Gary Player - The Legend

Hunter Mahan Wins The Gary Player Cup

AKRON, Ohio – Hunter Mahan shot an impressive 6-under 64 on Sunday to take home his first World Golf Championship title at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.  This marked the second win this year for Mahan and moved him to number 12 in the world rankings.  This also marked Mahan’s first time taking home the Gary Player Cup, the trophy awarded to the winner of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.

With his win at the Bridgestone Mahan secured his spot on the U.S. Ryder Cup team, one of the goals he set out to accomplish at the beginning of the 2010 season.  “This is one of the bigger tournaments we play all year,” Mahan said. “And it’s definitely the best win of my career.”

Mahan was able to overcome a 4-shot deficit by holing five birdies on the front nine and playing nearly error free golf on the back to hold off Ryan Palmer by 2 shots.  The only hiccup for Mahan was the difficult par 5 16th where he managed to put his second shot into a flower bed long and right of the green.  Fortunately he was given relief and was able to drop in the walkway to the 17th tee.  Mahan then played a safe chip shot through the green and onto the fairway.  A beautiful up and down saved par and secured his victory.

Even with Tiger Woods’ struggles all weekend and Phil Mickelson’s 78 on Sunday Mahan’s performance was outstanding.  His 64 was the lowest final round by a winner since the Bridgestone Invitational became a WGC event in 1999 and he bested an impressive field of some of the world’s top golfers showing the mental toughness needed to win tournaments of this caliber.

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Oosthuizen, Player and The Open at St. Andrews

After trading a number of voice mail messages, missing each other in the days leading up to the final round of the 2010 British Open and Gary Player leaving St. Andrews to travel to Archerfield Links to host his annual Gary Player Invitational event Player and Louis Oosthuizen were finally able to speak Sunday morning before Louis teed off in what proved to be the greatest round of his life. 

“We had a chat in my home language Afrikaans. He said to stay calm, have a lot of fun and that the crowd was going to be on Paul’s side,” said Oosthuizen.  “Then [Player] told me the story when he played against Arnold Palmer when he won his first Masters. He said they wanted to throw stuff at me, but he was so focused on beating him in Augusta.”

“It meant a lot him phoning me up. He’s just a great guy.”

“He’s very, very good, has a magnificent golf swing and has more experience than people give him credit for,” said Player.  “He has won several other golf tournaments and is very strong physically. He doesn’t look like it when you see him walking along the fairways with waterproofs on.”

“He wants to buy a farm, it’s a great incentive and I understand because that’s how I wanted to win to buy my farm and that’s my great joy in life.”  Added Player.

Another interesting fact about the connection between Player and Oosthuizen is that Gary Player set up the caddie school in Sun City where Oosthuizen’s bag man, Zack Rasego, learned his trade.  “Over 30 years ago, when I went to Sun City and we started to build and design a golf course, I said to the owner: ‘one of the things we must do is have a caddie development programme’,” recalled Player.  Zack Rasego was the top caddie in the program and worked for Player in the 1980’s.  “I brought him over here to caddie for me at The Open championship in the Eighties, during the apartheid era. It is so terrific when you train a young man from humble beginnings, and after caddying for me for a long time he then goes on to win the Open. For me that is a very special story.” 

“When I phoned him yesterday morning before he played, he kept using the phrase: ‘Dankie, Oom’,” said Player. “It’s very difficult to translate from Afrikaans. It means something like ‘thank you uncle’. The way I interpreted it was: ‘Thank you father’. It was so sweet.”  As one of Player’s colleagues who knows him very well put it “He was like a proud papa watching Louis.”

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Gary Player Invitational Continues Its Success

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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Gary Player Design Opens Several New Projects in 2010

It is no secret that the past few years have been very difficult for the entire golf course design industry.  North America, the traditional hot bed of new projects, has come to a screeching halt, and the number of new project announcements worldwide has dropped significantly.  The good news is that Asia led by China, South Korea, and India is taking the lead in new course developments. The Middle East also continues to show a real desire to undertake new and innovative real estate projects.

Gary Player design will open five new projects this year: Saadiyat Island Beach Club (Abu Dhabi), Mazagan Beach Resort (Morocco), Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa (Italy), Hidden Tiger Golf Club (China), and CostaBaja Resort & Spa (Baja Peninsula, Mexico).

“To open this many projects in this economy is just fantastic” said Marc Player, CEO of The Player Group.  “This is an example of the global reach of our business and just how much time and effort we have all put in to develop our brand on a world wide basis.  I could not be more proud of the work our entire company has put in over the past few years,” he added. 

“The quality of our design continues to shine; I expect these geographically diverse courses to receive rave reviews both regionally and globally,” said Scott Ferrell, President of Gary Player Design.

The other bright spot is South America.  With golf returning to the Olympic Games in Brazil in 2016, there is a need for new course developments to accommodate the games. Argentina is also starting to show positive signs with Gary Player Design’s recent Aymuray project in Mendoza and several other new projects in the pipeline in Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, Belize, and several Caribbean Islands.

“Our industry has been through very difficult times, and our business has certainly not been immune, however we are very proud that we will open so many Gary Player Signature courses around the world in 2010.  It’s a testament to a great leader in Mr. Player and a talented team of architects behind him,” added Scott Ferrell.

For more information about these projects please visit – Saadiyat Island Beach Club http://www.sbgolfclub.ae.  Mazagan Beach Resort http://www.mazaganbeachresort.com. Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa http://www.donnafugatagolfresort.com.  Hidden Tiger Golf Club http://www.hiddentigergolf.com.  CostaBaja Resort & Spa http://www.costabaja.com. 

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Oosthuizen Inspired By Call From Idol Player

(CNN)—Surprise British Open winner Louis Oosthuizen said a phone call from South African golf legend Gary Player gave him the impetus to pull off a stunning victory at St Andrews.

Oosthuizen, a 200-1 outsider before the tournament, cruised to a seven-shot victory on Sunday, the biggest winning margin in the sport’s oldest tournament since Tiger Woods won by eight shots at the same venue in 2000.

Lee Westwood was second on nine-under-par, while his fellow Englishman Paul Casey, who was four shots behind Oosthuizen going into the final round, finished in a tie for third.

Oosthiuzen, 27, told CNN: Player “phoned me this morning and said ‘have fun, keep calm, you’re in the last round of a major and that’s what you’ve worked for.’

“He said the crowd’s probably going to be on Paul Casey’s side, that’s natural. But he told the little story about his first Masters when he played against Arnold Palmer. 

“He said the crowd were really vicious and wanted to throw some stuff at him because he was beating Arnold. It was great a getting the call from him.”

Nicknamed “Shrek” by his friends because of the gap between his front teeth, Oosthuizen held his nerve throughout the final day to shoot a one-under-par round of 71.

He was joined on the 18th green by his wife Nel-Mare and daughter Jana.

Oosthuizen became the fourth South African to win the Open after Bobby Locke, Player and Ernie Els and the victory propelled him from number 54 to 15 in the world rankings on Monday.

“I can’t believe it. I don’t know when it’s going to sink in. It’s been brilliant and it was just amazing,” he said.

South African newspapers paid tribute to an unlikely hero on Monday.

“All hail King Louis” was the main headline in The Citizen, while The Times screamed “Louis you beauty!”

Oosthuizen won his first title on the European Tour title at the Andalucia Open in March and had missed the cut in seven of his eight previous major appearances.

But now he has the famous Claret Jug in his possession, he is targeting more major titles, starting with the US PGA championship at Whistling Straights, Wisconsin, in August.

“I’ve been swinging well for a while now and I think the win earlier in the season on the European Tour just got my confidence going,” he said.

“It’s just brilliant knowing that I can do it and I’m looking forward to the rest of the majors.”

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Player Design’s Modry Las - Poland’s Top Rated Course - Breaks Ground On New Clubhouse

The next exciting stage of the acclaimed Modry Las golf course is taking shape in the beautiful West Pomerania region of Poland. The foundations of a new, contemporary clubhouse are being laid alongside the Gary Player design, which was recognised in its first year as one of Europe’s top 100 courses.

Work started on the $2 million project in May, with the first stage of construction to be achieved by autumn.

When finished, the Modry Las clubhouse will include a spacious restaurant with a panoramic terrace overlooking the 18th green, a sports bar and lounge, extensive changing facilities and a golf boutique. In addition, there will be 11 guest suites, an exhibition gallery and an indoor golf practice room with a state-of-the-art simulator.

A team of architects from the US, Switzerland and Poland designed the contemporary structure to incorporate all the comforts of a country lodge. For instance, members’ lounges will offer the coziness of a roaring fire as well as exquisite views over the tranquil Radun Lake. There will also be the option of an intimate private dining room as well as a 60-cover restaurant featuring international cuisine served with Polish hospitality.

The goal is to make the new clubhouse a convivial place where guests can share good food and fine wines in a welcoming atmosphere, according to Arthur Gromadzki, chairman of Modry Las. “We want to create a place where members and visitors not only enjoy the experience of playing a world-class course, but can savour their time off the course as well,” he explained.

“I am very proud of the recognition we have received in a relatively short time,” he continued speaking days before the golf course’s first anniversary. “It is the result of a number of winning decisions made during the construction of the golf course. For instance, we delayed at times while considering the best positioning of various holes, but it paid off. The design has been praised by our membership and the industry in general. Now we are embarking on the next stage of development, which means creating a clubhouse befitting one of the best courses in Europe.”

While the clubhouse is being built, there are simultaneous plans to create expanded choices for leisure at the resort which will include tennis courts, a beach with water sports and bike trails. Also in the plans are 150 course-side plots for attractive, eco-friendly homes intended to blend into the rolling terrain with views overlooking lakes and forests.  These are scheduled to launch in 2011.

Modry Las Golf Club http://www.modrylas.pl/home

Article courtesy of GolfBusinessNews.com - http://www.golfbusinessnews.com

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Player To Captain Team For Champions Challenge At St. Andrews

Gary Player, Arnold Palmer, Peter Thomson, Tom Weiskopf, Bob Charles, Roberto de Vicenzo and Lee Trevino will make up the seven captains for the teams in the Champions Challenge to be held on the eve of this week’s British Open at St Andrews.

The event to mark the tournament’s 150th anniversary will feature 27 past champions with the winning team receiving £50,000 to be donated to charities of their choice. The four-hole Champions Challenge will be played over the first, second, 17th and 18th holes of the Old Course on 14 July, with the best individual score at each hole counting as the team score.

Teams and starting times on 14 July (BST)
1540 Roberto de Vicenzo, Ben Curtis, Tom Lehman, Sandy Lyle
1552 Peter Thomson, Mark Calcavecchia, Sir Nick Faldo, Tiger Woods
1604 Arnold Palmer, Ian Baker-Finch, Stewart Cink, Mark O’Meara
1616 Gary Player, Todd Hamilton, Justin Leonard, Greg Norman
1628 Bob Charles, John Daly, David Duval, Bill Rogers
1640 Lee Trevino, Padraig Harrington, Tony Jacklin, Paul Lawrie
1652 Tom Weiskopf, Ernie Els, Tom Watson

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Wildstone In British Columbia, Canada Back On Track

The global downturn has affected every sector of the economy and perhaps none harder than the real estate market, but there are signs of a recovery.  Wildstone in Cranbrook, British Columbia, is a prime example.

Earlier this year Coast To Coast Development Corporation of Calgary, Alberta, purchased the golf course, clubhouse, and a section of home sites encircled by the 2nd, 13th, and 14th holes from the original developer.  Coast To Coast has restarted construction on the Black Knight designed course with a target grand opening date in the Spring of 2011.  “We are thrilled that Wildstone is rebounding.  It is one of the most beautiful and unique sites we have ever been given” said Scott Ferrell, President of Gary Player Design.  “The entire development is just fantastic and the course and clubhouse will make this one of the most scenic golf destinations in North America” he added.

Wildstone is a resort lifestyle community located in southeastern British Columbia, Canada.  Nestled among the Canadian Rocky Mountains the area is considered to be one of the most beautiful in all of Canada. Proof of that fact was National Geographic magazine’s dubbing of the area as the ‘Crown of the Continent’ citing the incredible views, its four season climate and the fact that it is the sunniest place in British Columbia. 

While many resort communities offer sheer beauty it often comes at the expense of convenience.  Not so with Wildstone. Wildstone is situated just outside of Cranbrook, British Columbia, southeastern British Columbia’s largest city.  The area boasts unbelievable natural beauty, a bevy of recreational activities, world class skiing, golf and all the convenience of being close to a bustling urban center. 

So the next time you get an itch to visit British Columbia make sure you take a trip to Wildstone.  It will take your breath away.

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Gary Player Launches Don’t Choke At The British Open In St. Andrews

Buoyed by the success of Gary Player’s new book Don’t Choke – A Champions Guide To Winning Under Pressure in the US, Gary Player will launch the UK version entitled No Fear – The Secrets Of Better Golf And Business at St. Andrews, home of the 2010 Open Championship.  Mr. Player will visit Waterstones Book Store in downtown St. Andrews on 15 July from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm for a short Q&A session about the book, a book signing, and a tasting of the 1961 Augusta vintage of Black Knight Wine.  The 1961 Augusta is the second of eighteen vintages celebrating Gary Player’s eighteen major victories and follows the successful launch of the 1959 Muirfield vintage in 2008.

Player’s recent visit to ESPN’s campus and numerous radio and TV interviews have helped push Don’t Choke to the #1 selling golf book on Amazon.com during two separate periods in June and the US based publisher to order a second print run.  The success has also moved up the timetable for publishing of the international editions - the UK version will debut in July and the South African edition in August.  The publisher is also in discussions with German, Japanese and Indian firms and hopes to have those deals completed within the next few months.

So if you are making the trek to St. Andrews stop by Waterstones Book Store for some good fun, some good wine, and the always entertaining and informative musings of Gary Player.

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Construction Resumes On The Player Signature Designed Course At The Cliffs At Mountain Park

On June 6th Gary Player and Jim Anthony, CEO of The Cliffs Communities, hosted a cocktail reception for 250 home owners and guests to celebrate the “re-launch” of the Gary Player Signature designed Cliffs at Mountain Park golf course. 

After an extensive negotiating process with local environmental groups, construction of the Gary Player designed Cliffs at Mountain Park golf course has been re-launched.  The project had been halted for over a year and a half, during which time adjustments to the course were made to address concerns raised in relation to the Saluda River that runs through the property. 

The first step in the redesign of the course layout was to acquire additional land needed to create flexibility in the routing plan.  The extra land will provide more space for local flora, fauna, trees and grasses to flourish.  Additionally, careful attention was paid to water usage, not relying on the river for irrigation needs, and the reduction of pesticides and fertilizers. 

“Our concept is to make the fairways firmer, not use as much water, not use as much fertilizer, and take full advantage of the natural characteristics of the land.” said Gary Player.  “We are also paying close attention to maintenance costs.  Maintenance costs have jumped significantly over the past few years and are taking a real bite out of the operating budget for golf courses all over the world.  We are using more organic material and implementing eco-friendly design practices in all of our design projects, and here at The Cliffs at Mountain Park is no exception.  The land here is so beautiful we want to build a course that adds to its natural beauty” added Player. 

In addition to agreeing to the redesign Jim Anthony has pledged to support a fund to pay for watershed restoration after construction and a site for public access to the river for boating and fishing.

“There are all little trials and tribulations,” Player said. “But it’s turned out a win-win for everybody.”

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Gary Player Raises Significant Funds For Southern Alberta Institute of Urology

Continuing with his torrid pace of travel Gary Player visited Calgary Canada on 21 June to help raise funds for The Southern Alberta Institute of Urology at the inaugural Kinnear Classic.  The event, formerly know as the Rockyview Invitational, was a huge success and the funds raised on Monday pushed the 19 year total to well over C$9 million.  Gary Player hosted a morning golf clinic and then headed out to the course to provide swing tips and a quite a bit of entertainment to the participants; he was spotted showing off his martial arts high kick skills on more than one occasion and gave a few lectures about the necessity to eat a proper diet and exercise regularly. The continued success of the event lead Alberta minister of health and wellness Gene Zwozdesky to announce that the new emergency department at the Rockyview General Hospital will be named after tournament chairman and local philanthropist Jim Kinnear.

“Golf is this great catalyst of raising money, more so than any two sports put together” Player said.

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The Big Three Raise More Than $15 Million For Children In Need

BRISTOL, Va. — Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player individually remain big draws. Together they’re a mesmerizing trio on a golf course.

The trio also knows how to harness that star power to raise money.

They combined Tuesday to raise just over $15.1 million at an event titled the “Big 3 for Mountain Mission Kids.” It was the single biggest fundraising day in PGA Tour history and the first public event at the Olde Farm club in Virginia.

The previous mark was estimated to be about $8.5 million by Tour officials. Organizers had hoped to raise at least $12 million for the Mountain Mission School, an 89-year-old school for needy children.

Nicklaus said the three golfers have raised money all over the world, but he had never seen a group as philanthropic as Tuesday.

“To be here today to set an all-time record is very, very special,” Nicklaus said.

The fundraising continued to the very end. As soon as the 19-hold scramble was over, someone paid $6,000 for the gloves worn by the group on the final hole.

“Americans are such tremendous givers,” Player said.

And so were the golfers, playing to the crowd like a links version of the Rat Pack.

Player played emcee and comedian, noting Palmer drove the ball so well in his heyday that Palmer only left the fairway to answer the telephone. Palmer called Player quite a talker, a man with deep pockets and short arms.

“Gary Player is so cheap he wouldn’t give ducks a free drink if he owned Lake Okeechobee,” Palmer said to laughs.

But Player’s stories are priceless, recalling how he met Elvis Presley once and his critique of how new equipment is making golf courses obsolete. And when Player stops briefly, Nicklaus steps in with timing as slick as any straight man.

“I’ve heard them all 100 times,” he said of Player’s stories. “I just turn my hearing aid off.”

But fans couldn’t get enough.

Even Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt was in the gallery, getting an autograph from Player before introducing herself to Nicklaus. She followed the trio around this reclusive course tucked away atop the mountains near the Virginia-Tennessee border even as people asked her for her own autograph.

All three golfers are members at The Olde Farm, an exclusive club carved out of farmland off a quiet country road back in 2000. Privacy and escape are the biggest assets for members like four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champ Jimmie Johnson, the Mannings — Archie and sons Peyton and Eli, South Carolina football coach Steve Spurrier and baseball Hall of Famer George Brett.

That membership helped this high-dollar fundraiser dream big to endow the Mountain Mission School in nearby Grundy, Va. Founded in 1921, the school funded only by donation houses and teaches nearly 300 needy children from as young as 18 months to as old as 20.

Main sponsorship came from Johnson & Johnson with support from the PGA Tour and pricey fees for each threesome who got to play one hole apiece Tuesday with the golfing legends, finishing each hole to stop for photos. The 1,500 tickets cost $1,000 apiece. TV cameras also recorded the action for CBS. A documentary is slotted to air July 10.

The event also featured a silent auction that included NFL jerseys from each of the Mannings in a single display case, a bat signed by Brett, spa getaways, signed footballs from Spurrier and new Tennessee coach Derek Dooley, Johnson’s signed driving gloves from his 2009 title season, a VIP package at a Virginia Tech football game, tickets to Alabama-Tennessee football in October and a signed basketball from Kentucky men’s basketball coach John Calipari.

Virginia Tech football coach Frank Beamer and former Miami Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga also came out for the event.

But the biggest attraction? The three legends miked up so fans could hear each quip on free radios handed out at the entrance.

Fans cheered every shot down the middle of the fairway and surged toward Palmer, Nicklaus and Player for autographs and photos between shots even as carts helped Palmer, 80, and Nicklaus, 70, around the course. Player, 74, signed as he walked.

Nikki Bailey, who knew the golfers from her years working for course founder Jim McGlothlin, surprised Palmer with a sign declaring her love for him at the first green. She ran out and gave him a hug. “I love you too,” Palmer said. Someone started to introduce Bailey to Nicklaus when Palmer noticed.

“Hey, I’m getting jealous,” said Palmer, earning another hug.

The comedy and great shots just kept flowing. Nicklaus was so confident he would roll in a birdie putt that he picked up the coin marking the spot before lining up his 6-footer.

“That’s what you call optimism ...,” Player said.

Then Nicklaus holed out the putt.

“Nothing’s changed,” Player said to laughs.

By TERESA M. WALKER (AP)

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Gary Player Officially Launches Don’t Choke – A Champions Guide To Winning Under Pressure

Gary Player’s latest book Don’t Choke – A Champions Guide To Winning Under Pressure officially hit bookstores and online retailers on 1 June and true to form Mr. Player hit the road for some promotional efforts.  On June 2nd Gary spent the day at the ESPN campus in Bristol, Connecticut, USA being “car washed.”  This is a jovial term that the folks at ESPN came up with to describe what happens to an athlete when he or she comes to ESPN for the day – in Mr. Player’s case he conducted thirteen interviews with various radio, TV and multi-media personalities.  The interviews went well and pushed the book to the #1 selling golf book on Amazon.com within hours of his first appearance with Mike and Mike in the Morning.
From there he traveled to New York City for a full day of interviews on radio and TV on 3 June.  He visited the ABC radio studios for both ABC News and Sports broadcasts to all of their affiliates across the USA, FOX News for Fox and Friends and Sean Hannity and the editorial staffs of Golf.com, Sports Illustrated and Golf Magazine.  Mr. Player has never been shy about speaking his mind and with his 75th birthday just around the corner he had quite a bit to say about the game, the state of the design industry, the increasing problem of childhood obesity, the World Cup coming to South Africa, golf being part of the 2016 Olympic Games and a host of other topics. 

Don’t Choke is available at all major book stores, online booksellers and for all e-reader devices.

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PLAYER Magazine and Golfweek Form Publishing Partnership

Black Knight International and Golfweek Custom Media have entered into a joint venture to produce PLAYER Magazine. The partnership kicks off its first collaborative effort with the Fall issue of PLAYER Magazine which will reach subscribers in early October.

The pairing of the two brands is an excellent fit. Both magazines appeal to an affluent audience with diverse interests and discerning tastes and both brands have been and continue to be recognized for their excellence in the marketplace. While PLAYER’s readership and distribution is more internationally focused Golfweek’s is much stronger in the USA. The partnership will allow both publications, and associated multi media properties, to take advantage of their strengths and increase their global reach.

