INSIDE THE ROPES

ONE

of a kind

After nearly six decades in golf administration, the sport's godfather is retiring in July. But that's not the end

Christiaan Maas’ all-encompassing love for the game is also to the benefit of those who have the privilege of watching him
play

BY MICHAEL VLISMAS

It's unofficially known as 'The Gospel According to Nate'. It's an informal collection of colourful sayings and words of wisdom from Selwyn Nathan, a man who has spent a lifetime in the game and who, in June this year, retires from his long-standing role as Executive Director of the Sunshine Tour.

Nate's Gospel doesn't exist in printed format. It's more a word-of-mouth thing.

They are words of wisdom that usually come at you through a haze of cigar smoke and with that gravelly laugh of a man who has for decades been a larger-than-life figure in South African golf.

It includes sayings like, 'A fast “No” is better than a slow “Yes”.'

And another one: 'There are only two outcomes to any meeting. It's either a yes or a no. Never leave a meeting without either a yes or a no.'

Or, 'Generosity might make you poor, but it will never make you unhappy.'

Nathan will remain on the Sunshine Tour Board of Directors, but from June will relinquish his executive duties.

'I'm hoping to play golf at least once a day. And I have eight grandchildren, so I think my kids and grandchildren will be happy to see more of me,' he says.

It will bring to a close one of the longest-serving careers in South African sports administration. A career that began in the late 1960s as a young assistant professional working alongside Brian Henning and Helen Bland on a tournament in Cape Town, and which has seen Nathan work as a promoter in the game, serve as Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour on several occasions, and ultimately take up the position as Executive Director.

'I'm hoping to play golf at least once a day. And I have eight grandchildren, so I think my kids and grandchildren will be happy to see more of me'

THE GOSPEL ABOUT NATE ...

Johann Rupert, Chairman of the Sunshine Tour: 'The end of his executive tenure brings to a close one of the most remarkable and colourful careers in our game. I would like to wish him well, and thank him sincerely for his unwavering service to the Sunshine Tour'.

Thomas Abt, the Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour (who was mentored for the role by Nathan): 'Selwyn has been a mentor to me personally, and to many others. He has always led with generosity – of time, knowledge, and encouragement – quietly shaping leaders rather than seeking recognition.'

Grant Hepburn, CEO GolfRSA: 'Selwyn has an infectious spirit and love for the game. He has done a huge amount for South African golf, from the SA Golf Development Board to his many years with the Sunshine Tour. He has played a big role in my career and I sincerely thank him for that, and for the tremendously positive impact he's had on our sport.’

Gary Player: 'I want to thank Selwyn for the commitment he has shown towards the Sunshine Tour and for the selfless work he has done in growing our Tour'.

He has been a guiding light for the Tour since the first International Federation of PGA Tours meeting where the Sunshine Tour was a founding member.

He has worked with three PGA TOUR Commissioners, including Deane Beman, Tim Finchem and Jay Monahan, and four DP World Tour Chief Executives in Ken Schofield, George O'Grady, Keith Pelley and Guy Kinnings.

He's been instrumental in the development of the Strategic Alliance between the DP World Tour and PGA Tour, and the global pathway from the Sunshine Tour through to the HotelPlanner Tour and DP World Tour, and ultimately the PGA Tour. Something he fondly refers to as 'a runway of opportunity' for South African professionals.

Nathan helped guide the Tour through the Covid-19 pandemic, where golf led the way in terms of a safe return to sport. And he pushed for a caddie stipend for the South African tour caddies during this difficult time.

One of his most lasting impacts will be the revival of Soweto Country Club, a project he personally undertook to give the young golfers of Soweto a beacon of hope. To this end, he involved everybody from his business friends to The R&A and the PGA Tour. It was quite simple. If Selwyn asked, they said yes.

It was the late Dr Andrew Mlangeni, a man who spent time with Nelson Mandela on Robben Island and once the oldest surviving member of Soweto Country Club, who recalled how, when Nathan first discussed this idea with him, he thought, 'What could this Jewish boy possibly get right here in Soweto?'

A few years later, Dr Mlangeni had tears streaming down his face as he hit a drive on the revamped Soweto Country Club, with Gary Player there to also mark the occasion.

He also led the drive to create a viable programme of opportunity – the Papwa Sewgolum Class – within the Tour for historically disadvantaged professionals and help them to compete on an equal footing on Tour.

Gallery below

When he says goodbye, Nathan typically begins with a 'Thank You'”.

'I want to thank Johann Rupert for the faith he has shown in me. And I want to thank all the players, the directors, the sponsors and the staff I've had the privilege of working with. I've been blessed to have had the most fantastic career with the most incredible people.'

Nathan himself says, 'It's time for me to get out of the way of the operations. Things have moved on so fantastically because of Mr Rupert and the Board and all of our staff, and our sponsors and relationships internationally.

Thomas is right there now and he needs to manage that.'

And perhaps another line from the Gospel According to Nate?

'I've got great friendships and great memories. I wouldn't change it for anything.'

03/03/2026 07:59:09