BLACK KNIGHT ANNOUNCES CANCELLATION OF 2020 GARY PLAYER INVITATIONAL EVENTS IN LONDON AND NEW YORK
As a result of the numerous and far reaching effects of the current Coronavirus pandemic, Black Knight International has taken the decision to cancel the Gary Player Invitational golf tournaments in London and New York.
This decision has been taken in consultation with stakeholders and sponsors, who were unanimous in taking the difficult decision not to go ahead with the Gary Player Invitational events in these respective countries.
Following our decision in January to cancel the Abu Dhabi leg of the Gary Player Invitational series, we were hopeful that the global situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic would improve.
However, the pandemic continues to severely affect the United Kingdom and the Unites States of America and we have to act responsibly and compassionately to protect the health and wellbeing of everyone involved.
Uppermost in our mind has been the health and safety of all of those who come together to make each Gary Player Invitational event so special – the public in the UK and USA and friends from around the world, our players, guests, staff, partners and contractors – as well as our broader responsibility to society’s efforts to tackle this truly extraordinary period in our lives.
In lieu of staging the events in Abu Dhabi, London and New York, The Player Foundation will hold an online auction to help raise much needed funds for our various charitable beneficiaries who need our support more than ever.
These considerations are particularly related to the concerns brought about by large gatherings and the strain on the medical and emergency services, as well as movement and travel restrictions both within the UK, USA and around the world.
Furthermore, in the event that significant progress is made in fighting and beating the global pandemic, special consideration has also been given to the health and wellbeing of tournament host, Gary Player.
Marc Player, CEO of Black Knight International commented, “Whilst we care deeply about the GPI Series and it is the first time in over 20 years that we have cancelled our events, we simply have to act responsibly to protect the health and wellbeing of everyone involved. As much as Gary Player is still a force of nature, putting my father’s health at unnecessary risk is never an option.”
As we continue to monitor the on-going situation and receive clarity in the coming weeks, we will make a further decision on whether or not to proceed with the South African leg of the Gary Player Invitational series, currently scheduled for November 2020.
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 an international presence, Black Knight is a multicultural and multilingual company offering services to 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 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 annual grants, donations and the Gary Player Invitational events presented through Black Knight International. Pairing celebrities and professional golfers from the PGA European, LPGA, Ladies European and Champions Tours with businessmen and international sports figures, the annual tournaments are staged in the North America, Asia, 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, Wildlands, Wings and Wishes and the Masizame in South Africa; the Pleasant City Elementary School and CESA Soccer in the USA; the Zayed Higher Organization, a special needs facility in Abu Dhabi, and Depaul, an organization assisting homeless youth in London. Since its establishment, The Player Foundation has donated more than $65 million to the support of various charities, the betterment of impoverished communities and the expansion of educational opportunities throughout the world.