Golfweek Magazine - For Serious Golfers Only – is the sport’s esteemed journal of record covering everything from mini-tour events to the newest trends in the golf industry.  In addition to its comprehensive coverage of the game itself, Golfweek delves into topics such as instruction, equipment/technology, travel/real estate and its own special take on the business of golf. 
PLAYER Magazine is a golf lifestyle publication devoted to providing smart, entertaining and thought provoking editorial features geared towards individuals who enjoy the finer things in life – travel, charity, fine dining, wine and fashion to name just a few. It both entertains and engages readers with features ranging from travel and design to more serious topics such as philanthropy and environmental issues.

“I am delighted to work with an organization of the caliber of Golfweek.  They have a very strong team that will add greatly to the success of PLAYER Magazine.”  said Marc Player, CEO of Black Knight International and founder of PLAYER Magazine.

“We are really looking forward to working with the PLAYER Magazine team and Mr. Player himself.  The opportunity to work more closely with one of golf’s greatest champions is one that we just could not pass up.” said Clayton Morris, President of Golfweek.

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Are You Ready For Some Football?

On 11 June South Africa and Mexico will literally kick off the 19th FIFA World Cup, the most prolific sporting event in the world. Half a million fans will pour into South Africa for the month long competition and more than one billion are expected to view the broadcasts.  Thirty two football teams will compete for one of the grandest prizes in all of sport, the golden World Cup Trophy.
While the spectacle of the World Cup is well known the history of the competition may not be.  In 1929 the then FIFA President Jules Rimet floated the idea for an international competition and largely through his efforts the historic vote was cast in favor of the tournament.  The first World Cup was held in Uruguay in 1930 with Uruguay becoming the first ever champions, beating Argentina 4-2 in front of, at the time, an inconceivable 93,000 people in Montevideo.  Since then there have been 17 World Cups – there was a twelve year hiatus during the Second Word War – and amazingly only seven nations have hoisted the trophy.  Brazil has won five times, and behind the greatness of Pele captured an unprecedented 3 championships (58, 62 and 70) in the span of 12 years.  The Italians have won four times, the Germans, before unification, triumphed three times (a unified Germany is yet to win), Uruguay and Argentina have won twice, and France and England have won one each.
World Cup 2010 will feature 32 teams divided into eight groups. Each team earned its place in the draw after a lengthy qualification process that was played out over a three year period.  Each nation will play three matches and the top two teams in each group will advance to the pre-quarter finals.  From there the tournament will enter the knock-out phase with the winner advancing and the loser going home.  Group A consists of South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay and 1998 champions France; Group B consists of two-time champions Argentina and its rising superstar Lionel Messi, Nigeria, Korea and Greece; Group C has 1966 winners England, United States, Algeria and Slovenia; Group D is perhaps the most competitive grouping with Germany, Australia, Serbia and Ghana.  Group E consists of The Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, and Cameroon; Group F features defending champion Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, and Slovakia; Group G consists of five-time champions Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast and Portugal; and finally Group H with Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, and Chili.
Passion, competition, spectacle, and celebration.  The 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

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Black Knight Returns for Command Performance

The South African golfing superstar will be honoured at a special ceremony where he will be presented the prestigious Asia Pacific Life-Time Achievement Award for golf.  Affectionately renowned globally as the “Black Knight”, Player will join an exclusive elite corps of golfing luminaries who have been bestowed this same award - amongst them, Jack Nicklaus.

Player made his first appearance at the 2009 Asia Pacific Golf Summit in Kuala Lumpur and he was an instant hit amongst the delegates. He received a standing ovation for his address and was unanimously voted as the top speaker at the Summit.  Besides receiving the Life-Time Achievement award, Player will deliver the closing keynote address at the 2010 Asia Pacific Golf Summit which will be held in Bangkok, Thailand on October 18-20.

“We are indeed privileged and honoured to have Mr. Player as our special VIP guest and we know that he will provide the Summit with that special touch that only he can deliver,” said Mike Sebastian, managing director of Asia Pacific Golf Development Conferences Pte Ltd, the owner and producer of the Summit.

Gary Player is a legend in his own time. The most successful international golfer of all time, Player has achieved the kind of worldwide acclaim reserved for only a handful of sporting greats. He is, quite simply, world class.

Gary Player is renowned as much for his dedication to the principles of excellence as he is for his golfing accomplishments. He is recognized worldwide as an uncompromising perfectionist who settles for nothing but the best. His impeccable set of values, stringent regimen of health and fitness, and insistence on quality, have earned him admiration the world over.  Recognized around the globe as the Black Knight, Mr. Fitness and the International Ambassador of Golf, Gary Player is also a renowned golf course architect with over 300 design projects throughout the world. Black Knight International, the company founded by his son Marc Player, includes Gary Player Design, Player Real Estate, Gary Player Enterprises and The Player Foundation.

Gary Player has also been trademarked The World’s Most Traveled Athlete™, and when not traveling on business or playing on the Champions Tour, he spends time on his ranch in South Africa. The Gary Player Stud Farm has received worldwide acclaim for breeding over 2,000 top thoroughbred race horses including 1994 English Derby winner Broadway Flyer.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary last year, The Player Foundation built the Blair Atholl School in Johannesburg, South Africa which has educational facilities for over 500 students from kindergarten through grade eight. The foundation has since expanded efforts in all corners of the globe, raising funds for impoverished children through four Gary Player Invitational events – in Europe, China, the USA and South Africa. Over $30 million has been raised in 25 years and counting…

Other achievements:
• Named South African Sportsman of the Century in 2000
• Player is the only modern golfer to win The British Open in three different decades
• Oldest Player to make the cut at The Masters in 1998
• Honorary Doctorate of Law from the University of St. Andrews in 1995
• Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award (2003) for dedication to charity
• Awarded the Order of Ikhamanga (in gold) by President Mbeki of South Africa for excellence in golf and contribution to non-racial sport in S. Africa
• 2006 Payne Stewart Award from the PGA Tour in recognition of philanthropic achievements and the exemplary manner in which he has conducted himself on and off the golf course
• Three-time Presidents Cup Captain – 2003, 2005 and 2007

Asia Pacific Golf Summit http://www.golfconference.org

Article courtesy of Golf Business News http://www.golfbusinessnews.com

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The Player Foundation Raises R 1 Million At The Berenberg Masters

On 26-28 of March The Links at Fancourt in George, South Africa played host to the first ever European Senior Tour sanctioned event, The Berenberg Masters.  Gary Player was the tournament’s official host and the field sported some of Europe and Asia’s best senior players including Ryder Cup Captions Sam Torrance and Ian Woosnam, Italy’s most decorated golfer Costantino Rocca and the Senior Tour’s hottest newcomer and tournament winner Thailand’s Boonchu Ruangkit.  The win marked Ruangkit’s third consecutive win and set the record for the quickest player to reach three victories in the history of the European Seniors Tour.

While the tournament itself was a rousing success the auction held to benefit The Player Foundation proved that charitable giving is still a priority.  The event featured golf memorabilia, autographed items and other luxury goods and raised R 1 Million for at risk children across the globe.  Gary Player was extremely excited about the success of the auction and the unwavering support of Berenberg Bank. “Dr. Hans-Walter Peters and his team from Berenberg Bank have been wonderful hosts and their efforts to help make the tournament and auction a success were fantastic.  I am honored to be a part of this event and look forward to coming back for many years to come.”

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Don’t Choke by Gary Player To Hit Bookstores on 1 June

What does it feel like to stand on the tee at the 18th hole at Augusta National needing a par to win The Masters?  You know you have the physical skills to hit four good shots, but do you have the mental ability to control your nerves and emotions?  What if you slice your drive into the woods?  Can you recover and still don the Green Jacket?

Gary Player answers these and many other questions about the mental aspect of golf and just how important it is in becoming a true champion.  Don’t Choke – A Champions Guide To Winning Under Pressure chronicles Player’s 18 Major Champion victories and how he dealt with the pressure that comes with winning a major.  It is an honest look at when and how he succeeded, his failures and how each failure led to greater success.  It deals with the most difficult times he ever faced when on the course from thinking he blew the 1959 Open Championship at Muirfield only to learn that his final score of 284 held up and the 1969 PGA Championship in Dayton, Ohio where he needed police protection on and off of the course because of the incorrect notion that he was an Apartheid supporter.  It also relives his great successes from winning his third Green Jacket at the age of 42 to completing the Career Grand Slam on the Champions Tour – his greatest professional accomplishment.  The book shows how experiences like these helped shape the mind of a champion and enabled Gary Player to become one of the greatest players in the history of the game.

Don’t Choke is a book for golfers and non golfers alike.  Everyone feels pressure and everyone deals with it in different ways.  The key is to learn how to control the mind and actually learn to love pressure rather than fear it.  Remember, once you master the mind the body will follow.

You can pre-order your copy of Don’t Choke at all major online book retailers and at http://www.garyplayer.com/shop.  Copies will arrive in book stores on 1 June, 2010.

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Why Brown Is The New Green – Player Design’s Eco-Friendly Mission

Eco-friendly is a popular term these days, but what does it really mean?  And how does one be eco-friendly?  For Gary Player Design these two questions are of great importance and have become the central elements in every golf course design project it undertakes.

The great conservationist, Theodore Roosevelt once said “Leave it as it is.  The ages have been at work on it and man can only mar it.”  This is an apt quote to describe
Gary Player’s personal eco-friendly philosophy.  For more than 30 years and over 350 design projects Gary Player Design has utilized sustainable design techniques to create golf courses that respect and pay homage to nature. 

Gary Player Design’s approach is to maintain the inherent characteristics of the land by taking advantage of its natural beauty, features and bio-diversity.  By using native grasses, plants and trees, creating a refuge for local flora and fauna, and using more organic material and fewer potentially dangerous fertilizers and chemicals the land’s natural resources can be preserved.  The second and probably most important aspect to this design approach is water usage.  Water is becoming a slowly, but surely dwindling resource and there are simply more important needs than the watering of golf courses.  This is where the “Brown is the new Green” statement is derived from.  Developers, architects, superintendents and members must all realize that having “brown” on the course is not necessarily a bad thing and in fact, promotes a healthier turf with a solid root structure.  Turf-grasses that are habitually over watered not only produce an inferior playing surface but are also more susceptible to disease, which in turn raises maintenance costs.  By using techniques to harvest and reuse water and planting drought and heat tolerant turf species water usage can be significantly reduced. The environmental and financial costs of maintaining perfectly green golf courses are fast becoming untenable.

The third and least thought about aspect of the eco-friendly design approach is the length of the course.  With the advances in equipment, especially the golf ball, players are hitting it longer and often times making once world-class golf courses vulnerable to technological advances.  Many believe that new courses have to be longer to accommodate the new technology and that the only way to secure a top notch tournament is to have a course of considerable length.  The major flaw to this approach is that longer courses require additional maintenance (water, fertilizers, mowing, etc.) which add to the operational and maintenance costs of the course.  In addition, the chances of hosting a recognizable tournament are slim and the vast majority of the people who play the course are high handicappers who find tour length courses extremely difficult to play.  The most effective solution to this challenge, and one that Gary Player Design is implementing wherever appropriate, is to design a native, low maintenance area between the “Championship Tees” and the tees for the every day, average players.  This allows courses to contain maintenance costs while preserving the option to have the course set up for championship play.

As Player Design continues its push towards more eco-friendly golf courses it hopes to bring this philosophy to the entire design industry.  Golf courses can be gifts to nature where people can go to both play golf and enjoy being at one with the environment.

“Only through our connectedness with nature, do we understand our role as human beings.” – Gary Player

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Gary Player and Bob Charles Win Legends of Golf

Gary Player recorded his 165th career victory yesterday at the Legends of Golf tournament in Savannah, Georgia.  Player and his partner Bob Charles won the Demaret Division setting a new tournament record 36-hole total of 19-under-par, 125.  The pair successfully defended their 2009 title and managed to beat their own record of 18-under-par set during last year’s victory.

The two legends of the game started the day with a five-shot lead and were extremely confident coming off of Tuesday’s 11-under-par 61, but the team of Don Bies and Tom Shaw were not about to hand the tournament to the defending champs.  Bies and Shaw carded birdies on the first five holes and put the pressure on Player and Charles.

“We were feeling the pressure, no question about it,” Player said. “The older you are, the more you feel it. The engine starts running out of gas.”

Player and Charles, both known for their exceptional ability to perform under pressure, remained calm.  Player made an 18-foot birdie putt at 14th and Charles finished with birdies at the 17th and 18th to close with a two shot advantage.  It was reminiscent of 2009 when Player holed a 4-foot putt on the final hole to seal a one-shot victory.

“We were feeling the pressure when Don and Tom made those birdies to start the round. I was losing confidence quickly out there, but we made the shots when we had to.” Charles said.

“We needed a little more help from them than we got,” Bies said. “But I’m afraid you don’t get a lot of help from Charles and Player.”

Player and Charles have both indicated they plan to return next year to try for three in a row.  Knowing these guys they’ll do it.

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Gary Player Wine Distributed in Hong Kong and China

Black Knight Wine, a division of Black Knight International, is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Hong Kong based Wine Connoisseurs’ Club/Ming Ying Hui 铭英会 for distribution of the Gary Player Major Championship wine collection in Hong Kong and The People’s Republic of China. Over a twenty year period Black Knight International and the award winning Quoin Rock Vineyard located in the Stellenbosch region of South Africa will launch 18 vintages comprising the Major Championship Series wine collection.  Each vintage commemorates one of Gary Player’s 18 Major Championship victories and began with the 2003 vintage the “1959 Muirfield.” This vintage commemorated Mr. Player’s first Major championship - the 1959 British Open played at Muirfield in Scotland. 

“Through our Gary Player Invitational Series of charity golf tournaments and new golf course design projects we have had the opportunity to spend a significant amount of time in China and have witnessed the amazing growth in popularity of golf.  We are excited about our partnership with William Rosenberger and his team at the Wine Connoisseurs’ Club and look forward to introducing The Major Championship Series to China, Hong Kong and eventually all of South East Asia,” said Marc Player, CEO, Black Knight International.
The Wine Connoisseurs’ Club/Ming Ying Hui 铭英会 sells fine and rare wine in Hong Kong and The People’s Republic of China. The Club also creates exclusive events and experiences for its members through a selective network of premier partners. Club services will soon expand into other countries in South East Asia throughout 2010 and 2011.
“We are very honoured and excited to represent Black Knight and introduce the Major Championship Series to the many current and growing number of golfers in the region. The inaugural 2003 vintage, the 1959 Muirfield, is a great wine to share with friends over a nice meal after a long day on the golf course. As well, the beautiful packaging and limited availability will make it a wonderful gift and an excellent addition to your personal wine collection,” said William Rosenberger, CEO, Wine Connoisseurs’ Club.

The Gary Player Major Championship Series Wine Collection is now available in The People’s Republic of China, and Hong Kong, at selected premium golf estates, restaurants and private cellars, or through the Founding Members Programme.  For more information visit http://www.playerwine.com or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to find Black Knight Wine in Hong Kong or Mainland China.

Contact: Jane Taverson    
Black Knight International                                                          
22 Kildare Road                                                                    
Newlands, Cape Town
South Africa
Phone: +27 21 671 5159                                                            
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Contact: William Rosenberger
Wine Connoisseurs’ Club          
148 Connaught Road Central, Suite 18B
Hong Kong
China
HK Mobile: +852 9619 4033
China Mobile: +86 158 1005 3940
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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Golf Fans Line Up At Evans Market To Meet Champion

Gary Player applies the same philosophy to making wine that made him a three-time Masters Tournament champion.

“It’s all about quality,” Player said Saturday as he signed bottles of his vintage Muirfield 1959 at the Vineyard Wine Market in Evans.

The store was packed with golf and wine fans an hour before Player was scheduled to appear. Nancy Morgan, of Evans, was among the people who stood in a line that extended out the door 30 minutes after Player started signing bottles.

“I’m a fan of anybody who’s played in the Masters,” Morgan said.

Player, dressed in his signature black, said there are many good players in the tournament this year, without naming exactly who he’s pulling for.

The Masters story at Saturday’s start was of the two Brits at the top of the leaderboard, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood. By the end of play Saturday, however, only Westwood remained on top. Player, a South African with three British Open victories, said that was commendable.

But “what matters is not who’s on the leaderboard halfway through the tournament but who comes out on top at the end,” he said.

Player, 74, said it was “remarkable” what Tiger Woods has done this year after not playing for four months. He applauded Woods’ ability to ignore the distractions of his personal life. Woods has been embroiled in a sex scandal since shortly after Thanksgiving.

Many of the people standing in line Saturday brought polo shirts, caps and jackets with the Masters logo for Player to sign. Player, nicknamed the Black Knight for his gentle demeanor and penchant for black, took time for a snapshot and quick chat with each patron. Several walked away commenting on “what a nice gentleman” he is.

While Player applies quality to both golf and wine-making, that’s about where the comparisons end. Player said he drinks in moderation, but that doesn’t work in golf.

“You have to practice like an animal” to be successful on the links, he said.

The Augusta Chronicle
Kyle Martin, Staff Writer
Saturday, April 10, 2010

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Blame The Ball

By Gary Player | NEWSWEEK
Published Apr 5, 2010
From the magazine issue dated Apr 12, 2010

Phil Mickelson caused quite a stir earlier this year when he used a wedge that some said gave him an unfair advantage. But the truth is clubs don’t matter that much among the professionals. The bigger issue: the ball. Back in the 1950s, and for years after, pro golfers carried a little copper ring in their pockets and used it before every round to ensure that the ball conformed to regulation. Back then, Jack Nicklaus and Sam Snead would wow the gallery with drives that went nearly 300 yards. Now balls are of such high quality that Tiger Woods and most of the rest routinely hit more than 350 yards. That’s put pressure on golf-course designers to build larger courses, which forces country clubs to spend more money on maintenance, water, fertilizer, and landscaping. Rather than putting money into junior golf leagues or charity, they are making every course from Timbuktu to Florida longer, and wasting hundreds of millions of dollars. And for what? The odds of hosting a tournament are maybe 1,000–1. The members—the lifeblood of golf—hate the longer courses. Many of them measure between 7,000 and 8,000 yards, which means most amateurs can’t play within six shots of their handicap. Potential newcomers and young players are overwhelmed before they can even begin. Even the pros struggle. Worse, many of these courses will themselves reach obsolescence as young, increasingly strong athletes choose golf over other sports where there is a greater likelihood of injury or forced early retirement.

The solution, in my opinion, is to continue to allow amateurs to use whatever ball they want, but require that professionals use a ball that goes 30 to 40 yards shorter, on average, than the ones used today. Such a rule change would have little effect on the scores in pro golf. In fact, it’s almost unanimous among champion golfers that the ball should be changed. The governing bodies, however, do not want to, arguing that the game should be the same for everybody regardless of skill level. While I have the highest respect for the U.S. Golf Association and the Royal and Ancient, the reality is that the game is already not the same for the amateur versus the professional. The pros have specially made equipment; amateurs have preferences, but they have no idea what they’re buying. It’s time now to reject this argument. For the good of the game, golf needs to rein in the pro ball, and stop this wasteful obsession with ever-longer courses.

Player, a fitness fanatic, has won more than 160 golf titles over five decades and is one of the only golfers to have completed the sport’s coveted Grand Slam. He is a member of the Laureus World Sports Academy (laureus.com), a group of 46 of the world’s greatest living sportsmen and women.

© 2010

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Club Car Forms Marketing Agreement With Gary Player

Club Car announced a multi-year marketing agreement with Gary Player and Black Knight International to promote the companies’ respective brands throughout the world.

Under terms of the agreement, Black Knight International, which includes Gary Player Design, Player Real Estate, Gary Player Enterprises and The Player Foundation, will work with Club Car to introduce the company’s vehicles, equipment and services at courses and real estate developments where Black Knight is affiliated. Club Car also will develop strategies to promote the company and its golf car and utility vehicle lines through an association with the Gary Player brand.

As Club Car strengthens its presence in international markets, our association with the Gary Player Group is a great fit,” said Robert McElreath, Club Car’s vice president of Global Marketing. “Mr. Player is admired as much for his integrity and dedication to excellence as he is for his golfing accomplishments. We like to think we have those values in common.”

Gary Player is the most successful international golfer in the history of the sport and is also a renowned golf course architect with more than 300 design projects and over 50 currently active projects throughout the world.  “We are excited to be working with Club Car especially as it moves to increase its international presence.  It is quite simply a fantastic company with a team who are committed to excellence.” said Marc Player, CEO of Black Knight International.

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Poland Makes Its Mark As A Top Golf Destination

Poland, like many other countries where the popularity of golf is in its early stages, had little infrastructure in place to allow for the growth of the game.  Most considered golf to be an elitist sport and the lack of public and private courses made it quite difficult play.  As the pall of communism faded and Poland joined the EU the allure of golf started to slowly take hold.  New courses, both private and public, were built and the PGA Polska was established to help promote the sport both at home and abroad. 

The commitment to popularizing the game and establishing Poland as a world class golf destination was recently highlighted with the selection of the Gary Player designed Modry Las Golf Club as one of Europe’s Top 100 Courses by Golf World Magazine and receiving the number one Best Course in Poland.  This is a harbinger of great things to come for the Polish golf industry as the country begins to embrace the sport in greater numbers, strives to develop a youth golf program that can produce top flight competitors and continues to secure European PGA Tour events (Poland hosted three events in 2009).

Poland is a wonderful country that, despite its rush to embrace technology and become a modern society akin to its EU neighbors, has retained much of its rustic culture.  Walking through Warsaw you will find cyber cafes, night clubs and fine dining, but you will also run across peasant women selling flowers and produce in the streets. 

If you take a drive across the country’s northern region you will encounter a string of 14th-century Gothic castles the most stunning being in Malbork where the last remnants of the once powerful Teutonic Knights stands.  If you prefer to head south do not miss the crystal clear waters of the Great Masurian Lakes where water sports are king, or the long, sandy beaches of the Baltic coast.

