(Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) – On the closing evening of the most successful Asia Pacific Golf Summit, Gary Player became the first recipient of the Asia Pacific Golf Humanitarian Award in recognition for his decades of service and tireless efforts to provide education to underprivileged children around the globe. Upon acceptance of the award, Player remarked, “It is humbling to be recognized with a humanitarian award such as this. I’ve been blessed with successful professional golf and business careers, but I know the work I’ve tried to do to help underprivileged children will have a far greater impact than any trophy or business accomplishment.”
Earlier that day, the Black Knight received a standing ovation following his keynote address that ended the Summit. In his typical rousing style, Player discussed how the golf industry has evolved over his 50 plus year career, including the rise of Asia as a dominant force in golf, how stronger athletes and equipment are overpowering current golf course lengths, and going forward, the impact that the inclusion of golf in the 2016 Olympics will have on the future of the sport. Player also stressed two of his most passionate topics, the environment and good health, calling on Asian developers to implement environmentally friendly initiatives at their courses and to teach golfers the importance of diet, health and fitness, especially juniors.
Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew, owner of the Mines Resort and patron of the APGS, said: “It was a wonderful gathering that brought many of the people who are shaping the future of golf including Jack Nicklaus, Peter Thomson, Tenniel Chu of Mission Hills Group and Peter Dawson, CEO of the R&A.”
While in Kuala Lumpur, Gary Player made time to host a Junior Golf Clinic with Callaway Golf of Asia for 150 local children, where he continued to emphasize the importance of exercise and good diet at an early age.
Gary Player’s highly acclaimed golf course, Ria Bintan Golf Club, once again received numerous awards at the Summit, including Best Golf Course in the Asia Pacific, First Runner-up Best Golf Course in Indonesia and First Runner-up Best Maintained Golf Course in the Asia Pacific.
For more information please visit www.golfconference.org.
Contact:
Scott Ferrell, President, Gary Player Design
E: scott@garyplayer.com or T: +1 864 477 2720
Lindsey Batavia, Client Services Manager, Gary Player Design
E: lindsey@garyplayer.com or T: +1 864 477 2720
Jen Fonseca, Program Director for The Player Foundation
E: jen@garyplayer.com or T: +1 561 624 0300
