Golfing legend Gary Player helps a Fourways local raise money for a prosthetic arm

NORTHERN FARM – It was a day of golf, professional greats and community support as the HeronBridge College and Gary Player Golf Day fundraiser took place in support of Cameron Joubert.

February 27, 2020

Robyn Kirk 2 minutes read

Theuns Snyman, Gerrid Ellerman, Andrew Uglietti and Mike Kennedy found the course challenging. "I've been struggling a bit," said Uglietti. "But fortunately Gerrid [Ellerman] really brought his A-game today so we're doing ok." Photos: Robyn Kirk

Golfing great Gary Player made sure it was a superb day of golf in support of cancer survivor Cameron Joubert and other children in need on 20 February.

Player played host at the HeronBridge College and Gary Player Golf Day fundraiser at Blair Atholl Golf Estate.

Pierre Pitzer with son and father Dawid and Dawie Spies. When it was Dawie’s turn at the third hole, Gary Player (not pictured) took the time to give advice to him on holding his club correctly. *Photo: Robyn Kirk*

The event was planned by the school and foundation in support of Joubert,

a former HeronBridge learner who lost his right arm to cancer in 2018. As reported in Community comes together to support Cameron [Week ending 21 February] the fundraiser was held so Joubert could afford a new mechanical prosthetic arm.

Alongside raising funds for himself, Joubert also decided to help others. With the money raised, he also plans to provide support to Rofhiwa Masitsi, a 10-year-old girl who was born with one arm and who is part of HeronBridge’s education outreach programme.

One of the world’s golfing legends, Gary Player, spent the whole day on the third hole at the HeronBridge College and Gary Player Golf Day Fundraiser, where players had the chance to meet him and get golfing tips. *Photo: Robyn Kirk*

The 84-year-old Player hosted a special golf clinic for participants and then spent the entire day on the third hole of the course, where he interacted with all the golfers. The day ended with a special prize-giving dinner and silent auction.

“We had 23 four-balls on the day, when we were originally planning on having only 18,” said Marisela Blignaut of the HeronBridge marketing team.

Gary Baynham and Pascal Garrioch are both from the HeadStart Kids non-profit organisation which helped organise the event. *Photo: Robyn Kirk*

“The clinic was especially well attended as Player doesn’t do that sort of thing any more, and the vibe at breakfast was so nice.

“Blair Atholl has been so accommodating, and I just want to say a big thank you on behalf of the school for all the support from the community.”

In total, 92 golfers participated on the day and members of the public also donated towards the cause after the event was advertised on a Joburg radio station with a friend of Player’s pledging R50 000.

Lara Maistrellis represents her company SpecCon on the day, as the company had sponsored the third hole of the course. *Photo: Robyn Kirk*

Although Joubert was too busy enjoying the golf to chat to Fourways Review, his mother Bridget said despite some nerves he was very excited about the event.

“He’s in awe of the response we’ve got,” she added. “He is so happy to have the privilege of playing on this course with the legend Gary Player and to have the support of the community who all came out today for him.”

Player entertained attendees with jokes and stories from his life, took photos with fans and even gave players golfing tips.

Dawid Spies takes a practice swing on the third hole. *Photo: Robyn Kirk*

“We’ve had an incredible day,” he told the Fourways Review. “We’re well on our way to getting Cam his arm. The great thing about this business is that I get to change the lives of people from all over the world. Today is really a day of joy, and it took a host of people to come together to make it happen.”