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Gary Player Invitational Continues Its Success

Aug 4, 2010 | Filed Under: General NewsThe Player Foundation   Share

Charitable giving has slowed down over the past few years due to the global economic downturn, but the support for the Gary Player Invitational Series of charitable golf tournaments remains strong.  Anchored by lead supporter Verizon Business this year’s GPI event held on 18-19 July at Archerfield Links in Scotland proved successful raising over R 500,000 for at risk children across the globe. 

Fan favorite and long time GPI supporter DJ Spooney was back to try and win his second GPI Pro/Am title, his first coming at last year’s GPI event in George, South Africa.  He was joined by Sir Bob Charles, Scottish rugby star Max Evans, actor and comedian Rory Bremner and rugby legend Gavin Hastings.  The event was kicked off with Gary Player’s golf clinic which a lot of the players needed given the rainy weather.  Despite the less than ideal conditions fun was had by all and The Davenport Lyons team of Andy Nicol, Richard Elliot, Graham Chilver, and Trevor Rackeand took home the trophy.  The tournament was capped off with a gala auction and in accordance with true Scottish tradition dinner began with the Stabbing of the Haggis and the playing of bagpipes. 

There was a noticeable sense of excitement and pride from the South African contingent after Louis Oosthuizen’s run away victory at the British Open.  Even though Gary Player was on the course during most of Oosthuizen’s final round he was able to follow the action with regular updates from the Archerfield clubhouse.  He was heard whooping with excitement on more than one occasion and managed to make it back to St. Andrews in time to watch Louis walk down the 18th fairway and raise the Claret Jug in victory.

The GPI series next moves to Shanghai Links in Shanghai, China from 1-2 November and finishes the 2010 season at the Links at Fancourt in George, South Africa from 18-21 November.

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