The dichotomy between the old and new, the beautiful countryside, forests, lakes, and mountains make Poland a marvelous adventure for any traveler.

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The 1960’s at Augusta – The Rise of The Big Three

Augusta is arguably the most storied championships in the game and has always delivered incredible finishes and great champions.  However the 1960’s may have been most memorable decade in its history.  From 1960-1970 The Big Three dominated Augusta unlike any three players ever have and cemented the legends of Player, Palmer and Nicklaus.

In 1960 Arnold Palmer had established himself as one of the game’s greats and kicked off the decade by capturing his second Green Jacket.  In 1961, Gary Player became the first international player ever to win the Masters holding off a late charge by Palmer.  In 1962 Arnold returned the favor and beat Player in an 18-hole playoff to win his second Green Jacket in three years.

In 1963 Jack Nicklaus broke through with his first win while Player and Palmer both finished in the top 10 (Player 5th, Palmer 9th).  In 1964 Palmer won his third beating Jack by 6 shots while Gary racked up another top ten finishing 5th.  In 1965 and 1966 Jack won back to back Masters, the first time in history the feat had been accomplished. In ’65 Player and Palmer tied for second and in ’66 Palmer was 4th. 

1967 was the first year of the decade where one of The Big Three did not take home the title.  Palmer finished 4th, Player 6th and Nicklaus uncharacteristically missed the cut.  In 1968 Jack captured his fourth win of the decade besting Arnie’s three, and Player finished in the top ten once again (7th).  1969 was the only year that The Big Three did not fair well with Nicklaus finishing 24th, Palmer 27th and Player 33rd. 

From 1960-1966 either Player, Palmer or Nicklaus hoisted the trophy and 1967 and 1969 were the only two years that none won the coveted Green Jacket.  During this amazing decade The Big Three won a total of 8 Green Jackets, tallied 15 top ten finishes (Player 7, Palmer 5 and Nicklaus 3) and established themselves as the three best players in the world.

Their stellar play continued throughout their careers and Gary captured two more Green Jackets in 1974 and 1978.  The win in ’78 made Player the oldest player in history (42) to win the Masters player and fittingly that record was broken by Nicklaus in 1986 when he won at the age of 46. 

The careers of these three great champions will always be interlinked, but their endearing friendship and camaraderie over the years is a testament to the people they are.  Arnold Palmer was named the honorary starter in 2009, Jack Nicklaus will tee it up in 2010 and might we see the Black Knight in 2011 to complete The Big Three and continue their legacy?

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Blame It On Gary Player

There was a time when the PGA Tour consisted of a few dozen golf professionals, many of whose home courses were covered by a foot of snow and who occupied themselves during the offseason by competing in a series of tournaments in California, Florida and other warmer climes.

They putted on bumpy greens, traveled in jalopies, slept in low-rent hotels, and sometimes dined on yesterday’s sandwiches.

Prize money, such as it was, often went only to the top four finishers, but even so, playing golf was better than staying at home, shoveling.

By the end of World War II, the tour had gained more stability and more money was available, although even Byron Nelson, who in 1945 won a record 11 consecutive tournaments and some $63,000 in War Bonds, sold umbrellas as a sideline.

The Masters, which began in 1934 as the Bob Jones Invitational, had become a tour staple, as were the Los Angeles Open, the Crosby Clambake at Pebble Beach and the swings through Texas and Florida.

Of course, golf was being played in other parts of the globe as well and had been for decades, but because airplane travel was still in the horse and buggy stage, players in other lands tended to stay at home. Those who did voyage forth to the United States generally played only in exhibitions and at the U.S. Open. The tour in this country was 100 percent U.S. of A., no passports necessary.

Then along came Gary Player, golf’s version of the adventurous Christopher Columbus. More than anyone before him, Player explored golf courses outside the boundaries of his own country.

Born in 1935 in Johannesburg, South Africa, Player was only 19 when he won two events at home, then four more the following year, including one in England. But it was his fourth-place finish at the 1956 British Open that caught everyone’s attention.

That got him an invitation to his first Masters, his first taste of golf in America. Ben Hogan and Sam Snead had dominated the early half of the ‘50s. Now Arnold Palmer was making himself known and word was a young amateur from Columbus, Ohio, was someone to keep an eye on. Player wanted to see if he could measure up.

He entered nine tournaments in 1957, making every cut. The following year he won his first tour event, the Kentucky Derby Open, then the British Open in 1959, the first of three Masters two years later and the PGA a year after that. Gary Player had indeed measured up.

Throughout his career he played only 16 or so tournaments a year in the U.S. The rest of the year he could be found on courses all over the world – Australia, France, Napal, Egypt, Japan, you name it.

Over the years, Player won in these places more than 100 times. It was an arduous lifestyle he chose and in his later years he was not shy about telling anyone who would listen that he had traveled, say, 100,000 miles last year and had often done sit-ups in the aisle of a plane.

Player’s victory in the 1961 Masters made him the first foreigner to wear the green jacket. Perhaps because of him, Augusta National decided it would be courteous to have a special dinner for all players outside the U.S. and it is quite possible that early on, he dined alone. At the table later on there was a countryman, Harold Henning, Japan’s Jumbo Ozaki and perhaps Argentina’s Roberto de Vincenzo, just enough for a few hands of bridge after dessert.

When Player won the Masters for the third time in 1974, he was still the only foreigner to do so, but soon after that, a horde of players from distant lands, aided by jet travel, invaded our shores.

Over from Spain came Severiano Ballesteros, from Germany, Bernhard Langer, from England, Sandy Lyle and Nick Faldo. Since 1980, nearly half the Masters winners have been foreigners, including the last two, Trevor Immelman of South Africa and Angel Cabrera of Argentina.

Today, the world rankings are dominated by players from overseas. Of the top 15, 11 come from abroad, as do 36 of the top 50. And half the invitees to this year’s Masters come from outside the United States.

Three weeks ago Camilo Villegas of Columbia won the Honda Classic. Two weeks ago at Doral, two South Africans battled for the championship. Ernie Els won and Charl Schwartzel was second. Yesterday, Els won again, finishing off a rain-delayed victory at Bay Hill. Edoardo Molinari of Italy was second. This is a trend that is growing and is likely to continue.

If you don’t like it, blame Gary Player.

By WALTER BINGHAM, The Cape Cod Times, March 30, 2010
Walter Bingham, a former editor and writer for Sports Illustrated. He can be contacted by e-mail at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

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Modry Las Golf Club Awarded Best Golf Course in Poland

The stunning Gary Player-designed Modry Las Golf Club has been named the best golf course in Poland according to the country’s leading golf website Polishgolf.pl. Already selected as one of Europe’s top 100 courses by Golf World magazine (UK), Modry Las featured prominently in Poland’s national golf awards despite only being opened for a matter of months before voting began.

The West Pomeranian course clinched the top prize at the annual awards thanks to a remarkable show of support that resulted in 18% of all votes cast going in favor of Modry Las. Bearing in mind 15 courses were shortlisted with the runner-up receiving 4% fewer votes, it certainly seems the award was given to a popular winner.

Founder of Polishgolf.pl Roman Fedorczuk said the accolade was even more remarkable since Modry Las had only been open three months by the time the awards were announced. “It’s a beautifully designed course set wonderfully into the countryside,” he noted. “Even before it was fully opened, we were getting reports that it was a spectacular golf course. A lot of people liked it but not a lot of people have played it, after all it’s a new course. It’s located in an area with two other golf courses so not everyone has played Modry Las, yet.”

Despite its new-kid-on-the-block status, Fedorczuk said Modry Las was a deserved recipient of the top award. “The first nine holes are simply spectacular with difficult greens. In my opinion, it’s definitely the best golf course in Poland.”

As well as picking up the award for the best course, Modry Las also had two entries in Poland’s top 10 list of spectacular golf holes; its remarkable par 3 15th hole which banks onto a lake with a deep bunker protecting the front of a picturesque green was the runner up in the category. Add to that two top five finishes in the most demanding golf course category and best kept group, it was obvious Modry Las had a memorable night.

“We’re very pleased to pick up the best course category at the Polishgolf.pl awards,” noted Arthur Gromadzki, chairman of Modry Las. “This is the first time Polish golf courses have been recognized in this manner, so to lead the way at such an early stage of our development is extremely encouraging. The course is getting better all the time as it matures into Gary Player’s wonderful design. We hope to defend our title this year and perhaps add a few more to the trophy cabinet as well.”

Modry Las Golf Club was officially opened by Gary Player and Poland’s Vice Minister of Sport and Tourism, Adam Giersz, on July 4, 2009.  It marks the completion of the first step toward the planned Modry Las Golf Resort that will include 200 single-home plots.

Story courtesy of Worldgolf.com

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Coca-Cola China Wins Top Honors

Each year Coca-Cola recognizes one of its business units as the top performing unit in the world by awarding the company’s highest honor, the Woodruff Cup.  The 2009 prize went to the China Business Unit and President, Doug Jackson.

Chairman and CEO Muhtar Kent presented the award to Jackson, who shared the award with Martin Jansen, CEO of CCCIL, Coke’s Company-owned bottler in China, and Glenn Jordan, President of the Pacific Group.

Kent said this is the first year he could remember when the finalists have represented all operating groups. The qualifiers proved that growth is possible even in the face of negative GDP, he added, also crediting them with “stealing a page from Robert Woodruff’s playbook” by leading with character and courage during times of economic turmoil. Kent also recognized the India & Southwest Asia Business Unit as this year’s runner-up.

“I proudly accept this honor on behalf of the extraordinary men and women of the China Business Unit, who, along with the entire Pacific Group and our bottling partners at BIG/CCCIL, Swire, COFCO and Zhuhai, delivered an exceptional effort in 2009,” Jackson said.

Coca-Cola has been a long time supporter of the Gary Player Invitational Series of global charity golf tournaments which raise funds to provide quality education for underprivileged children and strengthen impoverished communities plagued by disease and crime.  In 2009, the GPI China event, co-hosted by Gary Player, Doug Jackson and international movie star and philanthropist Jackie Chan raised more than R 8 million to help AIDS affected orphans in China and children in need across the world.

Mr. Player, The Player Group, and Black Knight International extend their gratitude for all of Coca-Cola’s support and congratulate Doug Jackson and the entire China Business Unit for winning this prestigious award.

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South Africa Ready For 2010 World Cup

Needless to say South Africa had quite a bit of work to do to prepare for the first ever World Cup to be held on the African continent, and one of the most pressing needs was to build enough stadiums to accommodate the huge crowds expected to attend.  What has resulted is a series of well conceived, smartly designed arenas that have the capacity to hold the throngs of football fans ready to descend on Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg,  Mangaung/Bloemfontein, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, Nelspruit, Polokwane, Rustenburg and Tshwane/Pretoria to support their team and country.

While the Super Bowl is the most popular sporting event in the USA, it pales in comparison to the size and scope of the World Cup.  Football (soccer to Americans) is the most popular game in the world and South Africa is expecting nearly 500,000 people to attend this year’s World Cup - the world wide television audience is predicted to top the 1 billion mark. 

The efforts to prepare the ten stadiums necessary for the World Cup started in 2006.  Five existing stadiums were upgraded and five built from the ground up.  In addition, major roadwork around each stadium was necessary to accommodate the traffic and despite the strikes by workers building the stadiums, reports of stadiums not being ready for the start of the matches and the logistical nightmares of undertaking a project of this magnitude all will be in order at the beginning of play on 11 June, now just under 100 days away.

Get ready for World Cup football South Africa style.

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Emirates - Defining Luxury Travel

With many airlines cutting back on first class seating Emirates continues to pay close attention to its premium travel customers.  It recently announced that it will continue to offer three classes of service on its long haul flights and with the addition of private first class cabins it continues to set the standard for luxury air travel.

The new private suite provides travelers with their own space within the first class cabin.  It is fully equipped with individual storage, a coat closet, vanity desk and personal mini bar. The extra-large seat reclines to become a fully flat bed, and the 23” wide-screen LCD screen features over 600 channels of entertainment options.  In addition, gourmet dining and an excellent wine list are available. 

Emirates has made a serious commitment to reaching the premier traveler through sponsorships of some of the world’s most prestigious sporting and charitable events.  Emirates maintains a large presence in Golf, Thoroughbred racing, European Football, Rugby, Yachting, Cricket and Tennis along with supporting the arts and cultural events in Dubai and Australia.
In addition to sports and cultural endeavors, Emirates has dedicated itself to helping children in need across the world through its own Emirates Airline foundation and the sponsorship of the Gary Player Invitational Series of charity pro-am golf tournaments held each year in the USA, Europe, China and South Africa.

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Fancourt To Host BMW Golf Cup International

(George, South Africa) - Three months into 2010, the 2009 BMW Golf Cup International season reaches its conclusion with the World Final in South Africa from 1st to 6th March 2010. The top 99 players from the 34 countries that entered the largest international tournament series for amateurs will meet at the Gary Player Designed Fancourt golf resort in George, South Africa where they will determine the winners in two men’s classes, one ladies class, and the team competition.

These top notch amateurs qualified for the World Final thanks to their success at roughly 1000 tournaments around the world. This year once again saw huge numbers of entrants, with about 100,000 players from all corners of the globe playing in the tournament series.

We are very proud of the enthusiasm amateur golfers all over the world have shown for our tournament series,” says Magnus Wiese, head of BMW Golfsport Marketing. “It is thanks to their sporting commitment and team spirit that this international competition has such a unique atmosphere. We want to thank the world finalists by providing a special experience in South Africa.”

The World Final of the BMW Golf Cup International will once again live up to its outstanding reputation this year: a world-class golfer will honor the finalists as a special guest, and will also hold a golf clinic. And who better for this role in South Africa than one of the most legendary professional golfers in the world, and certainly one of the country’s greatest sportsmen: Gary Player.

“We are delighted that one of the greatest golfers of all time will visit the World Final in the form of Gary Player,” says Wiese. “This will round off a superb experience for all the participants.”

Gary Player is an eighteen-time Major winner, won the career Grand Slam on the PGA Tour and Champions Tour and amassed 164 career victories.  The “Black Knight” is also enjoying success as a golf course designer. Player has been involved in over 350 projects around the world, including the Fancourt Resort, for which he designed the three spectacular courses: The Links, Montagu and Outeniqua.

The World Final of the BMW Golf Cup International will be played in three handicap classes on the Montagu and Outeniqua courses: Men’s A (up to handicap 12.4), Men’s B (handicap 12.5 to 28.4) and ladies (up to handicap 28.4). There will also be a national competition.

The World Final of the 2008 BMW Golf Cup International took place in South America for the first time in the 23-year history of the series, in Argentina. Mexican Eduardo Izbaile (Men’s A), Alain Desmurger from France and Florence Luron (Mauritius, Ladies) were the individual winners. The defending champion in the national competition is Mexico, who finished ahead of Taiwan and Paraguay in Buenos Aires.

Article courtesy of Article Ant

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India To Become A World Class Golf Destination

India is without a doubt one of the most vibrant and interesting countries to visit and it is on its way to becoming a world class golf destination.  While many still consider golf to be an elitist sport in India the popularity of the game is growing along with a crop of world class talent.  Jeev Milkha Singh, Arjun Atwal, Jyoti Randhawa, Shiv Kapur have all performed well against the world’s best and the spate of new course developments and the inclusion of golf as an Olympic sport are sure to help India continue to develop top flight players.

Headed by Dr. KP Singh of DLF Limited, India’s largest real estate company is leading the way in course development projects.  Player Design’s project in Guragon, an 18-hole Gary Player Signature Designed course that includes a super luxury hotel, state of the art club house, large practice academy and sports complex is the latest project in this region located on the Southern border of New Delhi.

The rich tradition, diverse culture, fantastic cuisine and stunningly beautiful sites have drawn travelers to this vibrant country for hundreds of years.  Agra, New Delhi, Calcutta and the beaches of Goa are the most popular destinations and should be on any itinerary, but if you want to experience India in a different way consider traveling the Buddhist circuit, or taking a Yoga and meditation tour.

The Buddhist circuit will take you through the palaces immortalized by Sakyamuni, Gautama Buddha more than two thousand five hundred years ago.  It recreates the journey where he preached his message of compassion, simplicity and renunciation and taught the path to enlightenment.

Despite the urbanization and industrialization of much of the country India still has locales where the concepts of Yoga and meditation are an integral part of human life.  Visitors will learn the history of Yoga and how to incorporate it into their life.  Yoga is a gradual, systematic and scientific way to release tension of day-to-day life and regular practice helps one to overcome stress and lead a perfectly healthy life. 

Whether it is playing golf, visiting the Taj Majal, or getting in touch with your inner being India is a destination that should not be missed.

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Bulgaria Strives To Become New Golf Destination

Eight years, since the first participation of Bulgaria in the International Golf Travel Market in 2002, 30 foreign golf tour operators and journalists will visit the leading golf clubs and resorts in Bulgaria in April of this year.
The interest in Bulgaria as a golf destination has steadily grown over the past two years with the opening of several world class golf courses and the commitment that Bulgarian golf tour operators have made to promoting Bulgaria as a tourist destination. The Bulgarian golf tour operators have organized this visit to present the best of the golf industry in Bulgaria to their foreign colleagues from the International Association of Golf Tour Operators and journalists.

The Black Sea coastline offers two of the top golf courses in the region. BlackSeaRama, a Gary Player Signature golf course, was voted one of the top new golf course in the world in 2009 and Mr. Player announced that Player Design’s second project, Thracian Cliffs, will surely be among the top 5 golf resorts in Europe.

Guests will visit courses in the Dobrudzha region, Albena, Golden Sands, Cape Kaliakra, Balchik, Varna, Sofia, Pravets, Ravno Pole and the Pirin Golf and Country Club. 

Story courtesy of VisitBulgaria.net

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Over 100 Million People Watch GPI Highlights

(Capetown, South Africa) – the 10th Annual Gary Player Invitational charity golf tournament held in November 2009 at The Links at Fancourt in South Africa was a real success raising over R 5 million for children in need across the globe.  Professional golfers from the PGA Tour, European Tour, European LPGA and Champions Tour and celebrities gathered for the two day tournament and lent their support to raising much needed funds to help further the education of children.  Masters Champion Angel Cabrera and British Senior Masters Champion Tony Johnstone won the better ball tournament and British celebrity DJ Spooney, businessman Abdullah Al Naboodah, and their professional partners Vincent Tshabalala and Thomas Aiken, claimed a close victory in the fourball event. 

The strong field of professionals and celebrities garnered significant media coverage and the tournament highlight package was viewed by more than 100 million people around the world.  Even though the economy is still recovering from a significant downturn over the past two years the commitment to giving to those in need was strong.  The success of the Gary Player Invitational Series and the attention that the general public pays to charity events is a positive sign that 2010 could bring a recovery in charitable giving worldwide.

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The Big Three Reunite To Help Chidren In Need

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL – Historic Mountain Mission School in Grundy, VA, which has sheltered and educated an estimated 20,000 needy children over its 87 years, will receive substantial support this year from a fundraising event featuring three of golf’s legendary figures.

Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, who dominated the 1960s and 1970s as golf’s “The Big Three,” will reunite June 8 at The Olde Farm Golf Club in Bristol, VA to help raise money for the school, which operates totally from private donations. This certainly won’t be a normal charity event … it is expected to raise more than $12 million and help establish a sustained endowment for Mountain Mission School.

The Big Three for the Mountain Mission Kids Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson, sanctioned by the PGA TOUR, was organized by Grundy native Jim McGlothlin, founder of The Olde Farm and a longtime benefactor of the school. It will involve a 19-hole scramble beginning at 1 p.m., concluding with a presentation ceremony on the 19th hole.

“The game of golf doesn’t get any better than this, and neither does fundraising,” said McGlothlin, a member of the PGA TOUR Golf Course Properties Advisory Board. “We are more than fortunate to have this trio of golf legends come to Bristol – and to have them playing to benefit the kids at Mountain Mission is very special. The day itself will be memorable, but the impact on this community of less-advantaged children in Grundy will be long-lasting, I can assure you.”

“The Big Three for the Mountain Mission Kids event complements the PGA TOUR’s historical commitment to charity and our new initiative, ‘Together, anything’s possible,” says PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem.  “Last year the PGA TOUR – through our tournaments, sponsors, players and volunteers – raised $108 million for charity, and this is just part of an even greater effort this year.”

Player, Palmer, and Nicklaus have symbolized excellence off the golf course as well as on, each having successful charitable foundations that have helped millions of individuals, mostly youth. Now, they are getting together to help an institution that has a history of remarkable successes and inspirational stories.

“This is a shining example of how golf is such an effective means of raising money for worthy charities and organizations,” Nicklaus said. “The fact that in a single day, we will be able to raise upwards of $12 million is truly remarkable. Charity has always been a fundamental part of the PGA TOUR, and the three of us take great pride in the work our foundations have done. I’m pleased to take part in this event and to help Mountain Mission School.”

“I very much look forward to getting back together with Jack and Gary on the golf course for such a great cause,” Palmer said. “When Jim presented the idea and explained what Mountain Mission School has accomplished, I became very interested in helping out. It will be a lot of fun and, most importantly, will help deserving children for years to come.”

“What a pleasure it will be to play with Arnold and Jack again in the name of charity, which is so important to each of us,” Player said. “We have been very fortunate to make a career of playing golf, and take great pride in giving something back through the foundations we have established. Each of us has focused on helping children in need, so helping Mountain Mission School is a natural extension of these efforts.” 

Mountain Mission School is a non-profit institution that has 230 resident students ages 18 months to 20 years, attending a private school made of grades pre-kindergarten through 12. In recent years, more than 90 percent of the schools graduates have enrolled in colleges.

The campus has grown from a single building when it opened in 1921 to the campus it is today, with an educational building, vocational and fine arts building, campus chapel, administration building and three separate residences for girls, four residences for boys and a toddler hall for boys and girls under the age of seven.

“We accept any child with a legitimate need, whether it relates to economics, abuse, family emergencies, home stability or other issues,” says Cynthia Rodda, president of Mountain Mission School. “Our school offers love, acceptance and a great educational opportunity for as long as necessary. I can’t begin to explain how grateful the staff at Mountain Mission School is to Mr. McGlothlin, The Olde Farm and all those participating in the fundraiser.”

