Known to many as “Mr. Golf,” Nazeem “Papo” Haniff passed away Tuesday at the age of 59 in Trinidad and Tobago.
The former nine-time Guyana Open champion had been admitted to the hospital before falling into a coma Saturday last.
He will be laid to rest today in Trinidad.
Haniff was described by his niece, Dr. Joaan Deo as her mentor in the sport and yesterday she reflected on the important role he had played in her development as a golfer and as a person.
“It is a very sad time not just for me but the entire family. He was a very jolly person and always looked to the positives in life. I particularly looked up to him because of how he dominated golf and how everyone knew he was simply the best at it,” Deo said.
She recalled his younger days and his dedication to golf, stating, “a day would not pass him from golf, he would be home chipping.
“I heard stories of him having a bucket with water in it and he would chip into the night and just listen for the ball to drop into the water,” she added.
Deo labelled Haniff as the best golfer in the family that also includes her dad and Haniff’s brother-in-law, Lusignan Golf Club captain, Chatterpaul Deo. He leaves to mourn three sisters and two brothers including former Guyana Open Champion, Imran Haniff.
Also expressing his condolences was President of the Lusignan Golf Club, Aleem Hussain.
Hussain, in an invited comment stated, “Papo was one of the top golfers not only in Guyana but the Caribbean and had an amazing career in Trinidad and Suriname.”
The Club President added that Haniff had won more Open tournaments than Basil Sukhram and was a joy to watch. He also credited him with his development as a golfer and recognized him for his contributions of getting golf into schools and the University of Guyana.
Hussain said: “He had an incredible game and personality and would be deeply missed by members of the club who regret his passing.”
He added that there will be a moment of silence in his honor as well as the ceremonial bell while plans will be discussed to idolize his legacy.
Haniff had been a stalwart in the sport, racking up many titles including winning the Lusignan Open on five consecutive occasions.
More recently, he won the El Dorado Classic in June, 2018.
The veteran golfer began his career as a caddy at the Lusignan Golf Club when he was just eight years old and immediately fell in love with the sport.
To date, Haniff holds the record for the lowest gross score in Guyana with 64 overtaking, Basil Sukhram by one point.
Haniff racked up titles across three countries including the Suriname Open, Trinidad Open, Bill Clinton Tournament, Black Star tournament, Dunlop Pro-Am and locally
During his illustrious career, Haniff represented Trinidad in the Organisation of Easter Caribbean States (OECS) Championships while representing Suriname in Holland. Haniff also played in the Jamaica Pro-Am where he placed second.
