Gary Player - The Legend

Blair Atholl Invitational Hosted by Gary Player a Huge Success

Dec 03, 2007 | Filed Under: General News

Given the unfortunate chain of events surrounding the Nelson Mandela Invitational, Black Knight International executives formulated a “Plan B.” And hence, the Blair Atholl Invitational hosted by Gary Player was staged on November 23rd - 25th on the magnificent Blair Atholl golf course designed by Player. Since the acquisition of the property, developer Robby Wray has been a strong supporter of the The Player Foundation’s fund-raising initiatives around the world and has vowed to continue his support of underprivileged children’s education for years to come. Alongside Mr. Wray, the event also received support from global businessmen Alex Maditsi, Zanosi Kunene, Dave King, Darryl Egdes, Michael O’Bryan and Thomas Steinmetz.

The field was made up of three-balls, each consisting of a Champions Tour professional, a Regular Tour pro and a businessman who competed in a three-ball alliance over 36 holes. Following the unique format of the Nelson Mandela Invitational, there was also a better ball competition whereby the two professionals on each team contended for al check in the amount of R250 000. Sally Little and Luke Donald took the inaugural Blair Atholl Invitational title after a play-off hole ahead of Mark McNulty and Omar Sandys. Other participants from the professional realm included Anton Haig, David Frost, Richard Sterne, Charl Schwartzel, Titch Moore (winner of the Coca-Cola Charity Championship earlier in the week to qualify), as well as Vincent Tshabalala, Bobby Jones, John Bland and Bobby Lincoln - all of which truly made a difference in the lives of children.

To kick off the event, Gary Player and guests were treated to the unveiling of the “Gary Player Wine: Major Championship Series.” A Double Magnum of 2003 Vintage wine commemorating Gary Player’s first Major title, The Open Championship at Muirfield in 1959, was on auction, as well as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join Player at his 51st Masters appearance next April. When all was said and done, the Blair Atholl Invitational raised an astonishing R5 million to benefit The Player Foundation.

Eight years ago, the Nelson Mandela Invitational hosted by Gary Player was conceptualized by Player to pay tribute to one of his great heroes, Nelson Mandela, a man he loves and respects. The tournament raised over R20 million for two worthy children’s charities, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and The Player Foundation, both of which look after the educational needs of underprivileged children worldwide. Sadly, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund saw fit to withdraw from the event over differences of opinion on how the event was managed and funds distributed.

“It is, however, Black Knight International’s intention to continue staging charity golf events to raise funds for South Africa’s neediest, which has been our overall mission for the past 25 years,” stated Marc Player, CEO of Black Knight International.

The Blair Atholl Invitational was effectively a prelude to a new charity event to be announced early next year - the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola. Having already hosted 15 Gary Player Invitational events in the UK and 10 in the USA, the Black Knight looks forward to launching this effort in his home country of South Africa.

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