(George, South Africa) The Gary Player Invitational series of charity golf tournaments held each year in Europe, China South Africa and the United States have proven that even during a slow economy helping underprivileged children remains a priority.
Proof positive of this was the overwhelming success of the GPI China held on 2-3 November 2009 at Shanghai Links Golf Club. Jackie Chan, an international movie star and devoted philanthropist, headlined the star studded guest list and co-hosted the gala dinner and auction at Pudong Shangri-la Hotel in Shanghai with Mr., Player and Doug Jackson, President of Coca-Cola China. The dinner was supported by well over 300 guests including top Chinese business leaders and heads of multinational enterprises, Ren Dequan, Vice President of the Chinese Foundation for the Prevention of STD and AIDS. Olympic hurdlest and Chinese sports icon Liu Xiang along with number one ranked professional golfer Liang Wen Khong, as well as two-time US Open winner Retief Goosen and English Ryder Cup star, Paul Casey were a few of the many sporting heroes in attendance. The event raised R 8 million.
Earlier this year the series of 4 global tournaments teed off firstly in the USA, and then at Archerfield Links, adjacent to Muirfield in Scotland where Mr. Player won his first Major, The Open Championship, in 1959. The event drew celebrities from across the UK headlined by rugby stand out and MC of the event Martin Bayfield. The events raised more than R 4.5 million between them and continue to help those children most in need.
The final leg of the GPI series – the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola – celebrated its 10th anniversary at The Links at Fancourt in George, South Africa from 26-29 November 2009. This year’s field was represented by golfing greats including Master’s Champion Angel Cabrera and 2-time major championship winner Retief Goosen and golf nuts and philanthropists DJ Spooney and South African rocker Ard Matthews. Fun was had by all and gala dinner hosted by Mr. Player raised more than
R 5 million. Angel Cabrera and Tony Johnstone won the 36-hole tournament by three strokes on 15 under par – hardly surprising considering both are current Masters Champions, with Cabrera having won the green jacket at Augusta National this year and Johnstone having won the British Senior Masters. Amateurs DJ Spooney and Dubai based businessman Abdullah Al Naboodah along with their professional playing partners Vincent Tshabalala and Thomas Aiken took home the trophy for the 4-ball competition. Spooney, who just missed winning last year’s event, was elated and vowed to defend his title next year.
The Gary Player International pro-am tournaments were conceived over 10 years ago by Marc Player, CEO of Black Knight International, and with the unwavering support from Coca-Cola and many other sponsors have helped to raise more than $30 million for underprivileged children across the globe. Philanthropy is one of Mr.
Player’s true passions in life and the support he has received from sponsors like Coca-Cola, Callaway, Rolex, UPS and SAP along with the global professional golf community and celebrities from all over the world have truly helped make a difference in the lives of thousands of children. Mr. Player, who was overcome with emotion after the Fancourt event said, “With the economy in such turmoil and charities fighting for every dollar, the support for the GPI series over the past ten years, and especially this year, is truly a blessing. I can’t thank all of the sponsors and participants enough for their willingness to help give these kids a chance to make a better future for themselves. It is hard to put into words the gratitude I have for all of the people who have helped make this entire year so successful. From the bottom of my heart – thank you, and bless you.”
Contact:
Marc Tudhope, Managing Director, Black Knight International
E: marc@garyplayer.co.za or T: +27 21 671 5159
Jo Hone, GPI Event Director, Black Knight International
E: jo@garyplayer.co.za or T: +27 21 671 5159
Jen Fonseca, Program Director for The Player Foundation
E: jen@garyplayer.com or T: +1 561 624 0300