Top field for Gary Player Invitational
14 September 2009
Two-time major winners Angel Cabrera and Retief Goosen will lead a field of distinguished golf professionals, celebrities and businessmen in the 10th anniversary of the Gary Player Invitational in South Africa from 26 to 29 November.
It was revealed at the official media announcement on Thursday that Cabrera and Goosen will join top personalities in the premier charity tournament being staged at The Links golf course at Fancourt in George.
Among the confirmed luminaries are international businessmen Hans-Walter Peters and Hendrik Riehmer of Berenberg Bank, the oldest private bank in the world; Hugh Connerty, president of Stokes Land Group; and Abdullah Saeed Al Naboodah, chairman of the Al Naboodah Group.
A single-figure handicapper, Al Naboodah is closely involved in the construction and development of golf course infrastructure in the Middle East and is a strong supporter of junior golf development.
Celebrities
Among the celebrities are England's former World Cup-winning rugby coach Sir Clive Woodward; Art Matthews, guitarist and lead vocalist of internationally renowned rock band Just Jinjer; and South African long board and Big Wave Africa surf champion Grant "Twiggy" Baker.
Top British entertainer DJ Spoony returns to the action alongside two-time European Ladies Tour champion Diana Luna, Champions Tour campaigners Mark McNulty and John Cook, as well as European Senior Tour stalwarts, Bill Longmuir, Bertus Smit and John Bland, who won the Bad Ragaz PGA Seniors Open last month.
The South African tournament is the culmination of the Gary Player Invitational Global Series of Events, which has already travelled to Scotland this year and will be visiting China and the United States in its bid to raise funds for charity through The Player Foundation.
Money raised
Since 1983, the international series has raised over R250-million, which has been donated to initiatives aimed at improving educational standards and helping children from impoverished communities plagued by disease and crime.
"We are once again thankful for the many people who are always willing to give of their time to support the Gary Player Invitational in South Africa," said Marc Player, CEO of Black Knight International.
"In this time of economic challenge, The Player Foundation is proud to be able to continue playing a key role in raising significant funds for charities, which so desperately need it."
Coca-Cola South Africa executive Alex Maditsi commented: "As always, Coca-Cola South Africa is proud to be part of this initiative to raise money to improve the lives of South African children. We look forward to a successful event, and we hope that it will prove to be popular with the golf enthusiasts."
Host
Gary Player, the winner of 18 Majors, nine on the Regular Tour and nine on the Champions Tour, and one of only five men ever to secure the career Grand Slam, will host the tournament.
"It keeps haunting me how I struggled as a young boy," said Player. "I can't think of anything worse than a child who is suffering. I always said that when I became successful, I was going to make a difference in the lives of children.
"The GPI Global series has been a wonderful vehicle in using golf to bring about social change. It brings together a marvellous and diverse society of people that get involved in our tournaments.
"You have golfers, movie stars, models, businessmen and celebrities all contributing to the cause of raising money for children."
Future 2009 GPI Dates
SAinfo reporter
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