(Zimbali Coastal Resort, South Africa) – The 2011 Gary Player Invitational in South Africa was a huge success raising over R2 million for underprivileged children in South Africa. The event now in its 12th year brought together top professional golfers, celebrities and business leaders for 4 days of fun, golf and giving back to those in need.
“When you gather a group of people together that truly want to help those who need it most you end up with a fantastic event. I can’t thank the players, our sponsors, our hosts and our Black Knight team enough. This may have been our best event to date,” said a visibly moved and happy Gary Player.
The event kicked off with a welcome dinner highlighted by a moving message from the South African Minister of Sport thanking Gary Player and The Player Foundation for their long standing support of underprivileged children and some funky dancing from Gary Player and Vincent Tshabalala. While the duo will not likely be performing on Dancing With The Stars anytime soon it made for great fun and a lot of laughs.
Friday morning began with the Pro/Am round of golf followed by the most important part of the event; the Gala Dinner & Auction. The auction opened with a wonderful performance by the Drakensberg Boys Choir and featured a number of unique auction items highlighted by a 2012 Ryder Cup package, a framed and signed handprint of Nelson Mandela and a painting by the artist Wouter du Preez of Gary Player on the Zimbali course – the painting is special in that it the face of the person who purchased it will be painted on the caddie standing alongside Player.
The formal, black tie event, gave the guests a chance to show that they don’t just look good on the course, but off of it also. Bollywood star and former Miss India, Neha Dhupia stunned with a dress from Indian designer Shahab Durazi and rugby stars Breyton Paulse and Pierre Spies traded the dirt and grass from the pitch for well-tailored tuxedos.
“It is always humbling to see the generous way in which so many people contribute to the charity efforts of this tournament especially during these difficult economic times,” said Marc Player, Chief Executive of Black Knight International.
“Many of these sponsors and people are longstanding supporters of the Gary Player Invitational, and we are incredibly thankful for their continued support and willingness to make a difference.”
The tournament began in earnest on Saturday with an impressive start for South African professional George Coetzee and Champions Tour pro Mark James who set the pace for the Betterball competition and cricket great Shaun Pollock and businessman Wessel Witthuhn charging out to a huge lead in the Alliance competition.
After the day’s play the guests gathered for the Saturday evening party presented by SAP which was a stark contrast to the formality of the Gala Dinner & Auction. South African rocker Johnny Clegg, The White Zulu, fired up the crowd and the party went on well into the night with dancing, carousing and rumours of body shots abound.
Fortunately everyone was ready for Sunday’s final round where the team of George Coetzee, Mark James, Shaun Pollock and Wessel Witthuhn continued their strong play and hoisted the magnificent Baobab GPI Trophy.
Coetzee couldn’t have asked for a more timely victory as he prepares for a big summer on the Sunshine Tour in South Africa over the next two weeks.
“I’ve got two big tournaments coming so this is good mental practice for me,” he said.
Coetzee was also full of praise for the work done by the GPI event to raise money for disadvantaged children in South Africa.
“It’s been such a good tournament. What Gary Player does for us as golfers, and then also for charity and South Africa as a whole, is amazing. It’s an honour to be part of something like this. Obviously I hope that
one day I can achieve some of the success he has had on the golf course, but more importantly that I can achieve as much as he has off the course as well.”
Gary Player thanked all the participants for their support. “I’ve never seen scoring in this event like we had at Zimbali this year. The course and resort were fantastic. And Coca-Cola and all our sponsors have been amazing in their support of our drive to make a difference.”
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
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 47