POLOKWANE – Sean Pappas (49), professional golfer and director of golf at the Ranch Resort’s Executive Golf Course and Golf Academy, has died Sunday morning following a heart attack.

Sean played professional golf since 1990, and has won five Sunshine Tours and two NGA Hooters Tours in 1994.

He was born in Phalaborwa where his parents Leon and Diana managed the Merensky Golf Club. He was the oldest of four brothers who all became professional golfers.

Sean was a member of the world’s elite Double Eagle Club for the double eagle he managed during the 1999 Classic Vodacom Players Championship during the Sunshine Tour.

Paul Shearer, marketing manager at the Ranch Resort said Sean brought out the confidence in golf players.

He describes Sean as always calm and collected with a passion for all things having to do with golf, a man who loved his job.

“He was well -respected, an icon in the golfing world. His demise is a big loss for all who knew him.”

Sue Bohlman, Sean’s life partner for the last 13 years, describes Sean as her very special love, a wonderful life partner, a wonderful man and person.

She said they had a good time together.

Sean leaves behind a son, Dwayne and a “laatlam”, Alethea, his daughter with Sue. “We are all going to miss him so much.”

She wishes to convey her thanks to all family members, friends and colleagues, Dr Flip van As, paramedics and Avbob, who assisted the family during this time.

The memorial service will be held at the Methodist Church , 14 Gelderland Street in Phalaborwa on Friday, June 12 at 14:00.

Polokwanians can attend a memorial service for Sean at the Golf Academy Club House at the Ranch Resort on Thursday, June 11 at 14:00.