# 10. Jaz Athwal: Aaron Rai & the British Asian golf experience

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/this-golfing-life-7773016/jaz-athwal-aaron-rai-the-british-asian-golf-experience
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/this-golfing-life-7773016/jaz-athwal-aaron-rai-the-british-asian-golf-experience.md
Podcast: [This Golfing Life](https://stenobird.com/podcast/this-golfing-life-7773016)
Published: 2026-05-21T23:05:00+00:00
Episode link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/NSR6937063199.mp3
Audio file: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/NSR6937063199.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/this-golfing-life-7773016/episodes/jaz-athwal-aaron-rai-the-british-asian-golf-experience
Duration seconds: 3573

## Resource

In this episode of This Golfing Life, Dan Davies sits down with Jaz Athwal, the first Sikh to be appointed captain of a British golf club and a co-founder of the British Asian Golf Society. We celebrate the recent success of Aaron Rai, the first British Asian golfer to win a major, exploring how role models from diverse communities can reshape the future of the game. Jaz also reflects on his journey from inner-city Bradford, rugby league and prejudice to the upper echelons of West Yorkshire society, as well as the challenges he faced breaking into a traditionally exclusive sport, and the lasting impact of initiatives like the Asian Open in inspiring British Asian golfers.  Highlights Introduction: Dan Davies welcomes Jaz Athwal to This Golfing Life and highlights the significance of Aaron Rai’s major win for British Asian golf. Early Sporting Life: Jaz shares his experience growing up in Bradford, his love for rugby league, and how early sporting experiences shaped his outlook. Discovering Golf: From picking up golf as a summer pastime to joining his first club, Jaz details the challenges of being one of the few British Asians in a predominantly white golfing world. Founding the British Asian Golf Society: Jaz explains how the British Asian Golf Society (BAGS) came to be, the vision behind the Asian Open, and efforts to introduce golf to inner-city schools. Breaking Barriers: The journey to becoming the first Sikh captain of a UK golf club and overcoming cultural and institutional barriers. Community Impact: How BAGS fostered networks and mentorships, helping nurture more British Asian golfers. Golf as a Social Glue: Jaz reflects on the inclusive nature of golf, lifelong friendships, and the social aspects that transcend the sport. Life Lessons: The values Jaz hol…

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## Transcript

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