A one-hour special about the Mountain Mission School and The Big Three for the Mountain Mission Kids will air Sunday, July 10 from 2-3:00 p.m. ET prior to the final-round telecast of the PGA TOUR’s John Deere Classic on

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Mandarin Oriental To Open Resort On Saadiyat Island

(Abu Dhabi) - Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC), the master developer of Saadiyat Island, announced an agreement with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group to manage a new luxury resort on Saadiyat Island.

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Residences, Abu Dhabi is scheduled to open in 2013 and will feature 160 guestrooms and suites, as well as 35 serviced apartments and 50 branded residences.  This is Mandarin Oriental’s first venture in the Middle East.

Mubarak Al Muhairi, managing director of TDIC, said: “We are pleased to partner with Mandarin Oriental on their first ever Middle East venture. TDIC aspires to provide unprecedented levels of luxury hospitality in Abu Dhabi, and Mandarin Oriental will further complement the distinctive leisure offerings on Saadiyat Island. This agreement demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s evolution into a global tourism destination as it seeks to attract 2.3 million tourists by 2012.”

The resort’s facilities will include Mandarin Oriental’s award-winning spa, several restaurants and bars, a private beach club, a fully equipped fitness centre and a large outdoor swimming pool.  Hotel guests will also have preferred access to the 18-hole championship Saadiyat Beach Golf Course designed by Gary Player, which will wrap around the resort.

Mubarak Al Muhairi, managing director of the Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC),
Lee Tabler, chief executive of TDIC, and officials from Mandarin Oriental.

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Volvo China Open To Be Held At Gary Player Designed Suzhou Golf Club In Shanghai

(Shanghai) The European PGA Tour announced that it will once again sanction The Volvo China Open as an official event and move the tournament to Suzhou Jinji Lake International Golf Club. Located in the Suzhou Industrial Park about a one hour drive from Shanghai, the club is one of the most exclusive in the world with membership by invitation only.  The tournament, being held from the 15th-18th of April, will be played on both the Jinji Lake’s Wetlands course as well as the Links Course, both designed by eighteen-time Major winner Gary Player.

Suzho Jinji Lake International boasts a distinctive layout featuring three nine-hole courses with markedly different characteristics; the Links, a classic links style course, The Wetlands featuring numerous ponds and creeks, and The Forest Course where the emphasis is on trees.

“We’re very proud to have the country’s Open Championship coming to Jinji Lake,” said Michael Gu, the club’s general manager. “Suzhou Industrial Park, of which the club is a part, is the largest economic and technological co-operation project between the governments of China and Singapore. Our club is already renowned for its first class facilities, exceptional standard of service and luxurious privacy it provides for members. We’re confident that the course, the facilities and our enviable location in Suzhou can help lift the status of the Volvo China Open to a new higher level and will attract some of the world’s best known players to compete here.” 

In addition, Volvo has announced that prize money for the Open will be boosted to US$2.5 million making it the richest event on the OneAsia Tour schedule.

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The 2016 Olympic Games – Helping to Jumpstart the South American Golf Market

The 2016 Olympic Game may seem like they are quite some time away, but the reality is Rio de Janeiro is faced with a huge task in preparing the city and Brazil for the influx of athletes, visitors and media.  Mr. Player is slated to visit Rio de Janeiro later this month to help promote golf as an Olympic sport.  “I think that it is fantastic that golf is once again and Olympic sport and I am thrilled to have been asked by the PGA Tour to help promote the 2016 games.”

On the golf front, Rio has a number of excellent courses, but it has yet to be determined which course or courses are best suited to a tournament that will be akin to one of golf’s four major championships.  The Brazilian and the local Rio de Janeiro governments are in the process of surveying sites and may have to consider the possibility of constructing a new course if a suitable location can not be found.

The most important aspects of the final decision will be to find a location that has the design characteristics to provide a real challenge for the golfers and has the ability to accommodate the large crowds expected to attend.  In addition, the environmental impact of the courses and how they are designed are also high on the priority list.  The need for eco-friendly designed sites is critical due to the commitment that the Brazilian government has made to sustainability.  The maintenance of the facilities after the games are completed is something that the government is paying close attention to. They do not want to repeat some of the mistakes that host countries have made in the past by letting the Olympic facilities fall into disrepair and not be fully utilized after the games depart.

The 2016 games have already had a positive effect on the golf market in both Brazil and South America as a whole.  Mr. Player and the design team along with its newest associate, Masters Champion Angel Cabrera, all feel that South America has the potential to become one of the strongest markets in the world for new design projects over the next 5 years.

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Saadiyat Beach Golf Club Opens To Rave Reviews

On 28 January 2010 the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club kicked off its grand opening with the inaugural Saadiyat Beach Classic charity golf tournament hosted by Gary Player.  Mr. Player officially opened the tournament with a perfect drive off of the first tee and then presented his autographed driver to the Tourism Development Investment Company’s COO, Ahmad Hussain (the TDIC is the master developer of Saadiyat Island). The Emirates Airlines team led by world number 11 golfer Rory McCilroy, and playing partners Pavan Nihalan, Kory Thompson, and Ashok Galgotia (all from Emirates Airlines) took home the first ever SBC Classic trophy winning with a combined team score of 27 under par.

The event was a great success raising over $1 million for children in need in The Middle East and around the globe and aiding in the relief effort in Haiti.  The Thursday evening festivities featured a silent auction, where McCilroy fresh off of his tournament win, was the winning bidder for a luxury vacation to the Maldives, Phuket and the Golden Triangle in Thailand later this year.

A number of top notch golfers were in attendance – McCilroy, Darren Clarke and Oliver Fisher headlined the European Tour, Catriona Matthew, Melissa Reid, Maria Verchenova and Henrietta Zuel, the Ladies’ European Tour and Sam Torrance, Peter Mitchell, and Costantino Rocca showed that the “old guys” from the Champions Tour can still play.  All had fun and were very impressed with the course and facilities.

“It’s brilliant,” said McCilroy. “It still needs a bit of time to bed in and mature, but the layout is great. Obviously there is talk of the Abu Dhabi Championship coming here in a couple of years and it is definitely good enough to hold an event like that… I mean, we didn’t even play off the back tees and it was still really, really tough – especially if you get a wind.”

Darren Clarke was equally impressed with Player’s design.

“It’s challenging,” he said. “You have to think, you have to work the ball in a bit. It’s really very good… Compared to other seaside courses, it’s slightly different grass, but obviously that is something Gary is trying to recreate and I think the course is absolutely brilliant. I think it would be fantastic for the Abu Dhabi Championship to come here.”

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South Korea - One of Asia’s Hottest and Most Dynamic Golf Markets

As late as the 1970’s golf was considered “an elitist sport” and was actually discouraged by the government, but over the past 30 years it turned into a national obsession in South Korea.  It is now considered to be one of the hottest golf markets on the globe with a bevy of new course developments slated and the first ever Asian Champions Tour event to be held in the fall of this year.  Gary Player Design currently has four projects underway - Ansung City, Blue Valley Country Club, Jeju HaeDong Country Club and YoungNam Alps Country Club - and expects South Korea and Asia to continue to show strong growth potential over the next 10-15 years.

The fervor for golf really took hold in 1998 when Se Re Park stunned the LPGA Tour, and her home country, by winning 4 events and 2 Majors.  Her stellar play encouraged a throng of young women to take up the sport.  In 2009, 19 of the top 50 women golfers were South Korean and South Koreans won 11 of the 28 official LPGA events.  South Korea is the most dominate single country represented on the LPGA Tour.

Y.E. Yang’s victory at last year’s PGA Championship may have finally made the general golfing public aware that South Korea is producing world class male golfers, but what the public did not seem to notice is that there have been a number of South Korean champions already playing across the world.  KJ Choi has been a mainstay on the world golf stage for nearly 15 years racking up 17 wins including seven on the PGA Tour and rose to number five in the world in 2007. 

South Korea and Seoul is a must visit.  It is a vibrant city that has become one of the centers of tourism and economic activity in Asia.  One of the lesser known destinations is Suncheon Bay located in the South Western portion of the Korean Peninsula in the province of Jeollanam-do.  Suncheon Bay is composed of a wide estuarine tidal flat and intertidal marshes, creating one of the most diverse and beautiful coastal ecosystems in the country. Two rivers flow through the city and surrounding rice fields at the northern part of the bay, and numerous streams flow through the site. The tidal flats are largely muddy with shallow salt marshes supporting a wide-range of species, including at least 25 threatened birds.

The Bay has important scenic, tourist, and cultural heritage values, and the annual production of fish, seaweed, and mollusks, mainly harvested using traditional techniques, is substantial. To stunt rapid urban expansion The Suncheon Bay Natural Eco-park was established in 2004 and a management plan is underway which focuses on protection of biological resources, pollution abatement, institutional improvement, and public awareness. It is the first Korea’s coastal wetland to be registered on the list of The Ramsar Wetland in January 2006.

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Saadiyat Beach Golf Club Unveils Frank Gehry Designed Clubhouse

Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), the Abu Dhabi-based master developer of Saadiyat Island and its Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, today unveiled plans for a Frank Gehry-designed clubhouse – the world-renowned architect’s first golf-related project.

As the centrepiece for the stunning Gary Player-designed Saadiyat Beach Golf Course - the Arabian Gulf’s first and only beachfront course - the 18,000 sqm clubhouse will boast unique design statements, which incorporate Saadiyat Island’s stunning natural beauty, to create an instantaneously recognisable international landmark.

The clubhouse - designed to meet Estidama regulations, the Abu Dhabi-specific building sustainability methodology - is scheduled to be completed in 2013. TDIC will put the project out to tender later this year.
“We wanted someone who could push design boundaries to create visual architecture that makes bold statements. Frank Gehry ticks that box emphatically. A truly world-class course, designed by the world’s most successful golfer of all time, in the heart of one of Arabia’s most breathtaking natural settings, deserves an outstanding clubhouse that sets the benchmark globally,” said Ahmed Hussein, COO of TDIC and Deputy Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.

“Frank’s unique design philosophy will form the centrepiece of this spectacular project and will serve to reinforce Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a sought after destination on the international golfing map.”
The Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, with its first-of-its-kind clubhouse, gives a significant boost to the United Arab Emirates capital’s credentials as a top-tier sports and cultural destination of distinction, and builds on the emirate’s growing portfolio of iconic architectural designs, which includes Zayed National Museum, designed by Lord Norman Foster, Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by Jean Nouvel;; and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, designed by Frank Gehry.
The utilisation of space was a key facet in the clubhouse’s design, and careful consideration has been given to blend indoor and outdoor settings. Harnessing Saadiyat Island’s striking landscapes, Gehry has opted to emphasise large terraces with sweeping glass canopies to maximise visitor viewing opportunities of the surrounding landscape.

The clubhouse, which overlooks the scenic Arabian coastline, will include a boutique hotel with 26 deluxe rooms, two restaurants, a spa and a pro-shop. 
“We are just at the beginning of the detailed design of the clubhouse and are very pleased with the progress thus far. The design is intended to be an ephemeral mirage floating above the greens,” said Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning Gehry.

The Saadiyat Beach Golf Club gets its global public debut today with the staging of the Saadiyat Beach Classic hosted by Gary Player – a top-tier international charity tournament which has attracted leading international golfing names and celebrities from the world of sport.

Leading the star-studded player field will be golfing prodigy and world number 11, Rory McIlroy – who finished 3rd in last week’s 5th annual Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. He will be joined by a wealth of other respected golf names including Sam Torrance OBE, Darren Clarke, Peter Mitchell, Costantino Rocca, Catriona Matthe, Melissa Reid, Maria Verchenova and Henrietta Zuel.
The Classic also boasts Rugby’s Gavin Hastings and Victor Matfield, Cricket’s Allan Lamb and BBC Sports News Presenter, Sarah Stirk.

Gary Player, arguably the most successful golfers of all time and designer of more than 300 courses worldwide, believes the addition of a Gehry-inspired clubhouse to Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, in addition to the staging of the Classic, will be critical factors in the project’s and the emirate’s realisation of establishing themselves as highly-sought after golf and leisure destinations.

“Frank Gehry is one of the living, iconic architects of our time and to have an instantly recognisable structure, in the Guggenheim-style, as a clubhouse will be a world first. There is no doubt Abu Dhabi has arrived as a major force on the international golfing scene and will continue to be a future magnet for the sport’s leading players and avid fan base globally,” said Player, who has 18 Majors to his name.

“This week’s Saadiyat Beach Classic marks the development’s final evolution of becoming a highly-sought after golfing destination. It should serve as an inspiration to others around the world and, more importantly, will provide another important platform for younger generations to connect with the sport, a key facet in golf’s continuing development in the region.”

At the centre of the Classic will be an 18-hole tournament, where teams of four – including a top international golfer or celebrity – will battle it out on Saadiyat Beach Golf Club’s lush fairways and greens. 
Tickets for the Saadiyat Beach Classic are complimentary to the public and can be downloaded from http://www.saadiyatbeachclassic.com  Beginning at 9.30am on Thursday 28th January, the tournament will boast unrivalled viewing of all the action throughout the day.  Food and beverage will be available at the course and car parking at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is free to ticket holders. 

Five charities, local and international, have been identified as beneficiaries for the Saadiyat Beach Classic, which are the Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs; Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation; Red Crescent UAE; Future Centre for Special Needs; and the Gary Player Foundation. A proportion of the proceeds will also go to aiding victims of the recent Haiti earthquake and to assist with the growing relief efforts.

To raise funds for the nominated charities, TDIC will host a black tie gala charity dinner, where an auction will take place for more than 50 must-have items donated by corporate sponsors and partners. Taking place at Emirates Palace on Thursday evening, the 350-person extravaganza - boasting an impressive entertainment line-up and some of the biggest names from the sport and entertainment worlds - will be one of the most sought-after events in town.

The Saadiyat Beach Classic has attracted a strong line-up of corporate partners which include Emirates Palace and Emirates Airline as Platinum sponsors, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Al Habtoor Leighton, Al Jaber LEGT Engineering & Contracting, HILALCO, Jan De Nul Group, National Bank of Abu Dhabi, Parsons and Saif Bin Darwish as Gold Sponsors, and Abu Dhabi Media Company, Motivate Publishing and Gulf News Broadcasting as media partners.

Managed by Troon Golf, the world’s largest golf management company, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is the latest world-class golf destination in Abu Dhabi.  Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is the flagship sports facility on Saadiyat Beach, a future magnet for high-end visitors and residents with its host of exclusive 5-star resorts that will create one of the world’s most premium and stylish destinations.

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Saadiyat Beach Classic Hosted by Gary Player Event Tees Up Top Stars

A host of top international golfing names and celebrities from the world of sport have thrown their hats into the ring for this month’s inaugural Saadiyat Beach Classic - a top-tier international charity golf tournament created by Master Developer, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) and hosted by golfing legend Gary Player. 

Leading the playing field for the event, running 28th January and staged to officially mark the launch of the Gary Player-designed Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, will be Northern Ireland’s golf prodigy, 20-year-old Rory McIlroy, praised by Player himself as being the world’s most exciting young player.
He is joined by fellow European Tour regular, Darren Clarke, who famously beat Tiger Woods in the 2000 WGC-Andersen Consulting Match Play Championship.
In addition, a wealth of top female golfers including British Open Champion and MBE award winner, Catriona Matthew; Melissa Reid and Henrietta Zuel, rising stars of the Ladies European Tour; and Maria Verchenova, the first Russian to become a full-time member of the Ladies European Tour. They will also be joined by BBC Sports News Presenter, Sarah Stirk.
“We want to create a unique golfing experience, which brings together a one-of-a-kind cache of top sports personalities from around the world, to mark the opening of the breathtaking Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. This event perfectly complements the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship by bringing a new dimension to the emirate’s overall golf offering, whilst raising funds to support charities globally,” said Ahmed Hussein, Chief Operating Officer of TDIC and Deputy Director General of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).

Golf legend Player, whose on-course accomplishments include three Masters wins, three British Open titles, two PGA championships and the US Open, was full of praise for the top-draw turnout to support the charity event.

“I am very pleased at the level of support this very exciting event has received both from my fellow professionals as well as the numerous celebrities that support our efforts and events in many parts of the world, all aimed at raising funds for charity”,said Player, who has a long track-record of hosting charity events.

Other big names attending the Saadiyat Beach Classic include Scotland’s enigmatic golfer, Sam Torrance OBE, who was the winning non-playing captain of the 2002 European Ryder Cup team and the European Tour’s ninth most successful golfer of all time.

Joining Torrance, who currently plays on the European Senior Tour, will be fellow compatriots Peter Mitchell, the long-standing English golfer who is widely regarded as one of the game’s top instructors, and Costantino Rocca, Italy’s most successful golfer of all time.
Also looking to flex their golfing muscles on the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, the Arabian Gulf’s first and only beachfront course, will be rugby legends, Gavin Hastings - the British and Irish Lions star who is widely tipped as one of his generation’s most outstanding rugby union players - and South African Springbok, Victor Matfield - one of the best locks in the world.
And swapping a bat for a club is former English cricketer and current cricket analyst, Allan Lamb, who will be looking to transfer his hitting skills into low scores on Saadiyat Beach Golf Course – which is being developed by TDIC on Saadiyat Island, the global leisure, residential and cultural destination under development just 500 metres offshore Abu Dhabi city.
“It is a great boost to Abu Dhabi credentials as a world-class emerging golf destination of distinction to have attracted such a diverse compilation of the most revered names in sport. From rising stars to legends of their games, the field for the inaugural Saadiyat Beach Classic hosted by Gary Player will certainly be one to remember,” added Lee Tabler, Chief Executive Officer, TDIC.
At the centre of the two day spectacle will be an 18-hole tournament, where teams of four – including a top international golfer or celebrity – will battle it out on Saadiyat Beach Golf Club’s lush fairways and greens.

Tickets for the Saadiyat Beach Classic are complimentary to the public and can be downloaded from http://www.saadiyatbeachclassic.com  Beginning at 9.30am, the tournament will boast unrivalled viewing of all the action throughout the day.  Food and beverage will be available at the course and car parking at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is free to ticket holders.
Five charities, local and international have been identified as beneficiaries for January’s Saadiyat Beach Classic, which are the Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs ;  Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation; Red Crescent UAE; Future Centre for Special Needs; and the Gary Player Foundation.
To raise funds for the nominated charities, TDIC will host a black tie gala charity dinner, where an auction will take place for more than 50 must have items donated by corporate sponsors and partners. Taking place at Emirates Palace on Saadiyat Beach Classic’s final day, the 350-person evening extravaganza - boasting an impressive entertainment line-up and some of the biggest names from the sport and entertainment worlds - will be one of the most sought-after events in town.

The Saadiyat Beach Classic has attracted a strong line-up of corporate partners which include Emirates Palace and Emirates Airline as Platinum sponsors, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Al Habtoor Leighton, Al Jaber LEGT Engineering & Contracting, HILALCO, Jan De Nul Group, National Bank of Abu Dhabi, Parsons and Saif Bin Darwish as Gold Sponsors, and Abu Dhabi Media Company, Motivate Publishing and Gulf News Broadcasting as media partners.

Article courtesy of Eye of Dubai – http://www.eyeofdubai.com

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Gary Player Blog From The Mitsubishi in Hawaii

What a fantastic holiday Vivienne and I just had in South Africa at our ranch in the middle of the Karoo desert and our beach house in Plettenberg Bay with our youngest daughter Amanda and her family from Pennsylvania and our daughters that live in South Africa… Michele, Jenny and Theresa as well as their respective husbands and children. 

There is nothing like family and nothing like the holidays to be surrounded by the love and hugs of your grandchildren.  We had 26 people for breakfast every day and man these kids eat like it’s the last supper.

Every year Vivienne and I are excited to start the year in Hawaii and this year is no exception.  I visited Callaway Headquarters late last year to test my new equipment and to get all of my clubs “legal” for the new year.  I hit the links every morning by 6 a.m. over the holidays with the new clubs in anticipation that my “Wendy’s Skins” partner Loren Roberts and I will have a strong showing on the golf course against Fuzzy and Ben, Jack and Tom and Fred and Nick.  We’re looking forward to the competition and camaraderie!

I am also looking forward to once again break or better my age at Hualalai just as I did last year during every round of the Mitsubishi Championship in Kona.  I truly enjoyed playing in the Pro-Am and meeting and working with the Mitsubishi team and their clients each day, what a fantastic event they put on in such a special place.

Following Hawaii there is no rest as I am off to Abu Dhabi for the opening of our newly designed Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and then Brazil for work on what we hope will be the new course for the Olympic Games in 2016.

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Player in Hawaii for Wendy’s Skins Game

Nicklaus-Watson capture second Wendy’s Champions Skins crown
- AP

KAANAPALI, Hawaii—Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson held off defending champions Fuzzy Zoeller and Ben Crenshaw to win the Wendy’s Champions Skins Game on Sunday.

Nicklaus, who will be 70 on Thursday, and Watson birdied two holes to win three skins and $130,000 on the back nine. They finished with 10 skins and $350,000 for their second victory in the event in four years.

It was an early birthday present for Nicklaus and a little redemption for the team after being blanked last year.

On a balmy day on Maui, Zoeller-Crenshaw took five straight skins for $230,000 to finish second in the alternate-shot, made-for-TV event. They were trying to become the first team to repeat after winning a record $530,000 last year.

Fred Couples, making his Champions Tour debut, and Nick Price sank a 4-footer for birdie on the playoff hole with two skins and $150,000 on the line—including the 18th-hole, $100,000 “superskin”—to finish third with $190,000.

Gary Player and Loren Roberts were shut out.

After taking seven skins and $220,000 the first day, team Nicklaus-Watson looked to put it away early by taking the par-5 10th worth $80,000 and two skins. After a high-arching wedge shot by Watson, Nicklaus made the 8-foot birdie putt to push his team’s take to $300,000 and nine skins.

“We’re about to get skinned by the two older guys,” Zoeller commented.

That’s when the defending champs made a move, winning the next five skins.

Zoeller sparked the rally on par-3 11th by draining a 25-foot putt to halve the hole after Watson made a 40-footer that drew a roar from the gallery of several thousand.

