(Fairmont Zimbali Resort, South Africa) – There is a definite air of expectancy at the prestigious Zimbali Coastal Resort in KwaZulu-Natal as this premier coastal golfing destination grooms its operations ahead of the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola.
Following three years at The Links at Fancourt, the South African leg of this global charity series hosted by the country’s only Grand Slam winner will celebrate its 12th anniversary at this world-class resort from 10-13 November 2011.
Located on a breathtaking stretch of KwaZulu-Natal’s Dolphin Coast, the 700-hectare Zimbali Coastal Resort is a place of expansive beauty with its Indonesian inspired architecture, lush vegetation, an abundance of indigenous wildlife and a pristine championship course that provides the perfect backdrop for Africa’s premier charity golf tournament.
“We are honoured to extend our association with Gary Player by hosting the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola,” said President of IFA Hotels & Resorts Africa and Indian Ocean, Wessel Witthuhn.
“This prestigious tournament has enjoyed phenomenal success, both in South Africa and abroad. An event of this status and nature presents us with the opportunity to showcase Zimbali and the unique environment we have created here.”
One of Gary Player’s great causes, conservation, takes precedence at Zimbali and was also the brief for former British Open and South African PGA champion, Tom Weiskopf, who designed the championship course.
Director of Golf Dan de Bruyn said the 18-hole, par-72 layout will present a fair but challenging test to the 32 participants, while offering superb vantage points for spectators.
“Aesthetically, the golf course offers majestic ocean and forest views, but it is also ecologically sound with water and wetland features in a natural setting,” he said “The course has some dramatic elevations and terrain changes, but it offers a fair challenge to all golfers and rewards good shot making.”
Golf course superintendent James Herbert said preparations for the tournament are well underway.
“In preparation for the tournament, we completed spring treatment followed by fertilizing,” he said.
“We are currently preparing the greens to speed them up to tournament standard and making a few other enhancements to improve its playability and the overall aesthetics.”
One thing is certain – Zimbali is perfectly positioned to offer a truly magnificent stage on which the drama and action will unfold when Player and his fellow Champions Tour professionals will join a cast of regular professionals, sport stars, celebrities and top-flight businessmen at the 12th edition of South Africa’s premier charity sporting event to raise the mark on over R250-million for charities already raised for the benefit of underprivileged children in South Africa and around the world.
Tickets are available at the venue or from Computicket at R75 per adult per day. Entry for children under 18 is free.
About the Gary Player Invitational Global Series
The Gary Player Invitational Series, with events in the United Kingdom, United States, China and South Africa, is aimed at raising money for non-profit charitable organisations, whose mission is to provide quality education for disadvantaged and underprivileged children and strengthen impoverished communities plagued by disease and crime.
For over a decade, top professionals, all-star sportsmen, celebrities, and businessmen have come together for the annual Gary Player Invitationals in support of underprivileged children. For more information about our charity series, please visit www.garyplayerinvitational.com .
About Black Knight International
Black Knight International, the global holding company for all divisions of The Player Group, maintains a strong presence in North and South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Gary Player’s penchant for wearing black attire on the golf course, coupled with his competitive style of play and courteous demeanour, earned him the name, “The Black Knight.” The recognizable Black Knight logo identifies all the companies of The Player Group, including the Gary Player®, Player® and Black Knight® brands.
Contact:
Marc Tudhope, Managing Director, Black Knight International
E: marc@garyplayer.co.za or T: +27 21 671 5159
Debra Barnes, Client Service Director, Black Knight International
E: debbie@garyplayer.co.za or T: +27 21 671 5159
For Media Enquiries, please contact:
Michael Vlismas Media
Michael Vlismas
E: michaelv@iafrica.com or T: +27 72 242 8399
Lali Stander
E: media1@vlismasmedia.co.za or T: +27 82 990 7150
Splash PR
Kerry Seymour
E: kerry@splashpr.co.za or T: +27 21 2790 9911 / +27 82 926 4711
