Player touches peoples’ lives

For the past 30 years, the Gary Player Foundation has raised funds for the poor in South Africa through his golf invitational challenge.

Speaking at the launch of this year’s invitational at the Coca-Cola offices in Parktown, Player outlined his difficult upbringing when his mother died while he was only eight years old and had to rely on the meagre income of his father who was a miner. Player’s brother joined the army at the age of 17 in order to supplement the family income.

“I had to walk alone across town in order to get to and from school barefoot,” Player said. His personal circumstances while growing up inspired him to help poor people. “When I started playing golf, I always said to myself that when I become a champion, I shall help the poor people. I don’t know whether its the genes or a gift from the Almighty, but I think I am blessed to be able to be of help to the poor. It has always been my passion.”

The golfing legend will host his charity invitational at Sun City from 14 to 17 November, which features teams of professional golfers paired with celebrities and leading businessmen.

Player hopes this year’s edition, which for the next three years will be hosted at the Sun City resort, will be able to beat the R4,3 million raised last year. Sun International has announced a three year deal with Player’s Black Knight International to stage Africa’s premier charity golf event.

“We are proud to once again be associated with the Gary Player Invitational,” said Therese Gearhart, president of Coca-Cola Southern Africa.

“We are in a unique position to help communities in remote villages and townships thrive by enabling them to earn a living collecting recyclable waste and growing trees. We want everyone to recycle more, waste less and help the planet.”

Player concluded, “I am thrilled that Sun City will host the final leg of our global series, which has experienced another record breaking fundraising year for The Player Foundation.”