In a time when black players were not allowed in South African golf – Vincent Tshabalala was a black player in South African golf. Designated 'colored' under the apartheid racial classification, he was denied a place on the South African Tour when he was in his prime.

Considered to be the best black player in the country, he proved it by finishing second in the Dunlop Masters. Gary Player, who won that tournament, then set up a fund that aided Tshabalala to play on the European Tour.

Born in 1943 in Johannesburg, Vincent Vesele Tshabalala's crowning moment came on the 1976 European Tour with a 69-70-66-67 victory at the French Open. Unfortunately his career was scuppered by a persistent back injury shortly after.

In the early 90's Vincent made a comeback and finished in the top-twenty four times on the European Seniors Tour order of merit. By this time, racial restrictions were lifted and he was able to compete in his homeland. Unfortunately, due to his age, he did not win any official money events. Fittingly, he has won the Nelson Mandela Invitational twice, in 2004 and 2005.

Ernie Els described Mr Tshabalala as "an absolute legend." Trophy engravers know him as "an absolute bloody nightmare."

Pleasy Golf is proud to have Mr. Tshabalala enrolled as it´s endorser in South Africa.