Black Knight International, in conjunction with The Player Foundation, announced today the return of the Gary Player Invitational presented by Berenberg Bank to the historic Wentworth Club in Surrey, England. The event will be played on July 23rd on the Gary Player-designed Edinburgh course and benefit The Player Foundation, which is nearing its 30th anniversary, and BerenbergKids, a charity started by the presenting sponsor to aid underprivileged children and youth in the UK and Germany.
“I have had a very rich history at Wentworth throughout my career, and it is always nice to come back,” said Gary Player, who is recognized as the greatest international golfer in history. “Our event here last year was extremely successful, so I am hoping for that to continue.”
Player will host a stellar cast of sports figures, celebrities and business people, including top British and international television personalities, footballers, cricketers and rugby players, in a Pro-Am event followed by a gala auction to further benefit at-risk children across the globe.
“I am extremely grateful to the professionals, celebrities and businessmen who have committed their support to the event and our Foundation,” said Player. “Most of all, I want to thank our gracious sponsors, Berenberg Bank and Rolex, who have been central to the success of the event.”
Berenberg and Gary Player have a long-standing relationship, e.g. Gary Player is ambassador of the Berenberg Bank Masters, the flagship event of the European Senior Tour in Continental Europe.
“Helping underprivileged children is a matter of common concern for Gary Player and for Berenberg Bank. We are proud to sponsor the Gary Player Invitational and to raise money for children,” says Hendrik Riehmer, Managing Partner of the private bank founded in 1590.
The Gary Player Invitational at Wentworth is the second event in 2012 of the global charity series that also features events in the US, China, Abu Dhabi and South Africa. Hopes are that the event will build upon the success of the most recent Gary Player Invitational in Augusta, GA following the Masters.
“We had a wonderful event in Augusta after the Masters, and we are hoping to carry the momentum to our three remaining events this year,” said Marc Player, CEO of Black Knight International. “Golf has proven itself to be the leader among all sports for raising money for charity, but it is the sponsors, celebrities and participants who share our dedication to give back that have made the events a success over the past 29 years.”
The Gary Player Invitational Series is an annual, global series of charity golf tournaments held in the USA, Europe, China, and South Africa. It is through the event and gala auction proceeds that The Player Foundation has been able to donate over $50 million dollars in support of underprivileged children, the betterment of impoverished communities, and the expansion of educational opportunities around the world.
Notes to Editors
Gary Player Invitational 2012 Series
United States – Georgia
Dates: 9 April 2012
Champions Retreat, Augusta
United Kingdom – England
Dates: 23 July 2012
Wentworth Golf Club, Surrey
China – Shanghai
Dates: 28 – 29 October 2012
Shanghai Links
South Africa – Kwazulu – Natal
Dates: 22 – 25 November 2012
Fairmont Zimbali Coastal Resort and Country Club
About The Player Foundation
The Player Foundation was established in 1983. What began as an effort to provide education, nutrition, medical care and athletic activities, for a small community of disadvantaged children living on the outskirts of Johannesburg, South Africa has now blossomed into an organization that circles the globe bringing aid to underprivileged children and impoverished communities.
The Foundation is funded primarily by four Gary Player Invitational events presented through Black Knight International. Pairing celebrities and professional golfers from the PGA and Champions Tours with businessmen and international sports figures, the annual tournaments are staged in the United States, China, Europe and South Africa. The proceeds of these tournaments and other special events provide funding for an ever- expanding number of institutions around the world, including the Blair Atholl Schools in South Africa, the Pleasant City Elementary School in Palm Beach, the Masizame in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa, and AIDS infected children in Baoshan, a drug-infested city located on the China-Burma border. Since its establishment, The Player Foundation has donated over $50 million dollars to the support of children’s charities, the betterment of impoverished communities and the expansion of educational opportunities throughout the world.
Gary Player, acknowledged as a world class humanitarian, believes that the strength of our future depends upon the abilities of our children. “I have found that the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others does not thrust itself upon us,” Player says, “But we do not need to look hard for it either. When you spot the chance to give back to the world, act on it. You will have made life better, for others, and for yourself.”
The Gary Player Foundation is a non-profit 501 C (3) organization managed by Black Knight International in Palm Beach, Florida.
For further information on The Player Foundation, Gary Player, or Black Knight International, visit www.garyplayer.com or contact Debbie Longenecker at debbie@garyplayer.com telephone +1-864-477-2720.
Contact:
Debbie Barnes, Black Knight International
E: Debbie@garyplayer.co.za or T: +27 (0) 21 671 1900
Alistair McKay Forbes, IMG
E: Alistair.McKayForbes@imgworld.com or T: +44 (0)208 233 5110