Pros from 12 countries form the Union of Golf and Giving
(Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates): Abu Dhabi’s stunning, ocean-front Saadiyat Beach Golf Club will host an outstanding field of golf professionals when the 2016 Gary Player Invitational tees off on February 8.
18 professionals from 12 countries including two of the world’s Top 40 – Austria’s Bernd Wiesberger and England’s Andy Sullivan – will join tournament host, sporting legend and 9-time Major Champion, Gary Player, to compete in the Union of Golf and Giving to help raise funds for underprivileged children.
ADSC’s General Secretary, His Excellency Aref Al Awani, said, “A field of Major Champions, Ryder Cup Captains, rising global stars and multiple European Tour winners, alongside golfing icon Gary Player, provides another unique moment in cementing Abu Dhabi’s position on the global golf stage. By adding top female professionals, as well as the UAE’s own Ahmed Al Musharrakh, this is one of the most unique fields ever assembled for a Pro-Am event in the UAE. This provides a powerful complement to our core vision of creating a healthier and sporting nation; something Gary Player believes in so passionately.”
The Gary Player Invitational UAE is part of the world-leading GPI charity golf event series, which has raised more than $60 million for charities worldwide. The eco-conscious Saadiyat Beach course, which was designed by the Black Knight, will provided an enjoyable golf experience for all participants.
“I am excited to see such an interesting cross-section of professional golfers joining our cause in seeking to provide a brighter future for those less fortunate than ourselves,” said Gary Player. “I can’t wait to be back at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club for what is sure to be a memorable event and the start of a very important UAE charity drive over the next five years. With the support of our wonderful host, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the facility owner TDIC, we are able to deliver a world-class golf experience and, in doing so, create a powerful fundraising platform.”
The full 2016 Gary Player Invitational field includes, from Austria Bernd Wiesberger; from England Andy Sullivan, David Howell and Melissa Reid; from South Africa Trevor Immelman; from Ireland Paul McGinley; from India Jeev Milkha Singh – the first Indian pro to join the European Tour; from Sweden Kristoffer Broberg, Rikard Karlberg and Camilla Lennarth; from Spain the 2013 winner of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship Pablo Larrazábal and Emma Cabrera-Bello; from Italy Matteo Manassero; from France Romain Wattel and Gregory Havret; from Denmark Lucas Bjerregaard; from Norway Caroline Martens; and the first Emirati to turn professional, Ahmed Al Musharrekh, will represent the host country.
2008 Masters Champion Trevor Immelman said, “I have the greatest admiration for Mr. Player’s career and his tireless work for charitable causes around the world. Mr. Player has provided me with so much valuable support and knowledge throughout my career, and as I embark on my career renaissance his wisdom and experience is more valuable than ever. A day with Mr. Player is like nothing else, and I’m delighted to participate in this year’s GPI in Abu Dhabi.”
On behalf of the female Professionals, 2015 Ladies European Tour Order of Merit runner-up, Melissa Reid said, “Everyone knows about Mr. Player’s legendary achievements on and off the course and I’ve witnessed first-hand his totally unique appeal, charm and energy at many GPI events. I’m thrilled to be playing once again at Saadiyat Beach in Abu Dhabi – it’s an incredible venue.”
For more information on the Gary Player Invitational series, visit www.garyplayerinvitational.com and follow @GPInvitational on Twitter – #GOLFandGIVING
David Collins – Wasserman Media Group (on behalf of BKI)
dcollins@wmgllc.com
+971 55 568 9913
Meagan Fester – Black Knight International
meagan@garyplayer.co.za
+27 21 448 7777
Bo Wood – Black Knight International
b.wood@garyplayer.com
+ 1 864 477 2720
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 six 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 more than $60 million 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.
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