov/Dec 2021 - Who is the golfer from the past?

Turning back the clock

• Born on the 12th December 1928, he was a South African professional golfer of ethnic Indian origin.

• He began his career as a caddie for amateur golfer Graham Wulff.

• He qualified for the 1959 Open Championship and finished 13th at the same event in 1963.

• He was the first non-white to take part in the South African Open (1961). Just two years after he broke the colour barrier he finished second, losing by one shot to Retief Waltman.

• He won the Dutch Open in 1959 and defended his title the following year. He won it again in 1964.

• In 1963 he became the first golfer of colour to win a provincial open in South Africa, the Natal Open.

• In 1965, he won the Natal Open for a second time, defeating runner-up Gary Player.

• He was noted for his unconventional grip, holding the club with his right hand above the left.

• He died impoverished in 1978 at the age of 48.

Answer on page 110 of the Nov/Dec online edition available at www.sagolftrader.co.za