Gary Player - The Legend

Gary Player Invitational Rolled Out the Red Carpet for a Good Cause

Mar 11, 2005 | Filed Under: The Player Foundation

Palm Beach, Florida (March 11, 2005) - The ninth annual Gary Player Invitational was held March 6th - 8th at two of the most exclusive venues in the country. The welcome party, ‘Evening with the Stars’ presented by Lexus of Palm Beach, was held at Trump International Golf Club where ‘The Donald’ made an appearance with his lovely new bride Malania. Surprise appearances were also made by TV icon Regis Philbin and the illustrious Tony Bennett. Model/actress Beverly Johnson, Miami Dolphins pro-bowler Jason Taylor, Yankees legend Paul O’Neil, Alan Thicke and George Brett were among the other names that graced the cocktail party on the clubhouse terrace.

The celebrity pro-am golf tournament, where the format is structured to allow a businessman and/or professional golfer to host the fourball, was hosted for the ninth consecutive year at Floridian - Wayne Huizenga’s private course in Palm City designed by Gary Player. Miami Dolphins legendary quarterback Bob Griese introduced the stars before the players enjoyed a glorious day of golf with the Black Knight. While Bryant Gumbel hit the ball in all directions and Rush Limbaugh played better than he anticipated, the name of the game was ‘Team Jason Taylor,’ shooting a remarkable combined score of 52.

Edwin McCain, dressed in jeans with acoustic guitar in hand, serenaded the crowd from the clubhouse steps with hit numbers like “I’ll Be” and “I Could Not Ask for More.” Wayne Huizenga arrived just in time to watch and applaud the young star, who also received admiration from fellow musician and Bon Jovi drummer Tico Torres. The evening continued with a prize-giving, a tasting of South Africa’s fine Boschendal wine, silent & live auction and entertainment from dueling pianos.

Tuesday’s pro-am consisted of five VIP teams who had the opportunity to play 18 holes with pro golfers Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Robert Allenby, Tim Clark and Ian Baker-Finch. Robert Allenby commented on how wonderful it was to be a part of such a special event for kids and to spend the day with gentlemen of the game like Gary and Jack. It was the first time the two friends were together since the tragedy in the Nicklaus family.

Businessmen guests of this year’s Invitational included IMG’s Chief Executive Alastair Johnson, David Gilmour - founder of three Fortune 500 companies - and real estate/mall mogul Sidney Forbes.

With next year marking the 10th anniversary of this prestigious event, the goal of The Player Foundation is to surpass $5 million in funds raised since the inception of the event. For additional information, contact , Director, Gary Player Foundation, USA.

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