November 16, 2020 | BY KELLEY PIERRE
Sewsunker ‘Papwa’ Sewgolum was the son of Indian immigrants whose grandparents migrated from India to South Africa to become indentured servants. “2020 marks 160 years since Indians arrived in South Africa,” said Papwa’s son Rajen during a live Zoom interview this week.
On November 16, 1860 a ship carrying Papwa’s grandparents along with many other indentured laborers onboard arrived on the shores of South Africa from India. The passengers were all seeking a better life. However, the conditions in South Africa for the newly arrived immigrants were harsh and the couple lived an impoverished life, fishing and farming to make ends meet and to feed their growing family.
One day while Papwa and his father were heading out to fish, there was a golf course they always had to cross. On one particular day, as Rajen says the story goes, Papwa found a golf ball, closely examined it and was enamored to learn more about the game. Eventually he started to play using a stick on the sand.
BEGINNING TO PLAY
Papwa began his official involvement in golf as a caddie at age 16. He entered an amateur tournament with borrowed shoes and clubs and won. He grew to become a prolific golfer competing in South Africa and internationally, he went on to win the Dutch Open three times out of six, a feat that has not been topped til this day.
In this video interview Rajen Sewgolum continues the legacy of his father by sharing insights and personal experiences on the amazing life of Papwa, his involvement in trying to end racism in the game, and his friendship with other legendary golfers, including South African golfer Gary Player.
Discover Papwa’s many accomplishments, the challenges he faced, the hardships growing up, tournaments he played in and his achievements before being banned from playing golf. Watch, listen and hear how his son Rajen is continuing to propagate this untold story.
WATCH VIDEO INTERVIEW BELOW:
“It’s a sad state of affairs, you know, that somebody of that statue is not gien the recognition that he deserves.”
Rajen Sewgolum, son of Papwa Sewgolum
Learn more by visiting and contacting Rajen Sewgolum https://www.facebook.com/rajen.sewgolum
Little LA Productions | Details for contributions: rafiq@littlelaproductions.com
Kelly Pierre is a Certified Coach with U.S. Kids Golf, Founder & CEO of All Access Golf and Director of Circulation and Consumer Engagement at African American Golfer’s Digest