Zoeller sank 3-foot birdie putts on Nos. 12 and 15 before Watson ended the run by crawling in a 25-foot putt for birdie on the par-4 16th for a $50,000 skin.

Nicklaus made his 20th appearance in the Champions Skins Game, which will be televised next month, and added to his record for skins (114) and money ($2.6 million).

Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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The Player Foundation makes a difference in 2009

Although 2009 has been a tough economic year for just about everyone the spirit of helping needy children has not been diminished.  Over the course of 2009 The Player Foundation raised more than R 17.5 million and helped thousands of children across the world build a better future. The Yunnan Aids Foundation, St. Jude Research Hospital, American Horse Trials Foundation, Give to Colombia, ASLA EDSA Minority Scholarship Award, AJGA Bob Miller and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland, Oregon were among this year’s recipients of funds.  In addition, more than $50,000 in Gary Player memorabilia was donated to help raise funds for charities who’s mission is to help children in need.

Just a few months ago Callaway Golf, one of Mr. Player’s long time corporate partners stepped in to help the Cordevalle Youth Foundation.  The Foundation established in 2004 by Dr. Hasso Plattner, the founder of SAP and Alan Campey, Regional Vice President and Managing Director at CoredeValle, A Rosewood Resort, is a non-profit organization dedicated to expanding access to the sport of golf for children of all income levels by directly supporting successful youth golf programs throughout Santa Clara County, California.  This past year Callaway Golf was kind enough to donate golf balls, hats, wedges, putters, Irons, and Drivers to help support The CoreDeValle Youth Foundation.

We also need to pay special thanks to all of the participants and guests who attended the four Gary Player Invitational tournaments in 2009 and those who made individual donations to The Player Foundation.  Their incredible generosity of time, enthusiasm and money helped to make these events and additional fund raising efforts a huge success and helped provide a better future for children across the world.

For more information about The Player Foundation or to make a donation please visit: www.garyplayer.com/foundation

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Saadiyat Beach Classic hosted by Gary Player gains momentum

On January 27^th and 28^th, 2010 Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), the Abu Dhabi-based master developer of Saadiyat Island and Gary Player will host the first ever charity golf tournament at the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.  The event will bring leading golfing and non-golfing celebrities from around the world to the UAE’s capital to raise money for children in need.

The Saadiyat Beach Classic, hosted by Gary Player will serve as the kick off event for the Arabian Gulf’s first and only ocean-front course and takes place just a few days after the European Tour’s Abu Dhabi Golf Championship which will be held at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club. The Par 72 Saadiyat Beach Golf Course, Gary Player’s first signature golf course in the region, has been designed in a classic ‘figure of eight’ configuration with more a third of the course featuring stunning views of the Saadiyat coastline. 

The tournament will pair one celebrity or professional golfer with a team of three amateurs in an 18-hole stroke play event.  To boot, Mr. Player will host a golf clinic for a select number of lucky junior participants.  Hopefully his unique perspective on the game and teaching philosophies will ready the children for the rigors of tournament golf.

The event will open with a welcome barbeque on the gorgeous white sands of Saadiyat Beach featuring a variety of fine foods prepared by some of the country’s top chefs.  A black tie gala dinner highlighted by great entertainment and a silent auction offering a wide range of sports memorabilia, weekend breaks and memberships to the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, will close the event.

Mr. Player is excited about the tournament.  “I am delighted to be hosting this inaugural charity event that we have conceptualised with TDIC, on a golf course that I am particularly proud of and in a country that is really making the world sit up and take notice.”

For more information about Saadiyat Beach Golf Club please visit: www.sbgolfclub.ae

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Player Wine launches second vintage of the Major Championship Series

Following up on the successful debut of the 1959 Muirfield in 2008 Black Knight Wine previewed Augusta 1961, the second of 18 vintages making up the Major Championship Series wine collection at the Gary Player Invitational in South Africa.  The wine was met with excellent reviews from the tournament guests and the uniqueness of the label garnered much attention.

Over a twenty year period Black Knight International and the award winning Quoin Rock Vineyard in the Stellenbosch region of South Africa will launch 18 vintages comprising the Major Championship Series wine collection.  Each vintage commemorates one of Mr. Player’s 18 Major victories and began with the 1959 Muirfield – the site of Mr. Player’s first Major championship.

Black Knight Wine is also pleased to announce that both the 1959 Muirfield and the 1961 Augusta vintages are making their way to Hong Kong and China.  Through a newly formed partnership with the Wine Connoisseurs’ Club/Ming Ying Hui 铭英会 and its CEO William Rosenberger the 1959 Muirfield will debut in January 2010 with the 1961 Augusta following a few months later.  Mr. Rosenberger is very excited about distributing Player Wine especially with the burgeoning popularity of golf and Mr. Player’s reputation as a true champion and ambassador of the game.  Both vintages will be initially targeted to the golf enthusiasts thorough distribution at the premier golf clubs and courses in Hong Kong and China and will expand into other countries in South East Asia throughout 2010 and 2011.

We also would like to welcome Jane Taverson to the Black Knight Wine team.  Jane is a veteran of the French fine wine industry and will manage the Player Wine business from the Cape Town office in South Africa.  If you have any questions regarding The Major Championship Series you can contact her at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

For more information about Gary Player Wines please visit: www.playerwine.com

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Gary Player’s First Bulgarian Design Named Best New International Course by Golf Inc. Magazine

Just after opening in July, Gary Player’s first golf course design in Bulgaria, BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas, has been named the Best New International Golf Course 2009 by Golf Inc. Magazine.  An esteemed panel of industry experts ranging from resort developers to golf course architects judged the field of global finalists.  Courses were evaluated on the realization of the developer’s initial vision; effective routing that efficiently and naturally blends the layout into the existing terrain; and overall aesthetics of the course design.

Elevated on a plateau overlooking the Black Sea, the 7,200 yard, par 72 links-style layout takes full advantage of the dramatic coastal site, offering breathtaking panoramic views from almost every hole.  As the first championship golf course and first gated golf community in all of Bulgaria, Gary Player’s design goal was to create a course that is understated, playable and enjoyable for all levels of golfer in order to foster the growth of golf in Bulgaria and the surrounding region, while also presenting a challenge for tourists and professional golfers.  The final product accomplishes just that.

Located in the seaside tourist town of Balchik, BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas is the first of three Bulgarian courses designed by Gary Player in his effort to bring the game to this emerging golf destination.

The award will officially be presented in April 2010 at the Spring Golf Inc. Conference at the Amelia Island Plantation in Amelia Island, Florida, USA.

For more information please visit http://www.blacksearama.com and http://www.golfincmazagine.com. 

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Player Adds to his Moniker of “World’s Most Traveled Athlete”

From there he traveled to California to receive the first ever Breeders’ Cup Sports and Excellence Award prior to the Breeders’ Cup horse races.  During the trip he took time to visit Callaway’s global head quarters in Carlsbad, California and before heading back to Los Angeles for the Breeders’ Cup races he jaunted to La Paz Mexico to review the progress of his new course at CostaBaja Resort and Marina – the first ever Gary Player Signature Designed course in Mexico.  Possibly the highlight of Mr. Player’s trip was his fist ever visit to a Whole Foods Market where he was taken aback at the plethora of organic fruits and vegetables, all natural products and free range antibiotic free meats.  Needless to say this self proclaimed nutrition nut was in heaven.  The visit was capped off with a fan approaching Mr. Player at the check out counter and saying “Hey I know you, you’re Gary Player.”  Not missing a beat Mr. Player responded “No I’m not, I’m Arnold Palmer.”  As he swiped his credit card through the machine the machine returned an error message.  Looking perplexed Mr. Player said “Maybe I should just sign Jack Nicklaus.”  Unfortunately, the clerk at the check out counter had no idea who Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus or Arnold Palmer are so he was left to laugh alone.

Not done with North America he headed to Vancouver, Canada to receive the inaugural Golf Business Lifetime Achievement Award as a tribute to not only his distinguished golfing career but also his leadership and success in growing the game internationally.  Fellow Masters Champion and Canada’s own Mike Weir attended via videoconference to congratulate his former President’s Cup Captain on the recognition and gave a heartfelt tribute to his friend. 

From Canada he flew to Morocco for the grand opening of Mogador to, then to Abu Dhabi for the launch of the Guggenheim Museum and capped the visit off with a trip to Saadiyat Island.  He finally headed back to George, South Africa to ready himself for the GPI at Fancourt and the Nedbank Golf Challenge at Sun City.  After the GPI and Nedbank he finally made it back home to the stud farm.  Whew….

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Gary Player Pens New Book – Don’t Choke

After a short hiatus Mr. Player has ventured back into the publishing arena with his upcoming book Don’t Choke (expected release date April 2010).  Don’t Choke is in essence a book about pressure; what it feels like, the fact that everyone feels it, how to deal with it in the most critical situations and ultimately, how to master it.  Mr. Player will relate his experiences and discuss times where he overcame pressure and when he did not and what he learned from those situations.  He will also discuss how to pick yourself up after failure, how to overcome fear and how to succeed under pressure - in golf, business and life.  Having won 18 Major championships, (9 on the PGA Tour and 9 on the Champions Tour) and 164 tournaments world wide along with designing more than 300 golf courses on five continents Gary Player has quite a bit to talk about when it comes to the subject of pressure.  Dr. Bob Rotella, the renowned sports psychologist and author of numerous best selling books about creating an attitude and a mindset about all aspects of a golfer’s game, from mental preparation to competition, will author the foreword.

Mr. Player is excited about the project and has found that going back in time to recall his most pressure packed situations has brought back a flood of great memories and life lessons.  His ability to speak candidly about his failures has added the most critical teaching element to the book – failing once does not mean that you will fail again.  In fact, it leads to greater success.

Below is a short excerpt from the book:

I was coming to the end of the 7 252-yard monster that is Carnoustie in the 1968 British Open. The wind was howling. In that final round, Billy Casper, Bob Charles and myself were tied for the lead at two under par, and there were five of us within one stroke of the lead. And before me the par-five 14th hole unfolded like 483 yards of sheer green monster that it can be.

On that day, this was a golf course in a mean mood. It was not going to give up on trying to grind us into the dirt, and this was the hole that could do it to you.  I stood at my drive, wrestling with the decision as to whether to go for the green with my second shot and try and carry the fearsome Spectacles bunkers, or play safe.

I was hitting the shot blind. Jack Nicklaus was my playing partner. He had just hit a brilliant recovery, and was pushing hard to win this one. He, as well as a host of other players, would pounce on the first mistake I made, and that would be it.  I reached for a three wood, stood over the ball. Now came that moment. That moment when the entire world condenses into a dimpled little sphere at your feet. When everything you are, and hope to become, crushes down upon you in the confined arc of a golf swing.  And you want to know what was going through my mind.

It’s simple, really. I saw a nine-year-old boy sitting on a bench in the freezing cold of a winter’s morning in Johannesburg, South Africa. He is waiting for a tram to take him across town, where he will then walk across town to catch a bus as part of a long journey just to get to school. It’s still dark, and he sits on that bench alone. His father is working deep in the gold mines. His mother has passed away from cancer. His older brother is far away fighting a World War. His sister is at boarding school. His only friend is an elderly black gentleman called John Mashaba, who makes him breakfast and dinner in the evenings, when he returns home to a dark house.  And as he sits on that bench, the boy says to himself, “Someday, I’m going to be a world champion”.

When I stood over that three wood, “Someday” had arrived. It arrived again as it had done at four Major Championships before this one.  I hit possibly the finest shot of my life right there, and the ball finished three feet from the hole. I holed the eagle putt for a two-shot lead over the field, which I managed to hang on to and go on to victory.

Over the years, I’ve heard people say, “That Gary Player was certainly lucky in his career”. But if it was just luck, how come I kept doing it? And how come Nicklaus kept doing it? And Ben Hogan, and Sam Snead, and now Tiger Woods? It’s not luck. It’s being able to bring something out of yourself when it’s really necessary, and when it counts. That’s the difference between being very good, a star, and a superstar.

Remember – “The harder you practice, the luckier you get.”

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Gary Player Raises R 17.5 million for Underprivileged Children Around the World

The Gary Player Invitational series of charity golf tournaments held each year in Europe, China, South Africa and the United States have proven that even during a slow economy helping underprivileged children remains a priority.

Proof positive of this was the overwhelming success of the GPI China held on 2-3 November 2009 at Shanghai Links Golf Club. Jackie Chan, an international movie star and devoted philanthropist, headlined the star studded guest list and co-hosted the gala dinner and auction at Pudong Shangri-la Hotel in Shanghai with Mr. Player and Doug Jackson, President of Coca-Cola China. The dinner was supported by well over 300 guests including top Chinese business leaders and heads of multinational enterprises, Ren Dequan, Vice President of the Chinese Foundation for the Prevention of STD and AIDS. Olympic hurdlest and Chinese sports icon Liu Xiang along with number one ranked professional golfer Liang Wen Khong, as well as two-time US Open winner Retief Goosen and English Ryder Cup star, Paul Casey were a few of the many sporting heroes in attendance.  The event raised R 8 million.

Earlier this year the series of 4 global tournaments teed off firstly in the USA, and then at Archerfield Links, adjacent to Muirfield in Scotland where Mr. Player won his first Major, The Open Championship, in 1959.  The event drew celebrities from across the UK headlined by rugby stand out and MC of the event Martin Bayfield.  The events raised more than R 4.5 million between them and continue to help those children most in need.

The final leg of the GPI series - the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola - celebrated its 10th anniversary at The Links at Fancourt in George, South Africa from 26-29 November 2009.  This year’s field was represented by golfing greats including Master’s Champion Angel Cabrera and 2-time major championship winner Retief Goosen and golf nuts and philanthropists DJ Spooney and South African rocker Ard Matthews.  Fun was had by all and gala dinner hosted by Mr. Player raised more than R 5 million.  Angel Cabrera and Tony Johnstone won the 36-hole tournament by three strokes on 15 under par - hardly surprising considering both are current Masters Champions, with Cabrera having won the green jacket at Augusta National this year and Johnstone having won the British Senior Masters.  Amateurs DJ Spooney and Dubai based businessman Abdullah Al Naboodah along with their professional playing partners Vincent Tshabalala and Thomas Aiken took home the trophy for the 4-ball competition.  Spooney, who just missed winning last year’s event, was elated and vowed to defend his title next year.

The Gary Player International pro-am tournaments were conceived over 10 years ago by Marc Player, CEO of Black Knight International, and with the unwavering support from Coca-Cola and many other sponsors have helped to raise more than $30 million for underprivileged children across the globe.  Philanthropy is one of Mr. Player’s true passions in life and the support he has received from sponsors like Coca-Cola, Callaway, Rolex, UPS and SAP along with the global professional golf community and celebrities from all over the world have truly helped make a difference in the lives of thousands of children.  Mr. Player, who was overcome with emotion after the Fancourt event said, “With the economy in such turmoil and charities fighting for every dollar, the support for the GPI series over the past ten years, and especially this year, is truly a blessing.  I can’t thank all of the sponsors and participants enough for their willingness to help give these kids a chance to make a better future for themselves.  It is hard to put into words the gratitude I have for all of the people who have helped make this entire year so successful.  From the bottom of my heart – thank you, and bless you.

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Late Charge Carries Spoony, Al Naboodah to Victory at Gary Player Invitational

(GEORGE, South Africa) – After narrowly losing out last year, British celebrity DJ Spoony vowed he would be back with a vengeance to claim the 2009 Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola. And led by a brilliant performance from businessman and alliance partner Abdullah Al Naboodah, he did exactly this at The Links at Fancourt on Sunday.

Spoony and Al Naboodah, who partnered professionals Vincent Tshabalala and Thomas Aiken, claimed a nailbiting victory in the fourball alliance competition of this premier charity tournament.

The competition was eventually decided on a count out on 22-under. This denied Irish property magnate Sinead Kenny the chance to become the first businesswoman to lead a team to victory in the team competition. Kenny combined well with playing partners John Bland, Tjaart van der Walt and South African cricket legend Barry Richards, but on the day Spoony and Al Naboodah’s fourball posted the lower score to seal the win.

“When I lost so narrowly last year, I vowed to come back and it would be game on,” said Spoony. “We cut it pretty fine today, but combined superbly over the closing holes. I’m delighted and I’ll definitely be back to defend.”

Naboodah, who made the biggest contribution at the charity auction, was the team’s star performer and also confirmed that he will soon be booking his ticket back to next year’s tournament.

“It would be fantastic to return and I will do my best to be here. This was one of the best tournaments I’ve ever played in. My family and I are very passionate about charities around the world. When I met Gary a year ago, we spoke about giving back through golf. I have a lot of respect for what he does. We just enjoyed ourselves out there and it’s a bonus to walk away with a win.”

It was a win-win-win situation all around. In the professional betterball competition, Masters champion Angel Cabrera capped a spectacular debut in the Gary Player Invitational when he teamed up with senior professional Tony Johnstone to win and - golf aside - the tournament exceeded expectation when it raised a record amount of approximately R5-million for underprivileged children.

Cabrera and Johnstone won the 36-hole tournament by three strokes on 15 under par, closing with a betterball score of 65 - hardly surprising considering both are current Masters champions, with Cabrera having won the green jacket at Augusta National this year and Johnstone having won the British Senior Masters.

‘We dovetailed superbly,” Johnstone said of the five birdies they made coming in to take the title. “Angel is a pleasure to play with because he is so relaxed. You feel like he might just start yawning at any moment during the round.”

Cabrera was delighted with the victory, which is his first in Africa.

“Now the only continent where I haven’t won is Australia,” he said, before adding that Antarctica was obviously also not on his win list yet. And it doesn’t look like they’ll be building a golf course there anytime soon.

“I had a great time playing with Tony. It’s been a long time since I last saw him and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a pity that we couldn’t pull it off in the team competition as well but maybe we can try again next year.”

On an overcast final day, the professional team of John Bland and Tjaart van der Walt seemed destined to take the title. But not even their once five-stroke lead on the front nine could counter Cabrera and Johnstone’s tremendous back nine charge.

Johnstone made three consecutive birdies from the 14th and Cabrera birdied the final three holes.

The real turnaround came on the 14th. Van Der Walt made double bogey on a hole where Bland couldn’t score, and that dropped them into a group on 11 under. Playing ahead of them, Cabrera and Johnstone both birdied 16 to become the new leaders, before Cabrera finished it off with a further two birdies.

Bland and Van Der Walt shared second on 12 under with the team of Omar Sandys and Bill Longmuir.

The drama on the 14th also shook up the amateur alliance competition as Kenny and Richards were knocked off the top of the leaderboard for the first time by Spoony and Al Naboodah in an amateur battle which remained a fierce one right into the scorer’s area.

FINAL RESULT

Fourball Alliance (best two scores to count; winners determined on count out)-22 Abdullah Al Naboodah UAE/DJ Spoony ENG/Vincent Tshabalala/Thomas Aiken -15, -7
-22 Sinead Kenny IRE/Barry Richards/John Bland/Tjaart van der Walt -16,6
-20 Dr Hasso Plattner GER/Sarah Stirk ENG/Tony Johnstone ZIM/Angel Cabrera ARG -9,-11
-20 Dr Hans-Walter Peters GER/Sir Clive Woodward ENG/Bertus Smit/Garth Mulroy -9,-11
-18 Scott DeSano USA/Kevin Curren/Bill Longmuir ENG/Omar Sandys -9, -9
-14 Alex Maditsi/Shaun Bartlett/Mark McNulty IRE/Henrietta Zuel ENG -5,-9
-9 Hugh Connerty Ard Matthews Gary Player Retief Goosen -1, -8
-7 Hendrik Riehmer GER/Christiaan Basson/Bobby Jones/Sandra Gal GER -2, -5

Betterball Medal (professionals only):
131 Tony Johnstone ZIM/Angel Cabrera ARG 66-65
134 John Bland/Tjaart van der Walt 63-71
134 Bill Longmuir ENG/Omar Sandys 68-66
135 Bertus Smit/Garth Mulroy 66-69
135 Gary Player/Retief Goosen 70-65
138 Vincent Tshabalala/Thomas Aiken 67-71
139 Mark McNulty IRE/Henrietta Zuel ENG 69-70
148 Bobby Jones/Sandra Gal GER 69-72

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Matthews ‘Just’ Generous at 2009 Gary Player Invitaional

It doesn’t matter that the grey-haired gentleman throwing himself heart and soul into an informal jam session with Just Jinjer frontman Ard Matthews (right) is a billionaire more used to suits than strings.

What matters is that Dr Hasso Plattner (pictured below), co-founder of software giant SAP AG and an IT icon, can, in the words of Matthews, “jam Status Quo like a legend”.

Matthews – lead vocalist and guitarist for the biggest selling rock group in South Africa and which has toured with U2, Counting Crows, Live, the Goo Goo Dolls and others – was only too willing to accommodate Plattner, who describes himself as a failed rock star, in a different kind of warm-up for the 10th anniversary of the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola at The Links at Fancourt this weekend.

“When you see the look in his eyes while he’s jamming Status Quo, well, I feel sorry for him that he had to fall back on software,” says Matthews. “He could’ve really rocked. But hey, software’s okay. It’s a decent money earner. It pays the rent, so I’m not really feeling that sorry for him. But the man can jam. We need a few more band rehearsals and we’ll be okay.”

But come the start of this tournament, the successful partnership between Matthews and Plattner will end as they represent their respective teams in the South African tournament of this global charity series.

And here, Matthews has certainly struck the right chord once again. In his fourball are Grand Slam champion Player and double US Open champion Retief Goosen.

“I don’t know if I’m going to have enough excess weight allowance on my flight back for all the prizes I’m going home with,” he says.

Matthews has long been a supporter of the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola. “I truly don’t know how I keep getting invited to this great tournament. It must be because of my extraordinary ability at the 19th. I’ve won every single tournament which has ended at the 19th, hands down.”

But on a serious note, the work of the Gary Player Foundation resonates with Matthews’ own charity, the My Life Foundation, and the work he does with street children.

“We work at rehabilitating street children. We get them off the most hardened drugs and out of some bad street situations. You just cannot believe the stories of these children of four or five years old.

