Golfers disappointed by deteriorating conditions at Papwa Sewgolum Golf Course

Over the past few months avid golfers have been forced to seek greener pastures due to the “deplorable state” of the Papwa Sewgolum Golf Course in Reservoir Hills.

They said that the condition of the course had deteriorated since the maintenance was taken over by a new service provider last year.

In August last year, The POST reported that the DGC Golf Development (DGC), had challenged the eThekwini Municipality, in the Durban High Court, to restore their access to the course and challenged their eviction.

The court battle ensued after the company, which had managed the golf course for almost two decades, received a letter from the municipality on July 15, that a new service provider had been appointed to manage the golf course and that would start on August 1.

They were informed to vacate the golf course by the end of July.

Following a procurement process, Leitch Landscapes, the second respondent in the matter, was awarded the contract to run and maintain the golf course.

Following two urgent applications, an acting judge ruled that the DGC, a non-profit company, “be restored peaceful use and possession” of the course, without any interference by the city of their right to receive payment of green fees.

However, the company was ordered to vacate the course by no later than September 15.

Since then, golfers said they had to seek alternative courses to play at.

Rajen Sewgolum, Papwa’s son and a professional golfer, said seeing the course in its current state was disturbing.

“It is more disappointing as the Papwa Sewgolum Golf Course, as well as the Windsor Park Golf Course are the only two courses that are managed by the eThekwini Municipality.

“Not everyone can afford to pay the exorbitant green fees at the private-owned and more elite courses. These two courses are reasonably priced and also not as far as out to travel to. The courses have also provided an avenue for those from disadvantaged backgrounds to still access the sport due to its affordability.

“For the past two decades, the course has been in a good condition. We never had any hassles as the previous service provider did their job. But for the past few months, it is worrying that the course is not being taken care of,” he said.

Sewgolum said it was also disappointing to see it deteriorate with his father’s name attached to it.

“It was an excellent gesture to rename the course after my father and as a family we were grateful. But my father was a legend and it is an honour for many golfers to be able to play at the course which holds great significance and history for our family.

“I believe it is time the municipality took accountability as they are the ones that awarded the maintenance contract to a new service provider. It is now their duty to ensure that the service provider does what is required of them. It seems there are no follow-ups being done by the municipality on whether maintenance is being done,”he said.

Sunny Singh, who has been playing golf for the past 25 years, said the course was likened to that of a “country club”.

“It was once a beautiful course to play on as the rough was always well-maintained. The bushes were cleared and it was also affordable compared to other courses where you can pay up to R500 in green fees. It is also more affordable for us pensioners. I used to play there at least once a week.

“However, over the past few months it was becoming difficult to play there. The rough was uncut, which is the worst thing for a golfer because if you lose your ball, you lose a point, ” he said.

Singh said with more golfers going to other courses, it impacted locals who worked as caddies.

“These guys were able to make a little income to support themselves or their families. Furthermore, due to the poor conditions, many charitable organisations that used to raise funds by hosting a golf day at the course will have to look at other options as golfers may not want to support the event due to the state of the course.

“I believe that the service provider and municipality should hasten to improve course and bring it back to its former glory. We need that golf course. Furthermore, it is named after a legend and we don't want that name to disappear,” he said.

Bassy Bhola, who has also been playing golf for more than two decades said he was left disheartened by the current state of the course.

“I used to play there at least twice a week, but over the past few months I have opted to visit other courses. However, I recently visited the course to see my friend that works in the restaurant.

I was shocked to see only two cars parked there - one of which was one of the employees. There were no golfers around. It is really disheartening as the course used to be abuzz with activity especially at the weekend.

“We looked forward to going to the course, to play a good game of golf and socialise. Now, we are travelling elsewhere to play which is costing us much more.

“Furthermore, the late Papwa Sewgolum was like a God to us. It is disappointing to see a once beautiful course named after legend deteriorated in such a short space of time. We want the municipality, who awarded the new service provider the contract, to ensure that they maintain the place so that we can return soon,” he said.

Selvan Naidoo, author of the book, Out of the Rough, Papwa: A Player Denied and a golfer, said: “It is an embarrassment to the game of golf, especially where Papwa Sewgolum made a name for himself as a professional golf player.

“It was once the best municipal golf course in Durban. The poor state of the course is due to the awarding of the green keeping contract to a service provider whose track record is nothing short of disastrous.

“The eThekwini Municipality needs to reverse the maintenance contract if they have any hope of golf being played at the only two municipal managed courses in Durban. Furthermore, they have already lost revenue with so many golfers not going there because of the horrible conditions. Furthermore the condition of all the courses is detrimental to the sport,” he said.

The eThekwini Municipality did not comment at the time of publication.

POST