(London, UK): Black Knight International and Berenberg announced today that the 2014 Berenberg Gary Player Invitational, to be played at Wentworth on Monday 21st July, will feature a remarkable field of world-renowned golf professionals.
This year’s event, the first of a new 3-year-cooperation between title sponsor Berenberg and Black Knight International, will feature an all-star cast alongside tournament host and golfing icon Gary Player. The participating professionals are: Martin Kaymer, Rickie Fowler, Branden Grace, Lee Westwood, Colin Montgomerie, Jason Day, Fred Couples, David Howell, Bernd Wiesberger, Suzann Pettersen, Darren Clarke, Louis Oosthuizen, Jason Dufner, Thomas Bjorn, Ian Woosnam, George Coetzee and Marc Leishman.
Speaking ahead of the event, Grand Slam champion and tournament host Gary Player said: “I’m thrilled to be joined by so many of my peers from the world of golf, including so many stars across different generations and nationalities. So far the field accounts for 17 Major Championships and many hundreds of tournament victories worldwide. This is a gathering of Pros that any event worldwide would clearly love to have, and I am very grateful to each of them for their support as we strive to continue to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged children.”
Dr. Hans-Walter Peters, Managing Partner of Berenberg said: “Our partnership with Gary Player goes back to 2008 and since then we’ve achieved many great things together. Gary is a golfing icon and truly one of the game’s Global Ambassadors. The union of three such historic brands as Berenberg, Gary Player and Wentworth provides us with a totally unique opportunity to build relationships, as well as doing so much good in the process and raising many millions for charity.”
One of the many participating world-class Professionals, Rickie Fowler, said: “When I received the invite from Mr. Player, I immediately wanted to attend. Gary Player is a legend of the game and I have heard so many good things about the event and the GPI series, so I’m delighted to be part of it in 2014. I am so looking forward to getting together with so many Professional colleagues, other sports stars and celebrities for a fun union of golf and giving for those less fortunate.”
The event is part of the world-leading Gary Player Invitational charity golf event series, which has raised in excess of $50 million for charities worldwide. This year’s chosen UK beneficiary is Depaul, working for the prevention of youth homelessness.
ABOUT BLACK KNIGHT INTERNATIONAL
Established in 1983 by Marc Player, Black Knight International is a global holding company for The Player Group and the constantly expanding family of Gary Player® brands. With a powerful presence in North and South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, Black Knight is a multicultural and multilingual company offering branded services for the leisure and real estate industries. This rapidly growing firm is diverse and infused with the same tenaciousness and drive as Gary Player, world renowned iconic golfer. The holding company divisions include: Gary Player Design, Player Real Estate, Black Knight Enterprises, Black Knight Solutions, Black Knight Capital, Gary Player Academies, and The Player Foundation.
ABOUT THE PLAYER FOUNDATION
The Player Foundation was established in 1983 by Marc Player. 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.
ABOUT BERENBERG
Established in 1590, Berenberg is one of the leading privately owned banks in Europe today, focusing on four operating divisions: Private Banking, Investment Banking, Asset Management and Corporate Banking. The Hamburg-based partnership has 17 offices in Europe, America and Asia and is managed by personally liable partners. Berenberg opened its London office in 2003 and the Bank’s Investment Banking division is centered here. The equity and economic research team now consists of over 80 analysts covering more than 500 stocks, and the award-winning research is brought to European and North American equity markets by a team of over 50 generalist and specialist sales based in London, Frankfurt, Zurich, New York, Boston and San Francisco.
ABOUT DEPAUL UK
Depaul UK helps young people who are homeless, vulnerable and disadvantaged.
We protect young people by finding them a place to call home.
We prevent young people becoming homeless by rebuilding family relationships and offering through the gate support to young offenders.
We provide young people with opportunities through skills development and support to help them progress beyond homelessness and fulfil their potential
Depaul is based around the UK working with young people to tackle homelessness at every level. Our Nightstop UK service also offers emergency short term accommodation in the homes of local volunteers on a night by night basis.
Depaul UK has helped over 50,000 people since we were founded in 1989 and continue to work with over 3,000 young people a year providing over 120,000 bed nights to those who are vulnerable and in need.
Contact:
Grace Vine – Black Knight International
grace@garyplayer.com
+1 864 477 2720
Meagan Fester – Black Knight International
meagan@garyplayer.co.za
+27 21 448 7777