“They get given the choice of, ‘Do you want to stay at home or do you want to go and live on the streets at the age of five?’. And when they’re choosing the streets, you have to know how dire their home situation is.

“So for us to be able to make a difference and do something is so important. And it’s very satisfying for me because I’m only halfway on my journey of what I want to do, and I still feel that I’m blessed enough to be able to give something back, and that’s all I’m dedicated to do.”

As for finding a kindred golfing spirit in the music world, Matthews says most of his colleagues are more adept at hitting notes rather than drives. “It’s funny, but the only low handicap golfers I’ve played with on the music scene are all in cover bands. There’s a guy called Leon who used to drum for Mean Mr Mustard who is an unbelievable golfer.

“But I haven’t met any of the big bands who can play. I’m actually the only freak of nature, and I can’t even play properly. I know the guys from Hootie and the Blowfish love golf, but I haven’t had the honour to play with them yet.”

But he can tick off a jam session with an IT billionaire.

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Goosen’s Hopes for the 2009 Gary Player Invitational

Retief Goosen (pictured left) is hoping that being paired with Grand Slam champion Gary Player (pictured below) in this weekend’s Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola at Fancourt will help him end the putting woes which have stopped him from recording a string of victories this year.

The double US Open champion makes his seventh appearance in this charity tournament, which will be played over 36 holes of The Links this weekend.

But this is the first time he has been teamed with Player, and he’s hoping to catch some of the Black Knight’s infectious enthusiasm, particularly on the greens.
“Gary is a great guy to be around. He’s the most positive person you can be around and you can learn a lot from him,” said Goosen.

Having emerged from a period of various swing changes, Goosen is striking the ball better than ever but his putting has let him down in 2009.

He did claim one victory and four top-tens on the PGA Tour, a victory on the Sunshine Tour, and displayed several flashes of brilliance on the European Tour, including fifth in the Open Championship at Turnberry and becoming the first player in Europe to reach 20 under par through 54 holes in the Portugal Masters. But he knows it could have been better.

“I’ve played a lot of tournaments over the past year because I felt that playing more rather than just practising would improve my game,” said Goosen.

“And I’ve played well this year. I’m actually hitting the ball as good as I’ve ever hit it. The problem is I’m not putting as well as I know I can putt. I know that if I putted well these last couple of months I could’ve won pretty much every tournament I entered, with the way I was hitting the ball.”

A return to The Links may help his putting stroke as it brings back fond memories of winning the 2005 South African Open here in a final round battle with Ernie Els.

“Winning the South African Open here was one of my best wins worldwide. There’s no doubt that this is a great golf course. But I’ll admit, when I played The Links the first time, I didn’t like it that much.

“Having said that, when I played the Old Course at St Andrews the first time I didn’t like that too much either. So it grows on you.”

Goosen is a past champion in this event, winning the betterball competition with senior professional Bobby Lincoln in 2006 and the Fourball Alliance team competition with senior professional Costantino Rocca, business man Alan Pearson and Spanish actress Inés Sastre last year.

Reigning Masters champion Angel Cabrera is also in the field and has been paired with senior professional Tony Johnstone, BBC sports presenter Sarah Stirk and the founder of SAP and the owner of Fancourt, Dr Hasso Plattner.

But away from the hard edge of tournament golf, there is also an exciting celebrity element.

Former England coach Sir Clive Woodward joins cricketing great Barry Richards, tennis ace Kevin Curren and footballer Shaun Bartlett as the sports stars taking part.

“This week is all about charity and doing our bit to support that,” said Goosen.

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Stars Arrive at Fancourt Links for 10th Gary Player Invitational

The stars of this week’s 10th anniversary of the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola all arrived at The Links at Fancourt on Thursday, with the Grand Slam winner leading double US Open champion Retief Goosen and two of golf’s most exciting young female professionals in the official practice round.

As the host of an international charity series that has raised over R250-million over the past decade, Player was first off on the course he designed, and which has recently undergone several changes to the greens and bunkers under his guidance.

German LPGA Tour sensation Sandra Gal and British star Henrietta Zuel joined British television celebrity Sarah Stirk in a glamorous threeball thereafter. All three are making their debuts in this prestigious event, and were overawed to be in the field.

“I’m very excited and honoured to be here and am looking forward to every minute of it,” said Gal, who enjoyed a solid rookie season on the LPGA Tour in 2008 and then broke into the top 50 on the rankings this year.

“My game has progressed a lot since last year. I had a very nice season and was in contention a few times this year. So I’m happy with my game. And I love links golf. It’s just a whole different way of playing the game, and I love it.”

The long-legged player has yet to claim a victory as a professional, and was astounded at Player’s record of 163 tournament wins worldwide.

“I just cannot believe it. He’s an absolute legend. And all the work he does with various charities is amazing. I’m very honoured to be here and talk to him, and maybe get a few tips from him.”

Both Zuel and Stirk are understandably wary of a Links course which has tested some of the biggest names in world golf.

“I’ve heard a lot about how tough it is. I’m really looking forward to seeing it and figuring out a plan for this week,” said Zuel. And Stirk added, “I’ve heard it’s pretty long and very difficult. I haven’t been playing a huge amount recently, so I’m a little bit nervous. But I’m off the ladies tees on some of the holes, so that’s always a help.”

John Bland and Vincent Tshabalala, two of the leading senior professionals in the field, also took advantage of the blue skies and gentle breeze to get in a practice round on Thursday.

“This tournament is always a wonderful experience,” said Bland, who is making his eighth appearance in this event. “As golfers we are here to support Gary (Player) and see what we can do for charity, which is a very big part of professional golf. And my own game is pretty good at the moment. I’ve had a nice break and am looking forward to playing this week. Hopefully I can get one of the young, regular tour professionals as my partner and ride him all week.”

Tshabalala is another veteran of this event, playing here for the seventh time and having twice been crowned champion.

“I have practised incredibly hard for this tournament. I’ve won it twice, and now I want to get that third win. I’m ready for it and I’m going to give it my best. But it’s just very exciting to be part of this. Gary has done a lot for so many people. He’s touched and changed so many lives, and given so many children new hope.”

The official pro-am tees off on Friday, with the tournament taking place over two rounds on the weekend.

The 32 participants will combine in eight fourballs consisting of a senior professional, a professional, a celebrity and a businessman. The teams will compete over 36 holes in a Fourball Alliance with two scores to count in the charity pro-am event while the two professionals in each group will also compete in a separate Betterball Medal competition for first prize of R250,000.

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Basson in imposing maiden win at Coca-Cola Championship

Christiaan Basson played golf with nerves of steel to win the R550,000 Coca-Cola Championship hosted by Gary Player played over 54 holes at The Montagu at Fancourt and take his maiden Sunshine Tour victory.

He shot a flawless four-under 68 on the Gary Player-designed course for a total of 13-under 203 to defeat Louis Oosthuizen and Andrew Curlewis by four shots.

“I had a look at the leaderboard on the 15th,” he said, “and I saw that Louis was on eight under with three to play, so I knew I had to play solid golf all the way in.”

It was more than solid, as he birdied the 16th and the 18th to put an exclamation point on a win which has been coming for a while.

But the nerves still played their part: he pulled his tee shot on the 190-metre 17th left, and was faced with a nervy chip towards water and a five-foot putt to save par. He also pulled his eagle putt badly left on the 18th before he sank the five-footer for birdie.

“I didn’t aim it there,” he joked.

He was relieved to register his first professional win: “Any time is a good time to get the first win,” he said, “but it’s amazing to have won this and to have got my trophy from Gary Player.”

He started the day one behind Curlewis, and put down a marker early on with a birdie three on the first. It gave him a share of the lead, and when he birdied the ninth, he took the lead on his own and never relinquished it.

A relaxed Oosthuizen, recovered from the tiredness brought on by the dash from the Dubai World Championship last weekend to South Africa to play in this tournament, had the round of the day in his attempt to chase down the leaders.

He fired a six-under 66, which included a bogey five on the 414-metre third, and, while it lifted him to a share of second, his first-round 74 was too big a hurdle to overcome.

Curlewis battled his way around for a one-over 73, with bogeys on six, 10 and 13 setting him back in his attempt to win it.

Dion Fourie started two back from Basson, and a gritty one-under 71 saw him take fourth place by himself.

Willie van der Merwe and Grant Muller each shot five-under 67, scores which lifted Van der Merwe into fifth, and Muller into a share of sixth with Titch Moore.

The win gave Basson a place in the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola to be played at The Links at Fancourt over the weekend, as well as a cheque for R89,870 and a substantial leg-up on the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit to 28th.

“I’m looking forward to my Gary Player Invitational debut,” said Basson, who admitted to being both excited and somewhat awestruck about playing in the same field as the 18-time Major champion.

Player welcomed Basson’s inclusion, saying it was further evidence of the phenomenal debth in South African golf.

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Tshabalala and Bartlett Help to Bring More Value to 2009 Gary Player Invitational

(George, South Africa) – Vincent Tshabalala and Shaun Bartlett will join an all-star line-up with top professional golfers and other sports and entertainment celebrities, as well as a host of top business executives, for this year’s Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola, which tees off at The Links at Fancourt from 26-29 November 2009.

Former French Open champion Tshabalala is set to make his seventh appearance at the 10th anniversary of Africa’s premier charity event, while Bartlett will be making his first.

Bartlett wasted no time in accepting his invitation to play alongside Sir Clive Woodward, cricket legend Barry Richards, SA tennis ace Kevin Curren, British entertainer DJ Spoony, Just Jinjer front man Ard Matthews, rising golf star Henni Zuel and BBC Sport presenter Sarah Stirk.

The former Bafana Bafana striker is elated at his good fortune to tee it up alongside Grand Slam champion Gary Player, reigning Masters champion Angel Cabrera and two-time US Open winner, Retief Goosen.

“I was very surprised when I got the call, but they didn’t have to ask me twice,” said Bartlett, who does duty at SuperSport as a soccer analyst since his retirement from the sport last year.

“It’s been a little crazy; I’ve been running around trying to find a dinner suit and shirt, but my clubs are already packed and I am just stoked at the opportunity to play this year.”

Although the official draw for this year’s tournament will only be done on Thursday, the eight-handicapper already has his fingers crossed on partnering with Player, Goosen or Cabrera.

“With respect to the rest of the professionals, it would be the ultimate dream come true to play in the biggest charity tournament in Africa with a Major winner,” enthused Bartlett. “I’m sure I will still have a fantastic time, no matter who I end up with. At the end of the day, we shouldn’t forget why we are all here.”

Raised by his grandmother in Factreton on the Cape Flats, Bartlett is no stranger to hard times, and embraces the chance to give back to the children in South Africa.

“There should be nothing more important than the welfare of the children in our country, and there can be no greater motivation for anyone to join Gary Player in his quest to raise money for underprivileged children.”

Not only will Bartlett add value to the tournament, this South African celebrity, who plays out of Eagle Canyon Country Club, should also add some good golf to proceedings.

Tshabalala has twice been in the winning team of the Betterball competition, first in 2004 with Ernie Els when he virtually carried his playing partners to the title and again in 2005, partnering Tim Clark.

“As someone who was able to rise from my circumstances due to the kindness and support of Gary Player, I am delighted to come back and support the great legend,” said Tshabalala.

“It is such an honour to be invited to support the Gary Player Invitational. It gives me the chance to meaningfully contribute to helping children have a better life. This is one of the best ways to raise much needed funds and I’ll keep coming back as long as the organisers still want me to play.”

Tshabalala is one of a handful of South Africa’s greatest black golfers who enjoyed success on both the European & European Senior Tours.

Not able to play the Southern African Tour in his prime, Tshabalala gained entry to international tournaments with assistance from Player. In 1976 he won the European Tour’s French Open, but his career was curtailed by injury. He made a comeback in the over-50 ranks and finished in the top twenty on the European Seniors Tour Order of Merit four times in the 1990s.

Ranked the number one long-iron player in South Africa in 1976, Tshabalala added that he enjoyed the experience of playing at The Links last year, and is looking forward to improving on his fifth place finish in the Betterball Team competition this year.

“This year I hope to be able to contribute even more to my team on the course and finish all of the holes. As long as I improve on last year, I’ll be happy.”

The 32 participants will combine in eight fourballs consisting of a senior professional, a professional, a celebrity and a businessman. The teams will compete over 36 holes in a Fourball Alliance with two scores to count in the charity pro-am event while the two professionals in each group will also compete in a separate Betterball Medal competition for first prize of R250,000.

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Sastre Adds A Touch of Glamour to 2009 Gary Player Invitational Field

(George, South Africa) – Spanish actress Inés Sastre is thrilled to have earned a return invitation to the 2009 Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola and hosted by Grand Slam winner, Gary Player.

The UNICEF ambassador is set to make her third appearance at the 10th anniversary of Africa’s premier charity event, which tees off at The Links at Fancourt in George from 27-29 November 2009.

“I’m telling you, I must be doing something right to keep getting an invite to come back,” the former supermodel joked.

“It definitely can’t be the way I play. After hacking my way around the course in 2004, I expected to be put on the ‘never invite again’ list. But they let me back last year and no-one complained about the state of the grass, so I guess it’s safe for me come back to Fancourt again.”

Despite making light of her first two appearances, Sastre has twice been in the winning team of the Fourball Alliance completion, first in 2004 and last year when she partnered with Retief Goosen, Costantino Rocca and business man Alan Pearson.

Sastre, who speaks four languages, has a degree in French literature and has enjoyed a successful career as an actress and model. The Spanish star featured in her first commercial at the age of 12. She soon became one of the most sought after faces for magazines such as Vogue, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, and GQ, as well as the face for Chanel, Michel Klein, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Fendi and Lancôme.

Her dazzling good looks have not only graced magazine covers, but the greens.  Despite spending time on the course to improve her handicap to 36, she insists that she just doesn’t get enough time to practice.  Although her career keeps her from spending as much time as she would like working on her game, it has not dampened her enthusiasm for golf, especially when it is for a good cause - cause – raising money for underprivileged children.

“It is such an honour to be invited to support the Gary Player Invitational,” she said. “It gives me the chance to meaningfully contribute to helping children have a better life.

“This is one of the best ways to raise much needed funds and I will keep coming back as long as the organisers still want me to play.”

Sastre said she enjoyed the experience of playing at The Links last year. “This year I hope to be able to contribute even more to my team on the course and finish all of the holes. As long as I improve on last year I’ll be happy.”

LPGA Tour player Sandra Gal, rising European Ladies Tour star Henrietta Zuel and BBC Sports presenter Sarah Stirk complete the female line-up for this year’s event, which also features reigning Masters champion Angel Cabrera and two-time US Open winner, Retief Goosen.

The 32 participants will combine in eight fourballs consisting of a senior professional, a professional, a celebrity and a businessman. The teams will compete over 36 holes in a Fourball Alliance with two scores to count in the charity pro-am event while the two professionals in each group will also compete in a separate Betterball Medal competition for first prize of R250,000.

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Richards Joins Strong Sporting Cast at 2009 Gary Player Invitational

(George, South Africa) – South African cricket legend Barry Richards joins a locker room of talent at the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola and hosted by Grand Slam champion Gary Player, which tees off at Links at Fancourt in George from 27-29 November 2009.

Also in the amateur mix are sporting legends Sir Clive Woodward and Grand Slam tennis champion Kevin Curren, top British entertainer DJ Spoony, BBC Sports presenter Sarah Stirk, Just Jinger rocker Ard Matthews and rising Ladies European Tour star Henni Zeul. Spanish supermodel and actress Inés Sastre completes the celebrity line up.

Dr. Hasso Plattner of SAP leads a veritable ‘who’s who’ list from the business world that also includes Dr Hans-Walter Peters and Hendrik Riehmer of Berenberg Bank, Stokes Land Group president Hugh Connerty and Abdullah Saeed Al Naboodah, chairman of the Al Naboodah Group.

On the fairways and greens, the amateurs will share centre stage with the likes of two-time US Open winner Retief Goosen and reigning Masters Champion Angel Cabrera and rub shoulders with leading players from the senior circuit including Marc McNulty, Tony Johnstone, Bertus Smit, John Bland and Bill Longmuir.

Recent PGA Tour graduate Garth Mulroy, Thomas Aiken, Omar Sandys and Tjaart van der Walt will fly the South African flag alongside Goosen, while the leggy LPGA Tour player Sandra Gal and the winner of the Sunshine Tour’s Coca-Cola Championship complete the regular Tour line-up for this year’s field.

This is the interesting mix which has always given the Gary Player Invitational its unique character and the reason why Richards is travelling across the Pacific this late in the year.

Well-known for his own contributions to charity, Richards has embraced the opportunity to support Africa’s premier charity event and is excited to join in the 10th anniversary celebrations with the Black Knight.

“I was honoured to receive an invitation from Marc Player to return to the Gary Player Invitational and support this quest to raise money for underprivileged children,” said the Durban native, who now lives in Perth, Western Australia.

“Like Gary, hard work paid off for me too and now it is our responsibility to give back. We all have to do our bit to lift people from poverty, to raise education and ensure a better future for the children of the world.”

Richards was one of the finest batsmen produced by South Africa, even though the apartheid system prevented him from showing his talents on the world stage.

He played in only four Tests against the Australians in 1970, but scored 508 runs at an average of 72.57. He played for Natal from 1964 to 1983, and also for Hampshire and Western Australia. He scored an amazing 28 358 runs in his first-class career for an average of 54.74.

Richards was earlier this year inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, the highest honour for cricketers.

The Gary Player Invitational series has raised more than R250-million for charities worldwide and the 10th anniversary of the South African edition is set to continue the success story with this star-studded line-up of Champions and Regular Tour golfers, as well as top business people and celebrities from the world of entertainment.

Eight teams, each comprising of a regular Tour professional, a Champions Tour professional, a celebrity and business man, contest two round in a Fourball Alliance with the best two scores to count while the two professionals in each team combine in a Betterbal Medal competition for R250,000 prize money.

Tickets to South Africa’s premier charity tournament can be purchased from Computicket at a cost of R75 each and there is free parking for spectators near the Links Clubhouse.

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Champions Tour Stars Line up for 2009 Gary Player Invitational

(George, South Africa) – Champions Tour competitors always play a popular role in the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola and this year’s event at The Links at Fancourt, George, South Africa from 26-29 November 2009 will include some well-liked draw cards alongside tournament host Gary Player.

Grand Slam winner Gary Player, John Bland, Bertus Smit, Vincent Tshabalala and Bobby Jones will fly the South African flag, while Scotsman Bill Longmuir will add international flavour alongside some Zimbabwean players, who were previously real forces to be reckoned with on the Sunshine Tour.
Mark McNulty, now an Irish citizen, has an enviable record on South African soil, including a sensational year in 1986 when he captured seven Sunshine Tour titles and the Nedbank Challenge at Sun City.

In the same year McNulty finished in the top ten on the European Tour’s Order of Merit for the first time, placing sixth. McNulty was one of the leading players on the European Tour from the mid 1980s to the mid 1990s, and cracked the top 10 of the Official World Golf Rankings for 83 weeks from 1987 to 1992

Since joining the Champions Tour, he has won seven times and, added to his regular Tour victories, McNulty has 61 victories in his career.  His first full season in 2004 was highly successful with three wins (including the Charles Schwab Cup Championship) and a seventh place finish on the money list. In 2007 he won the JELD-WEN Tradition, one of the five major championships on the over-50 tour. His seventh win came this year at the Principal Charity Classic with a playoff win over Nick Price and Fred Funk.

Like his countryman, Tony Johnstone has also enjoyed plenty of success in South Africa.

He has won 17 times on the Sunshine Tour, including winning the South African Open twice, and recorded six victories on the European Tour. In 2004 Johnstone was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and thought he would never play golf again, but a revolutionary drug treatment appears to have put his MS into remission and him back on the golf course.

Johnstone made his European Senior Tour debut shortly after turning 50 in 2006. Two years later he won his first title at the Jersey Seniors Classic and added victory number two at the 2009 Travis Perkins pls Senior Masters.

An accomplished golf broadcaster, Johnstone is also noted for his short game and topped the European Tour’s statistics in this category in 1998, 1999 and 2000.

British golfer Longmuir also brings a fine pedigree into the Gary Player Invitational.

A regular on the European tour for 16 years, Longmuir made the top 90 on the Order of Merit every year from 1976 to 1990, with a best ranking of 24th in 1982. In 1979, Longmuir won the Tooting Bec Cup having shot a 65, the lowest round by a British player in the Open Championship at Royal Lytham.

In 2003, Longmuir joined the senior circuit in Europe, where he has won regularly the last six years.

In his rookie year, he won the De Vere PGA Seniors Championship and Ryder Cup Wales Seniors Open and finished runner-up on that year’s Order of Merit. In 2004 he added the Charles Church Scottish Seniors Open and Mobile Cup to his tally, the Scandinavian Senior Open in 2005 and the Midas English Seniors Open in 2007.

Longmuir triumphed at the 2008 DGM Barbados Open after a scintillating final round at Royal Westmoreland Golf Club. That was the first of seven top five finishes that saw him finish the 2009 season in fifth place on the Order of Merit – his best campaign since 2004.

To date, Longmuir has boasted four top-10 finishes and a current ranking of 33rd in Europe, but he has been splitting his time with the Champions Tour since qualifying in 2006.

Smit clinched his first Senior Tour win at the Ryder Cup Wales Seniors Open after a return trip to Qualifying School last year, having finished just outside the top-50.

The South African, who won more than 100 Open titles as an amateur and represented the Western Province from 1979 to 1994, was also a successful wheat farmer for nearly 30 years, but in 2001, Smit packed it all in to follow his dreams.

He featured prominently on the mini-circuit in the United States, winning the Sunbelt Senior Professional Golf Tour money list in 2002 and 2003. He joined the European Senior Tour in 2005 with a second place at Qualifying School and enjoyed a superb rookie year in 2006, finishing in the top 10 in eight of his 16 starts.

Having played in 2007 as a senior professional and last year, as a business man alongside John Bland, Adilson da Silva and Shaun Pollock, Jones is no stranger to the Gary Player Invitational.

