Hassan Hassanein was born in Cairo in 1916, starting his life in golf as a barefoot caddie on the sandy courses of Heliopolis, from those humble beginnings, he rose to become Egypt’s greatest professional golfer and one of Africa’s first international stars.
After World War II, Hassanein turned professional in 1946 and quickly became head pro at the Gezira Sporting Club in Cairo, his first big success came when he won the Desert Open that same year dominating the event, winning almost every year through 1956.
Hassanein’s breakthrough on the world stage came in 1949, when he won the Italian Open, defeating Europe’s best. But it was 1951 that truly defined his career; that year he won the Egyptian Open by 10 strokes over Australian star Norman Von Nida, then defeated Von Nida again to claim the Egyptian Match Play Championship, soon after, he traveled to France and won the French Open by eight shots, proving he could beat top players anywhere.
He made history by becoming the first Arab golfer ever to compete in a major championship, playing in the British Open four times: 1950, 1951, 1953, and 1955. He made the cut in each appearance, with his best finish a tie for 17th place in 1953 at Carnoustie, the same year Ben Hogan won. At a time when Black golfers were banned from PGA events in the United States, Hassanein still managed to compete internationally, including appearances at the All American Open in Chicago, where he was invited by George S. May, who welcomed players from around the world.
British Open champion Max Faulkner once said Hassanein had one of the three best swings he had ever seen, praising the incredible balance he developed by learning the game barefoot on sand.
Hassanein represented Egypt in the World Cup of Golf, then called the Canada Cup, in 1955 and 1956, bringing pride to his country. His victories and international appearances made him a pioneer for Arab and African golfers, breaking barriers and opening doors for future generations.
Tragically, his life was cut short at age 40 when a kerosene stove exploded in his Cairo home on January 2, 1957. By then, he had won 17 professional tournaments, including multiple Egyptian Opens, the Italian Open, and the French Open.
The 1975 Encyclopedia of Golf called him “the best ever produced in the Arab world,” while legendary golf writer Henry Longhurst described him as “unquestionably the best Oriental golfer in history.”
Hassan Hassanein’s story is one of extraordinary talent, determination, and ground-breaking achievement, from barefoot caddie to the first Arab golfer in a major championship, he earned his place in history as the undisputed King of Arab Golf.
