GOLF’S FINEST JOIN TOGETHER IN THE SPIRIT OF “GOLF AND GIVING” AT THE 2019 BERENBERG GARY PLAYER INVITATIONAL IN NEW YORK
Gary Player Hosts Major Champions, Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup Stars and LPGA Talent in support of The Player Foundation
BEDFORD, NEW YORK – Grand Slam Champion and Golfing Icon, Gary Player will play host to some of the golf world’s most popular players when the 2019 Berenberg Gary Player Invitational takes place at GlenArbor Golf Club in Bedford, NY on October 7. Benefitting underprivileged children and communities globally, the event series has helped The Player Foundation raise more than $64 million, impacting countless lives worldwide, making it one of the game’s premiere annual Golf and Giving initiatives.
Representing the event’s Title sponsor, Berenberg’s Head of Investment Banking, David Mortlock, emphasized: “We are proud to call Gary Player not only our Brand Ambassador, but also a good friend for many years. He is truly a legend of the sport. This exclusive status must be measured not just in terms of his career achievements that include the Grand Slam, but also in his tireless efforts to advance outstanding philanthropic initiatives such as the Gary Player Invitational series. The ability to give so much back to charity is one of the many reasons we at Berenberg have chosen this sponsorship as an important platform.” Berenberg, the world’s second oldest bank with roots going back to 1590, has sponsored the event series since 2012.
A total field of 72 professional golfers and business leaders will take on the picturesque and challenging Gary Player-designed GlenArbor Golf Club in Bedford, NY. Within that field, 13 Major Champions, 6 Ryder Cup stars and a total of 32 stars from the Champions, PGA, LPGA and LPGA European tours will be represented at the 2019 Berenberg Gary Player Invitational.
Player, who won 18 Major Championships across both the Regular and Senior tours, will be joined by 6-time Major Champion and fellow World Golf Hall of Famer – Lee Trevino, 1992 Masters Champion – Fred Couples, 1998 Masters and Open Championship winner – Mark O’Meara, 1996 Champion Golfer of the Year – Tom Lehman, 2003 Masters Champion – Mike Weir, 1987 Masters Champion – Larry Mize, 1988 PGA Championship winner – Jeff Sluman, 2002 PGA Championship winner – Rich Beem, 31-time European Tour Winner and Ryder Cup stalwart – Colin Montgomerie, 18-time PGA Tour champion including three Major Championships – Nick Price and 2-time U.S. Open champion (‘93 & ‘98) – Lee Janzen on the men’s side.
One of the hallmarks of the Gary Player Invitational global series, is the important part female golfers play in the events. For the women, 3-time LPGA TOUR winner Beatriz Recari will be joined by 2-time LPGA Tour winner and 2007 Ana Inspiration Champion – Morgan Pressel, 5-time Ladies European Tour winner – Azahara Munoz, World Long Drive Competitor – Troy Mullins, co-host of Golf Channel’s School of Golf – Blair O’Neal, and rising stars Amy Boulden, Sarah Kemp, Megan Olsland, and Alexanda O’Laughlin of The Golf Channel.
“For many years, I have been fortunate enough to be able to use golf as a stage for making a positive impact in the world. Our goal is to help improve the lives of as many people globally as we possibly can, and it makes me proud to be able to announce another stellar field, including some of the finest golf has ever known,” said Gary Player. “It’s going to be an unforgettable event!”
Each team will consist of two amateur guests competing alongside one female and one male professional, proudly representing the worlds of golf and business for a premiere experience.
The Berenberg Gary Player Invitational at GlenArbor in New York marks the North American stop on the series’ global calendar with annual events also being staged in Abu Dhabi, London, Hong Kong, and in the tournament host and Grand Slam champion’s home nation of South Africa at Sun City.
The money raised at all events is a driving force in helping The Player Foundation work towards providing quality education for underprivileged children and strengthening impoverished communities around the world.
Marc Player, CEO of Black Knight International and founder of the series, added: “Since launching the Gary Player Invitational in 1999, we have been able to benefit many charitable organizations and grant funds to groups locally in the regions where the GPIs are staged. I’d like to thank all of our participants, guests and sponsors in advance for their commitment and look forward to our event at GlenArbor next month.”
For more information on the Gary Player Invitational series, visit www.garyplayerinvitational.com and follow @GPInvitational on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #GOLFandGIVING.
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For more information please contact:
Bo Wood – Black Knight International
b.wood@garyplayer.com
+ 1 864 477 2720
Meagan Feaster – Black Knight International
meagan@garyplayer.co.za