A Sikh businessman in Auckland, who was refused service at a golf club bar recently because he was wearing a turban, is happy the matter has been resolved amicably.
Kharag Singh, 45, owner of the Everglade 4 Square supermarket and keen golfer, says he was refused service at the Aviation Country Golf Club bar in Auckland on Sunday, February 28, after the day’s pennants competition, which his Manukau Golf Club team won.
As is normal after-match tradition, the team members made their way to the club’s bar for a few drinks where he was told by the bar manager that he couldn’t serve Singh because of his headwear.
Singh, who has been playing golf in New Zealand for more than 10 years, told the Indian Weekender that he was even more embarrassed by the situation as his teenage son was standing right behind him, bewildered by the situation. Teghbir Singh, 15, also a keen golfer, also wears the traditional Punjabi headwear.
“We had never come across a situation like this before so when we asked whether we could talk to someone else as the turban was not normal headgear but part of a religious headwear, the bar manager said that he was in charge and that he made the rules in the bar.”
Singh said he then asked his fellow club members to “let’s go and celebrate at our club” but one of their senior members, Albert, stepped in to talk to the barman, who then eased up. The golfers then left the Aviation Country club.
The next day Manukau Golf Club manager Brian Cronin emailed the Auckland Golf Club about the situation who then contacted the Aviation club officials.
Aviation Country Golf Club general manager Peter Walsh then took prompt action by writing an apology letter dated March 1 to the Singhs.
“We apologise to you both for any embarrassment our bar manager caused you on Sunday over your headwear (turban) worn in the bar/lounge.
“Unfortunately, we had not set up a standard for people who wear headwear based on their religious/cultural beliefs, but this has now been as a result of what happened at the weekend.
“This will never happen here again,” the letter signed by Walsh said.
Walsh said Singh wasn’t refused service at the bar but rather “questioned about his headwear”.
“It was an unfortunate incident which has been dealt with,” Walsh told the Indian Weekender.
He said the matter had been dealt with immediately as it was viewed seriously. “The barman in question had been following the club policy on headgear in place at the time.
“The barman has been spoken to and club policy changed to ensure similar incidents don’t happen again.”
Although normal golf club rules say that headgear may not be worn inside the bar, the turban is a traditional headgear worn at all times by Sikh men to cover their heads and also to hold their long hair in place.
The Singhs’ passion for golf is reflected in a sign across the top of a doorway at the Everglade 4 Square Supermarket in Manukau which reads: “People Work Because They Don’t Know How to Play Golf”.
It is just an introduction to a hoard of signs, posters and photos which follow in Kharag Singh’s office, which is plastered with photos and memorabilia with leading golfing personalities including Michael Campbell.
Singh says he is happy the matter was resolved quickly because the officials viewed it seriously.
“My son is a keen golfer and there are other young people like him around who want to be treated properly.
“Such behaviour should not be a deterrent in their golfing careers.”