Born in Krugersdorp at the end of the Second World War, Bobby Jones made his entry into golf as a caddie at Bryanston Country Club and by the age of 10, was already a competent golfer. In 1978, he turned professional and competed on the Sunshine Tour for the next decade until he was financially unable to continue life as a touring professional.

Jones, who is also the owner of the Observatory Golf Club driving range and Pro Shop, which he opened over a decade ago, resumed this passion upon entering the senior ranks and currently campaigns on the senior circuit at home.

Tshabalala, one of South African’s greatest black golfers who enjoyed success on both the European & European Senior Tours, is a two-time winner in this event. He won the Betterball competition with Ernie Els in the 2004 Gary Player Invitational and again in 2005, playing with Tim Clark.

Tshabalala, who was not able to play on the Southern African Tour in his prime, gained entry to international tournaments with assistance Player and 1976 he won the European Tour’s French Open. His career was curtailed by injury, but in his comeback in the over-50 ranks, he finished in the top twenty on the European Seniors Tour Order of Merit four times in the 1990s.

Reigning Masters champion Angel Cabrera, double US Open winner Retief Goosen,, as well as Sunshine Tour regulars Omar Sandys and Thomas Aiken are among the eight regular Tour professionals that will tee it up alongside their senior counterparts.

One thing is for certain - over the last 10 years of the Gary Player Invitational it has become clear that the Champions Tour competitors really prove their worth in the tournament. Not only do they anchor the Fourball Alliance teams, but often have to carry their regular Tour partners in the Betterball Medal competition.

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Champions Tour Stars Line Up for 2009 Gary Player Invitational

Champions Tour competitors always play a popular role in the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola and this year’s event at The Links at Fancourt, George, South Africa from 26-29 November 2009 will include some well-liked draw cards alongside tournament host Gary Player.

Grand Slam winner Gary Player, John Bland, Bertus Smit, Vincent Tshabalala and Bobby Jones will fly the South African flag, while Scotsman Bill Longmuir will add international flavour alongside some Zimbabwean players, who were previously real forces to be reckoned with on the Sunshine Tour.
Mark McNulty, now an Irish citizen, has an enviable record on South African soil, including a sensational year in 1986 when he captured seven Sunshine Tour titles and the Nedbank Challenge at Sun City.

In the same year he finished in the top ten on the European Tour’s Order of Merit for the first time, placing sixth. McNulty was one of the leading players on the European Tour from the mid 1980s to the mid 1990s, and cracked the top 10 of the Official World Golf Rankings for 83 weeks from 1987 to 1992

Since joining the Champions Tour, he has won seven times and, added to his regular Tour victories, McNulty has 61 victories in his career.  His first full season in 2004 was highly successful with three wins (including the Charles Schwab Cup Championship) and a seventh place finish on the money list. In 2007 he won the JELD-WEN Tradition, one of the five major championships on the over-50 tour. His seventh win came this year at the Principal Charity Classic with a playoff win over Nick Price and Fred Funk.

Like his countryman, Tony Johnstone has also enjoyed plenty of success in South Africa.

He has won 17 times on the Sunshine Tour, including winning the South African Open twice, and recorded six victories on the European Tour. In 2004 Johnstone was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and thought he would never play golf again, but a revolutionary drug treatment appears to have put his MS into remission and him back on the golf course.

Johnstone made his European Senior Tour debut shortly after turning 50 in 2006. Two years later he won his first title at the Jersey Seniors Classic and added victory number two at the 2009 Travis Perkins pls Senior Masters.

An accomplished golf broadcaster, Johnstone is also noted for his short game and topped the European Tour’s statistics in this category in 1998, 1999 and 2000.

British golfer Longmuir also brings a fine pedigree into the Gary Player Invitational.

A regular on the European tour for 16 years, Longmuir made the top 90 on the Order of Merit every year from 1976 to 1990, with a best ranking of 24th in 1982. In 1979, Longmuir won the Tooting Bec Cup having shot a 65, the lowest round by a British player in the Open Championship at Royal Lytham.

In 2003, Longmuir joined the senior circuit in Europe, where he has won regularly the last six years.

In his rookie year, he won the De Vere PGA Seniors Championship and Ryder Cup Wales Seniors Open and finished runner-up on that year’s Order of Merit. In 2004 he added the Charles Church Scottish Seniors Open and Mobile Cup to his tally, the Scandinavian Senior Open in 2005 and the Midas English Seniors Open in 2007.

Longmuir triumphed at the 2008 DGM Barbados Open after a scintillating final round at Royal Westmoreland Golf Club. That was the first of seven top five finishes that saw him finish the 2009 season in fifth place on the Order of Merit – his best campaign since 2004.

To date, Longmuir has boasted four top-10 finishes and a current ranking of 33rd in Europe, but he has been splitting his time with the Champions Tour since qualifying in 2006.

Smit clinched his first Senior Tour win at the Ryder Cup Wales Seniors Open after a return trip to Qualifying School last year, having finished just outside the top-50.

The South African, who won more than 100 Open titles as an amateur and represented the Western Province from 1979 to 1994, was also a successful wheat farmer for nearly 30 years, but in 2001, Smit packed it all in to follow his dreams.

He featured prominently on the mini-circuit in the United States, winning the Sunbelt Senior Professional Golf Tour money list in 2002 and 2003. He joined the European Senior Tour in 2005 with a second place at Qualifying School and enjoyed a superb rookie year in 2006, finishing in the top 10 in eight of his 16 starts.

Having played in 2007 as a senior professional and last year, as a business man alongside John Bland, Adilson da Silva and Shaun Pollock, Jones is no stranger to the Gary Player Invitational.

Born in Krugersdorp at the end of the Second World War, Bobby Jones made his entry into golf as a caddie at Bryanston Country Club and by the age of 10, was already a competent golfer. In 1978, he turned professional and competed on the Sunshine Tour for the next decade until he was financially unable to continue life as a touring professional.

Jones, who is also the owner of the Observatory Golf Club driving range and Pro Shop, which he opened over a decade ago, resumed this passion upon entering the senior ranks and currently campaigns on the senior circuit at home.

Tshabalala, one of South African’s greatest black golfers who enjoyed success on both the European & European Senior Tours, is a two-time winner in this event. He won the Betterball competition with Ernie Els in the 2004 Gary Player Invitational and again in 2005, playing with Tim Clark.

Tshabalala, who was not able to play on the Southern African Tour in his prime, gained entry to international tournaments with assistance Player and 1976 he won the European Tour’s French Open. His career was curtailed by injury, but in his comeback in the over-50 ranks, he finished in the top twenty on the European Seniors Tour Order of Merit four times in the 1990s.

Reigning Masters champion Angel Cabrera, double US Open winner Retief Goosen,, as well as Sunshine Tour regulars Omar Sandys and Thomas Aiken are among the eight regular Tour professionals that will tee it up alongside their senior counterparts.

One thing is for certain - over the last 10 years of the Gary Player Invitational it has become clear that the Champions Tour competitors really prove their worth in the tournament. Not only do they anchor the Fourball Alliance teams, but often have to carry their regular Tour partners in the Betterball Medal competition.

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Gary Player Opens New Course in Morocco

Gary Player was on Morocco’s Atlantic coast over the weekend to unveil his newest golf course design at Golf de Mogador, located in the historic port town of Essaouira.  Player inaugurated the course by leading distinguished guests in a ceremonial opening round during the first Mogador Classic Tournament.

After the round, Player commented, “I am blown away by the beauty of what we have created here in Essaouira and my greatest hope is that the course increases tourism and creates jobs for the warm and gracious people of Morocco.’

Built among the natural sand dunes, the ocean-view layout has generous fairways and reasonable putting surfaces to account for seasonal windy conditions, making the course playable by all golfers, yet still challenging.  Player utilized the existing sand dunes and vegetation to define the holes and minimize environmental impact. 

The Grand Opening celebrated the completion of the first of two signature courses at Golf de Mogador.  Also during his visit, Player inspected the second eighteen holes, currently under construction, and was very pleased with the progress, commenting that it will complement the first course nicely.  The second course is slated to open in late 2010, providing Morocco with thirty-six holes of championship golf. 

For more information please visit www.golfdemogador.com.

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Gary Player Sends Message of Support for the National Golf Club Challenge

Gary Player is the latest high profile golfer to lend his support to the challenge and joins a host of players which include the likes of Ian Poulter, Oli Fisher, Nick Dougherty, Sam Torrance, Simon Dyson and Christie O Connor Jnr. 

The National Golf Club Challenge, tipped to be the largest amateur charity golf event to take place in the UK, will bring hundreds of golf clubs, and thousands of golfers together on the same weekend as part of a nationwide charity golf event – with the aim of raising a million pounds for the Help for Heroes charity.
The Challenge will be held on the 24th and 25th July 2010. As well as helping raise money for charity, golfers up and down the country will compete for some outstanding golfing prizes – including golf holidays to Egypt.
“Every day many of us take for granted the sacrifices made by those who fight for our freedoms. We take for granted the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon playing a round of golf, while a soldier is off firing a round of ammunition. It is our obligation to support those wounded heroes who have dedicated their lives to protecting ours. The National Golf Club Challenge is a meaningful opportunity for the golfing community to demonstrate their own commitment and support for these brave individuals.”
The most successful international golfer of all time, Gary Player has achieved the kind of worldwide acclaim reserved for only a handful of sporting greats. He is renowned as much for his dedication to the principles of excellence as he is for his golfing accomplishments. Recognized worldwide as an uncompromising perfectionist who settles for nothing but the best.
“Gary Player needs no introduction and is quite simply one of the greatest golfers that have ever lived.” said Stacey Jeffries, Challenge organiser. “His career and approach to life is a great example to us all and epitomises what we are working to achieve with the Challenge.”
Support continues to grow among other top celebrities and sports personalities too. Gary Linekar, Tim Henman, Sir Alex Ferguson, Chris Hollins, Alan Shearer, Jimmy Tarbuck and Peter Jones from the Dragon’s Den have all kindly sent messages of support.
To see all the great messages of support for the Challenge, visit www.nationalgolfclubchallenge.org.uk.
The format for the National Golf Club Challenge is very simple; the Challenge will coincide with each participating golf club’s monthly stableford event, with each club turning the day into their own charity golf event, raising much needed funds for Help for Heroes. The competing clubs will submit their aggregate scores from their best scoring 10 players. This will determine the top 6 golf clubs against standard scratch, who will then be invited to compete in the National Final, which will take place next October at The Belfry.
For more information on Gary Player’s commitment to philanthropy visit www.theplayerfoundation.org.

For more information about The National Golf Club Challenge, including how to enter your golf club, go to www.nationalgolfclubchallenge.org.uk or www.ngcc2010.com. 
For more information on the Help for Heroes charity and the work they do please visit their website: www.helpforheroes.org.uk

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Mulroy and Van der Walt Believe the Competiveness Will Always Prevail

South Africans Garth Mulroy and Tjaart van der Walt believe that the competitive streak in top golfers will always come out even when playing in a charity event such as the Gary Player Invitational, presented by Coca-Cola and hosted by Gary Player.

The pair was speaking on the eve of the 10th anniversary of the tournament, which is being played at The Links at Fancourt in George, South Africa from 26-29 November 2009.

“It is all about charity and fun during the week, but the competitiveness in us is always going to come out and we are always going to try and beat each other,” recent PGA Tour graduate Mulroy said. 

Mulroy broke into the winning circle last year with victory at the Vodacom Origins of Golf Tour at Arabella and followed with his second Sunshine Tour win at the Coca-Cola Championship hosted by Gary Player at Fancourt.

This earned him an automatic place in the field and the Umkomaas player got his first taste of the charity tournament when he partnered senior pro Bobby Lincoln to victory in the Betterball Medal competition.

Mulroy rode the momentum of the runner-up spot on the Sunshine Tour’s Order of Merit to a superb year in the United States.

“I had a great year, yes, but I guess you could say it all started here at home,” said Mulroy.

Campaigning on the Nationwide Tour since 2005, Mulroy won his first event on US soil at the South Georgia Classic in April. His victory, combined with four other top five finishes saw him break into the top-25 on the Nationwide Tour to secure his card for the US PGA Tour in 2010.

“I’m really excited about playing on the PGA Tour next year; it’s what I’ve been working towards ever since I joined the Nationwide Tour,” he said, “But right now, I am really excited about being back in South Africa.”

“This is my second Gary Player Invitational and this time I am really looking forward to it. I was caught a little off guard last year, since I didn’t actually know that I had qualified for the tournament but it all worked out well in the end.”

Van der Walt, also a Nationwide Tour campaigner, is looking forward to his debut at South Africa’s premier charity event.

“Over the years I have watched the event on television and always thought it was a brilliant concept but I never expected to actually tee it up myself,” he said, “It’s nice to come here with Garth; we got to know each other a little better and have become friends and any rivalry between us will be friendly.”

But he did confirm that he would gladly take a wager with his countryman for the tournament.

“Sure we will have a bet,” Van der Walt said, “We are playing for charity, yes, but the competitive edge is very much alive, especially with Retief Goosen and Angel Cabrera in the field.”

“Can you imagine beating Major winners at a venue like The Links at Fancourt?”

The eight fourballs consisting of a senior professional, a professional, a celebrity and a businessman, will compete over 36 holes in a Fourball Alliance with two scores to count in the charity pro-am event while the two professionals in each group will also compete in a separate Betterball Medal competition for first prize of R250,000.

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Gary Player Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award by Golf Business Canada

On the opening day of the Golf Business Canada Conference and Trade Show, Gary Player was presented with the inaugural Golf Business Canada Lifetime Achievement Award as a tribute to not only his distinguished golfing career but also his leadership and success in growing the game internationally.  Fellow Masters Champion and Canada’s own Mike Weir attended via videoconference to congratulate his former President’s Cup Captain on the recognition. 

Staged in Vancouver, the site of the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics, the Conference was held by the National Golf Course Owners Association of Canada.  The Black Knight commenced the Conference by conducting a fireside chat at the Opening Ceremonies where he advised golf course owners and operators on how to survive the current economic challenges facing the golf industry:  by making clubs more accessible and enjoyable to the entire family, especially for children; and by cutting operating costs through implementation of environmentally friendly maintenance methods.  As a traveler to Canada since the 1950’s, Player remarked that Canada is a country that ‘has it all – an abundance of oil and water and vast open spaces, but Canadians must still do everything possible to sustain these most valuable resources.’ 

As part of Player’s passion for the environment and water conservation, the Opening Ceremonies were sponsored by UgMO, the most advanced underground soil monitoring system for golf courses.

As a spearhead for the return of golf to the Olympics, Player also pointed out that the reigning Olympic golf gold medalist, George Lyon, hails from Canada.  Lyon won the gold in 1904, the last year golf was included as an Olympic sport.

For more information please visit http://www.ngcoa.ca

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Gary Player’s Passion for Horses Races Through His Veins

At the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Championship Races Gary Player received the inaugural Breeders’ Cup Sports and Racing Excellence Award at the Santa Anita Park. This award “honors an individual who has established a career of excellence in a chosen profession and also maintains a passionate interest as an owner, breeder, or participant in the thoroughbred racing industry.”

“Demonstrating that same commitment to excellence which made him the world’s greatest international golfer, Gary’s outstanding success as a thoroughbred breeder and passionate supporter of horseracing makes him an extraordinary first recipient of our Sports and Racing Award,” said Breeders’ Cup president and chief executive officer Greg Avioli.

At the Gary Player Stud Farm in South Africa, Player produced an average of 12 percent stakes winners per crop, including Pinehurst, World Over, Foreign Source, Kadarko, Foolish Pride, Creator and Superwood. This season the farm produced the multiple Group I winner Lady Windemere who was voted “Filly of the Year.”

Player, known for his dedication and determination, had this to say about the sport today, “We need more horses like Rachel Alexandra and Sea The Stars [champion of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in France who was immediately retired to the stud] to come and compete. Don’t hide them away. Don’t make excuses about tracks. We need these champions from all around the world to compete against each other.”

He is pulling from experience and his true passion for sport is undeniable, “I never in my life said I’m not going to play against Jack Nicklaus or Arnold Palmer because the course is too long or is too windy or doesn’t suit me. If you’re a champ, you get in there and you play against the lot and beat them. That is the real sign of a champion.”

His response to people who shun competition: “Don’t put them away. Don’t put them to stud too early. We need Sea The Stars out here. We need Rachel Alexandra running against Zenyatta. That stimulates the business. So what if you get beat? You’re going to win and you’re going to lose. And if you’re a competitor, you must be prepared to win and lose.”
No one, Gary Player included, can deny that we are currently in a time of transition in business and the economy, “The horse racing industry is having challenges like any other business. This is the time when we have all got to get together and contribute to help it be sustainable. We go through phases in life but I believe what the horse racing industry needs right now is a convention of people—the media, sponsors, breeders and businessmen - all with one purpose in mind.”

Gary Player wants to see those with the love for the sport to promote its future and bring it to all generations, “We have got to come up with new ideas—a stimulus plan in our way, not with money but with ideas. There are so many capable people in the thoroughbred industry around the world. Sir Winston Churchill, my all-time hero, said ‘the youth of a nation are the trustees of prosperity.’ We have to get young people interested in this business….Once you get them out here and see these beautiful animals, they will love it.”

“I am involved in two of the best sports businesses in the world—horseracing and golf—I am not a gentleman farmer. I get up a five o’clock. I shovel horse manure and I do the whole damn lot. The horse business to me is a disease,” said Player, who does not allow for excuses. He is currently on a 30 day trip that will see him in 12 countries. Despite his schedule, he makes time to be a hands-on horseman and get his hands dirty as often as he can on his 20,000 acre farm in South Africa.

For more information on the Gary Player Stud Farm, please visit www.garyplayerstud.com.

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Player and Chan Thrilled by Support for Gary Player Invitational in China

(Shanghai, China)  – One is a winner of nine Major championships, nine Champions Tour Majors and one of only five men to win the career Grand Slam; the other an actor, action choreographer, filmmaker, comedian and producer.

Gary Player and Jackie Chan are both internationally celebrated; tenacious competitors with never-say-die attitudes and never shy to express their opinions on any number subjects.

They also share a tremendous passion to improve the lives of underprivileged children.

The duo teamed up for the most prestigious charity golf event in China, the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola on 2-3 November 2009.  Player and Chan rallied their philanthropic passion to evoke an outpouring of goodwill that left even these two icons thrilled.

Beginning in 2000 Coca-Cola and the Black Knight partnered on golf events to raise funds for needy children around the world. Since the inception of the Gary Player Invitational in China in 2007, more than 2,000 AIDS-impacted orphans in Yunnan, Hubel Anhui and Xinjiang, China, have been supported.

Having raised Rmb 6.5-million with the first two events, Player, Chan and Doug Jackson, President of Coca-Cola China, were elated to see the success of the third staging of this Event raising almost R8-million.

Player and Chan co-hosted the gala dinner and auction along with Jackson at the Pudong Shangri-la Hotel in Shanghai. The prestigious function was the official opening of the charity tournament. The dinner was supported by well over 300 guests including top Chinese business leaders and heads of multinational enterprises, Ren Dequan, Vice President of the Chinese Foundation for the Prevention of STD and AIDS. Olympic hurdlest and Chinese sports icon Liu Xiang along with number one ranked professional golfer Liang Wenchong, as well as two-time US Open winner Retief Goosen and English Ryder Cup star, Paul Casey were a few of the many sporting heroes in attendance,

The following day, guests were entertained by a pre-round clinic, staged by Player at the internationally acclaimed Shanghai Links. A team scramble competition followed, where each of the par-3 holes was hosted by a professional golfer or celebrity.

“The Player Foundation’s mission is to provide support to less fortunate children around the world,” said Marc Player, CEO of Black Knight International. “We are particularly excited about developing our charitable partnership in China, and being able to give AIDS orphans in Yunnan a better chance in life.”

Jackson added that Coca-Cola strives to be responsible in its business operations, while responding to greater needs in the community, and expressed the hope that the fourth annual Gary Player Invitational would break the Rmb 10-million mark to enable the GPI to expand their support even further.
The final leg of the GPI series that includes the United Kingdom, United States and China - the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola - will celebrate its 10th anniversary at The Links at Fancourt in George, South Africa from 26-29 November 2009.

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Matthews and Spoony to Help SA’s Children at 2009 Gary Player Invitational

South African rocker Ard Matthews and BBC Radio 1 personality DJ Spoony are among the cast of golfers, businessmen and celebrities lined up for the 10th Anniversary of the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola at The Links golf course at Fancourt, George, South Africa in from 26-29 November 2009.

Golfing icon Gary Player, one of only five men to win a career Grand Slam, will host the tournament which has raised over R250-million for children’s charities.

Matthews, a self-confessed “golf nut” who fronts the South African rock band Just Jinjer, is keenly anticipating his second appearance at South Africa’s premier charity event but dreads a repeat of his ‘less than average’ performance in his 2006 debut.

Having his lovely girlfriend, the South African model Landi Swanepoel, walking the course in support, may just give Matthews the boost he needs.

“I will need to impress Landi, especially with Gary Player, Angel Cabrera and Retief Goosen in the field,” joked Matthews. “I have some friends who play on the Sunshine Tour; they might help me get in shape in time.

Seriously, I have no golfing expectations for the week; just being part of the set-up is enough for me. I really enjoyed the first event and hopefully I will be able to contribute in some way.”

Although living outside of South Africa since 2002, Matthews has been very active in raising awareness for good causes in Africa through his music. He is also currently an Ambassador for 46664 which is Nelson Mandela’s global HIV AIDS awareness programme launched through the Nelson Mandela Foundation in 2002.

Due to his role as global ambassador for South Africa’s MyLife Foundation, Matthews does not sell his songs online. Rather, donators to MyLife receive a key that grant them access to rare recordings, videos and songs he is currently working on within his website.

“The band has been incredibly supportive of this project because it helps so many children to have a chance at a better future” Matthews said.

Just Jinjer have recorded and released five albums together, two of which went double platinum and three gold here in South Africa. After four years in Orange County in the United States, where the band tried to crack the US market, they recently signed with Curb Records and next year will see the band launch on a Tour of the USA.

Another return visitor, who has also played in the European and American versions of the Gary Player Invitational series, DJ Spoony, left South Africa last year with the promise that he will exact his revenge.

“I’ll be back,” joked Spoony during last year’s prize giving ceremony after his team narrowly lost to the the fourball of business man Alan Pearson, senior tour pro Costantino Rocca, regular tour pro Retief Goosen and celebrity, the Spanish supermodel and actress Inés Sastre.

Spoony will have his chance to upstage Sastre, who not only has been in the winning team twice, but retaliated with an immediate ‘you are on’ and already confirmed her spot in the illustrious line-up.

The popular British DJ has a great affinity for South Africa, which he has visited on numerous occasions, and his friendly approach and easy going nature is a sure hit with both fans and participants alike.

“As a DJ, I mainly fly in and out of places on a red-eye and don’t see much more than the airport and the club I’m playing at,” said Spoony. “But South Africa is one of my top-10 destinations and the Gary Player Invitational is certainly one of my favourite events.

“The thing I love most about the event is the challenge. Just because you’ve hit a good shot it doesn’t mean the next one will be the same; it’s a constant battle, but you have three partners who can carry you through those tough ones.

“And then there is the added benefit of helping a legend like Gary Player to fulfill his life-long ambition of raising as much money as possible for the children. It doesn’t get much better than this.”

Matthews and Spoony will join BBC sports personality Sarah Stirk, Spanish supermodel and actress Inés Sastre and Sir Clive Woodward, among others, in the celebrity line-up.

“It is with the continued support of celebrities like Matthews, Spoony and Sastre, who have helped to broaden the appeal of the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola and upped its profile, that the event is able to make a real difference in the lives of South Africa’s neediest children,” said tournament host and golfing great, Gary Player.

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Ensuring the Gary Player Invitational’s Sustainability

The Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola and hosted by Gary Player celebrates a decade on the South African golf calendar at The Links at Fancourt in George, South Africa from 26-29 November 2009.

The event’s success as South Africa’s premier charity sporting event is thanks largely to the support of its many sponsors, which ensure the commercial viability of the tournament.

Presenting sponsor Coca-Cola, whose involvement also extends to the Gary Player Invitational China, has been partnering with the Black Knight to raise funds for needy children around the world.

Coca-Cola’s commitment has been superbly complemented by the event’s partners and suppliers, most of who have supported the event since its inception in 2000.

Heading that list is market and technology leader in business software solutions, SAP, an association that dates back over 10 years and a sponsorship that reinforces the brand’s alignment with the vision of golfing legend and tournament host, Gary Player.

Long standing global partner Callaway have not only supported and sponsored Gary Player but are also an integral part of each of the 4 Global Gary Player Invitational Events. Each of the participants attending the Event are treated to exclusive products and gifts donated by Callaway at each of the events.

Also celebrating 10 years of a strong relationship is premium brand, Rolex, whose association with South Africa’s Grand Slam champion and winner of 18 Majors (nine on the regular tour circuit and nine on the Champions Tour) dates back to 1965 when Player won the US Open.

Johnnie Walker and Heineken, which are both distributed by Brandhouse in South Africa, also return for the 10th successive year.

UPS continue their commitment to the event and will ensure that auction items bought at the Friday-night gala dinner make their way speedily and safely to their proud new owners.

Audi, the official motor vehicle, will transport guests and participants from around the world in a fleet of luxurious vehicles to and from Fancourt, one of South Africa’s finest five-star hotels and a spectacular home to all the participants and guests for the second year running.

“It is gratifying to have the support of these sponsors,” said tournament host, Gary Player.

“Not only does it ensure that the tournament is able to maximise the funds raised for the children’s charities, but it gives all these organisations an opportunity to capitalize on the international scope of the GPI events, benefiting from brand building and product showcasing in Europe, the USA, China and South Africa.”

The South African Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola, forms the final leg of the four event international series that includes the United Kingdom, United States and China.

Each of the GPI Events has at its heart the act of giving back to those less fortunate. The Player Foundation is in its 26th year, and has successfully raised more than R250-million helping to bring hope, help and healing to underprivileged children and communities worldwide.

“The length and level of commitment from these partners and sponsors underline the significant loyalty and support that has seen the Gary Player Invitational grow from strength to strength.” said Marc Player, CEO of Black Knight International.

“This year we celebrate the 10th anniversary of this very special tournament. This is not only a measure of its ongoing success, but its fundamental position in the international series.”

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Gary Player Receives First Ever Asia Pacific Golf Humanitarian Accolade

On the closing evening of the most successful Asia Pacific Golf Summit, Gary Player became the first recipient of the Asia Pacific Golf Humanitarian Award in recognition for his decades of service and tireless efforts to provide education to underprivileged children around the globe.  Upon acceptance of the award, Player remarked, “It is humbling to be recognized with a humanitarian award such as this.  I’ve been blessed with successful professional golf and business careers, but I know the work I’ve tried to do to help underprivileged children will have a far greater impact than any trophy or business accomplishment.” 

Earlier that day, the Black Knight received a standing ovation following his keynote address that ended the Summit.  In his typical rousing style, Player discussed how the golf industry has evolved over his 50 plus year career, including the rise of Asia as a dominant force in golf, how stronger athletes and equipment are overpowering current golf course lengths, and going forward, the impact that the inclusion of golf in the 2016 Olympics will have on the future of the sport.  Player also stressed two of his most passionate topics, the environment and good health, calling on Asian developers to implement environmentally friendly initiatives at their courses and to teach golfers the importance of diet, health and fitness, especially juniors.

Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew, owner of the Mines Resort and patron of the APGS, said: “It was a wonderful gathering that brought many of the people who are shaping the future of golf including Jack Nicklaus, Peter Thomson, Tenniel Chu of Mission Hills Group and Peter Dawson, CEO of the R&A.”

While in Kuala Lumpur, Gary Player made time to host a Junior Golf Clinic with Callaway Golf of Asia for 150 local children, where he continued to emphasize the importance of exercise and good diet at an early age.

Gary Player’s highly acclaimed golf course, Ria Bintan Golf Club, once again received numerous awards at the Summit, including Best Golf Course in the Asia Pacific, First Runner-up Best Golf Course in Indonesia and First Runner-up Best Maintained Golf Course in the Asia Pacific.

For more information please visit http://www.golfconference.org.

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Visit the New Gary Player Design in La Paz, Mexico

When you arrive in La Paz, the gem of the Baja Peninsula and only a two hour flight from Los Angeles, the first place to visit is The Malecon, a romantic seaside walkway and the vantage point for stunning sunsets and early morning walks.  Grab a drink and relax on a waterside bench to enjoy the activity of local fishing boats and sailboats from around the world.  When you have washed away the stress and turmoil of every day life and want some real excitement visit one of the top-notch restaurants or clubs that dot The Malecon and dance and dine into the wee hours of the morning.  The residents of La Paz are not shy when it comes to having a good time.

After a raucous night of food and drink you may want to slow things down again or then again, maybe not.  Whatever is on your agenda you will find it in La Paz.  If relaxation is the plan for the day visit the miles of white sand beaches and soak up the sun, explore the historic museums or shop for authentic Mexican arts and crafts.  If you are looking for a more adventurous undertaking try your hand at world class sport fishing for marlin, wahoo, tuna and dorado, snorkel with playful sea lions or scuba dive with hammerhead sharks and giant mantas, or Kayak alongside friendly dolphins and whales.  Not to be missed are the wilderness islands and tranquil bays of Espiritu Santo Island, La Partida and Los Islotes. The islands are destinations for scuba divers, kayakers, fishermen, snorkelers, hikers and beach lovers. Ecologists work to keep these islands pristine so existing flora and fauna survive and so visitors can learn about the sea and enjoy the white sand beaches, the multi-colored cliffs and the sea life.

Golf is becoming a larger part of the La Paz experience and CostaBaja Resort and Marina is leading the way in luxury living.  CostaBaja is a master-planned community that offers exceptional amenities and a spectacular natural setting overlooking the Sea of Cortez and features the first ever Gary Player Signature designed course in Mexico (slated to open in the summer of 2010).  Mr. Player is excited about this project for many reasons, but most importantly the focus on preserving the natural beauty of the property by utilizing ecologically friendly methods and reducing chemical and pesticide usage.  CostaBaja has its own on-site desalination plant to convert sea water into safe, high-quality drinking water and a water treatment plant that reclaims and purifies wastewater to irrigate the golf course, green areas, and landscaping.  In addition, CostaBaja has harnessed the power of the sun using integrated solar panels to power the lighting of the 120-room resort hotel, to heat all of the residential pools, beach club pools and Jacuzzis and to power the vast majority of exterior landscaping lights.

In addition to golf residents can enjoy swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, kayaking, fishing and a state-of-the-art, 250-slip double-basin marina considered to be the finest and safest marina in all of Mexico.

The beauty of the Baja Peninsula and the warmth and openness of the residents of La Paz make it a destination not to be missed.

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Artist Patrick Mavros Expands Partnership with The Player Foundation and Black Knight Shop

The Player Foundation and the Black Knight Shop are pleased to announce a new partnership with celebrated artist Patrick Mavros.  Mr. Mavros, a native Zimbabwean, is world renowned for hand-sculpting truly unique African themed jewelry, sculptures and home décor items and custom designed the trophy for the Gary Player Invitational tournament in South Africa.  His work is derived from a lifetime love of Africa - especially the stunning and diverse wildlife found in the Southern regions of the continent.  Each piece is designed by hand and has its own unique story, adding considerably to its charm and ultimately its value.

Patrick Mavros began his career as a sculptor and designer almost by accident.  27 years ago Patrick married the love of his life Catja, and as a wedding present he carved her a pair of rose earrings from a piece of ivory.  The earrings were so unique and beautiful he was soon inundated with requests from friends for similar objects.  Thus, his ultimate career as a master sculptor was born.  With most of his early pieces being carved from ivory, the environmentally passionate Patrick, with his deep affinity for the wildlife of Africa, turned to silver as a medium in order to meet both the growing demand for his work, and to stay true to the purity of his subject – wildlife. And as the Mavros reputation grew, so did Patrick’s range; after 25 years it today comprises over 450 individual items from – literally – ants to elephants.

A selection of Mr. Mavros’ African themed, custom designed and hand-sculpted sterling silver cuff links and women’s bangles are now available for purchase at the Black Knight Shop located at http://www.garyplayer.com/shop.  A percentage of each sale will be donated to our foundation to help underprivileged children across the globe.

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Gary Player Selected as First Breeders’ Cup Sports and Racing Excellence Award Winner

Courtesy of the Breeders’ Cup

GRAND SLAM GOLF CHAMPION IS LEADING SOUTH AFRICAN THOROUGHBRED BREEDER

The Breeders’ Cup announced today Gary Player, nine-time major golf champion and leading South African Thoroughbred breeder, has been named the first recipient of the Breeders’ Cup Sports and Racing Excellence Award.

The Breeders’ Cup Sports and Racing Excellence Award honors an individual who has established a career of excellence in a chosen profession and also maintains a passionate interest as an owner, breeder or participant in the Thoroughbred racing industry.

Player will be presented the Sports and Racing Excellence Award, an elegant Steuben crystal, at Santa Anita Park on Thursday, November 5, prior to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing’s two-day $25.5 million international event, November 6-7.

“Demonstrating that same commitment to excellence which made him the world’s greatest international golfer, Gary’s outstanding success as a Thoroughbred breeder and passionate supporter of horse racing makes him an extraordinary first recipient of our Sports and Racing Award,” said Breeders’ Cup President and CEO Greg Avioli.  “On behalf of our Board, the racing industry and Gary’s many fans and followers around the world, we are extremely proud to present him with this honor at the Breeders’ Cup.”

Player, the most successful international golfer of all time and a global ambassador for the sport, won nine Major championships [Masters (3), U.S. Open (1), British Open (3) and PGA Championship (2)], and became just the third player history behind Gene Sarazan and Ben Hogan to win all four Grand Slam events. Player has won a total of 164 events worldwide in his career including 9 major championships on the Champion’s Tour; and has traveled more than 15 million miles in his career. Player has also a renowned golf course architect, having created more than 300 design projects around the world.

Player’s connection to Thoroughbred racing and breeding is passionate and widespread. As the owner of 20,000 acre Gary Player Stud in Cape Province (seen on the right) since 1974, he is one of South Africa’s most successful Thoroughbred breeders.  From an original small band of broodmares, he has produced an average of 12% stakes winners per crop, including Pinehurst, World Over, Foreign Source, Kadarko, Foolish Pride, Creator and Superwood, among others. From three mares at stud in the U.S., he had stakes winners Broadway Flyer (gr. I); French Gr. 3 winner Cachet Noir, and two sons of Storm Cat at stud in South Africa, Aristis and Port Rush. 
“I am chuffed at being selected for this inaugural award and delighted to accept it on behalf of all horse lovers around the world.  If I had to choose golf over horses….I would miss my clubs!” declared Gary Player from his stud farm in Colesberg, South Africa.

About Breeders’ Cup

The Breeders’ Cup administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships; Thoroughbred racing’s year-end Championships consisting of 14 races and $25.5 million in purses, which makes it the richest event in sports. At last year’s Breeders’ Cup, more than $100 million in winning wagers were returned to fans at betting locations around the globe.  The Breeders’ Cup also administers the Breeders’ Cup Challenge qualifying series, and the Breeders’ Cup Stakes Program. Breeders’ Cup has offices in Lexington, Ky., and in New York City.

For more information, please visit www.breederscup.com or contact:

Jim Gluckson
Breeders’ Cup
Tel: +1 646 335 6835

Jason Howarth
Conover Tuttle Pace
Tel: +1 508 353 0063

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Gary Player Turns 74 and Still Turns Up The Heat

He is one of only five men to win the career Grand Slam, he’s won nine Major championships, nine Champions Tour Majors, more than 160 tournaments worldwide; he has been a professional golfer for more than 50 years, designed more than 300 golf courses worldwide, travelled more than any other athlete, and is renowned for his legendary health-conscious lifestyle and passion for fitness.

And now, on the eve of his 74th birthday and just weeks before he hosts the 10th anniversary of the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola at Fancourt, Player declares: “I still have so much to do.”

A milestone age for any person, Player is a shining example of how to treat age simply as a number. He packs more into a day than men half his age - and he loves every minute of it.

Still an active member of the Champions Tour, Player’s life of globe-trotting has been about spreading the goodwill of golf and earned him the title of Golf’s International Ambassador.

When Arnold Palmer was making the game popular in the United States, it was Player, one of the legendary Big Three with Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, who was popularising the game in far-flung places around the world.  He has an infectious enthusiasm and zest for life and golf that never waivers and it is his determination to perform to the best of his abilities that has always made him such a tough competitor.

It has been this never-say-die attitude to life and golf that has made him so popular with fans around the world.

Much has been made of his golf career, but Player’s other notable achievements include an Honorary Doctorate of Law from the University of St. Andrews (1995), the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award for dedication to charity (2003) and the Payne Stewart Award from the PGA Tour in recognition of philanthropic achievements and the exemplary manner in which he has conducted himself on and off the golf course, which he received in 2006.

In December 2003 Player was also awarded the Order of Ikhamanga (in gold) by President Mbeki of South Africa for excellence in golf and his contribution to non-racial sport in South Africa.

Don’t imagine that these awards signal the end of an era for Player. Speak to the Black Knight about retirement and he will insist that there is just no time.

As he will tell you, idle hands are the devil’s workshop.

When the clock strikes midnight to signal his 74th birthday, Mr Player will be in China hosting the second leg of the Gary Player Invitational series in partnership with Coca-Cola to raise money for the Yunnan AIDS Orphans whose lives have been hit hardest by HIV.

“Last year we raised more than RMB 4.5-million for the children in China and over R3-million at the Gary Player Invitational in South Africa,” said Player, “That took us past the R250-million mark in 25 years; now our goal is to reach the R300-million mark.”

Player is still committed to tournament play, his design company, his sponsors’ corporate outings and his charitable work, which does substantial good for needy children around the world, but he does admit that he cherishes the time spent with his family, his wife of nearly 60 years, Vivienne, his six children and his 21 grandchildren.

And then there is his beloved farm in the desert area of the Karoo in central South Africa, where he breeds thoroughbred racehorses. 

But for the moment, there is no chance of this particular man’s hands ever becoming idle. There just isn’t enough time.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GARY!

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SAP Aligns with Player for the 2009 Gary Player Invitational

Market and technology leader in business software solutions, SAP, will be a partner sponsor at the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola, in South Africa later this year.

The sponsorship reinforces the brand’s alignment with golfing legend Gary Player, an association dating back over ten years.

“Our philosophy at SAP is to deliver products and services that help accelerate business innovation for our customers,” said Chris Burton, vice-president of Global Sponsorships and Global Marketing.

“SAP has, in many ways, had a long running relationship with Mr Player and the Gary Player Group worldwide and there is great synergy in our goals. We are delighted to extend our involvement to the Gary Player Invitational.

“We believe that doing so will unleash growth and create significant new value for our customers as well as support Gary Player’s vision with the Gary Player Invitational series to raise money to uplift the uneducated and strengthen the impoverished.”

The South African Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola, forms the final leg of the four event international series that includes the United Kingdom, United States and China.

Each of the GPI Events has at its heart the act of giving back to those less fortunate. The Player Foundation, the GPI’s primary beneficiary, is in its 26th year, and has successfully raised more than R250 Million in order to bring hope, help and healing to underprivileged children and communities worldwide.

“This partnership is especially gratifying for Black Knight International as it signifies the continued strength and loyalty by SAP in this relationship.” said Marc Player, CEO of Black Knight.

“The Gary Player Invitational celebrates it’s 10th Anniversary in November at The Links, Fancourt. This is not only a measure of it’s ongoing success, but it’s fundamental position in the international series.

“SAP’s decision to become involved with the South African GPI offers them a unique opportunity for the company, its shareholders, subsidiaries and clients to be part of South Africa’s premier charity golf event and contribute to the education and upliftment of the less fortunate.”
The Gary Player Invitational South Africa presented by Coca-Cola, will be staged at The Links, Fancourt in George, South Africa from 26-29 November 2009.

Please visit www.sap.com for more information.

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Fairer View on Fancourt Fairways at 2009 Gary Player Invitational

Spanish supermodel and actress Inés Sastre, LPGA Tour player Sandra Gal, rising European Ladies Tour star Henrietta Zuel and BBC Sports presenter Sarah Stirk will smarten up the fairways of The Links at Fancourt, George at the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola from 26-29 November 2009.

The 10th anniversary of South Africa’s premier charity golf event features a star-studded field of professional golfers, celebrities and businessmen, who compete in a 36-hole Fourball Alliance competition while the professionals concurrently compete in a separate 36-hole Betterball medal competition.

Sastre is no stranger to golf in South Africa, and the UNICEF ambassador brings to Fancourt a touch of glamour gleamed from a successful career of featuring on magazine covers and acting.

The Spanish star featured in her first commercial at the age of 12 and soon became one of the most sought after faces for magazines such as Vogue, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, GQ and others, as well as the face for Chanel, Michel Klein, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Fendi and Lancôme.

But, behind her beauty lies the intelligence of a woman that speaks four languages, has a degree in French literature and has twice been in the winning team of the Fourball Alliance completion, first in 2004 and last year when she partnered with Retief Goosen, Costantino Rocca and business man Alan Pearson.

It will be a first visit to South Africa and the Gary Player Invitational for television presenter and journalist Stirk and the professional players, Gal and Zuel.

Sarah Stirk , a six-handicapper, began her career working for the world’s biggest football club at Manchester United TV. She moved to the BBC, but spent two years covering the PGA Tour for Setanta Sports before returning to the BBC, presenting the sports bulletins on the BBC News Channel and BBC World, this year.

The petite blonde also writes for various publications, including Golf International and A place in the Sun, and runs Xclusive Golf Ltd, a company offering tailor made golfing experiences around the world.

“I haven’t played nearly enough this year – work has rather got in the way – so I hope I don’t embarrass myself,” said Stirk. “DJ Spoony has raved about this event for years, so I was particularly pleased to be invited. I am really looking forward to doing my bit to help Mr Player raise money for charity and the sunny weather in South Africa won’t hurt, either.”

LPGA Tour player, Sandra Gal, is making waves on and off the golf course.

Born in Düsseldorf, Germany, the 24-year-old made her way via Qualifying School onto the LPGA Tour in 2008, but it wasn’t until she completed her degree in advertising from the University of Florida with honours that she really threw herself into the game.

She recorded a career best tie for 14 at the Ginn Tribute in 2008, which she bettered with a tie for fifth at the LPGA Corning Classic this year. With eight top-20finishes this season, Gal has broken into the top-50 in the 2009 rankings.

Standing at six feet tall - and seemingly all of it legs - Gal’s shy demeanour belies an uncommon depth. She speaks five languages, including her native German; she paints, designs and even plays the violin. And, as one of seven LPGA Tour players who signed up with Wilhelmina Models, the doe-eyed, willowy Gal ads a colourful injection of glamour and ‘girlieness’ into the sport away from the course.

“All of us want to be known as golfers, first and foremost, but we are all hungry to become the first active Wilhemina 7 member to bag a LPGA win,” says Gal. “Whoever it is, the rest of us will be happy for, because the nice thing is that when one of us succeeds, it reflects well on all of us.

“Moreover, I think that the Wilhelmina 7 paves the way for girls who may be apprehensive about approaching a sport that is still very much regarded as a ‘gentlemen’s game’. I like to think I’m doing my part in helping to reinvent the game, making it more fashionable and more feminine.”

Zuel established her credential as one of Britain’s rising stars when she won the Girls British Open Amateur Championship, before emerging from the amateur ranks to make her professional debut last April in Spain.

In her rookie season, Zuel’s best showing came at the Ladies European Tour S4C Wales Ladies Championship, where she led the second-round and finished tied for third, one stroke off the lead.

The glamorous Zuel also has a passion for fashion and would like to design her own retro clothing line in the future, but for now she is concentrating on leaving her mark on the professional ranks - and women’s sport.

“I want to be European number one and then the world number one,” said Zuel, who was inspired to become a professional golfer at the age of nine while watching Jose Maria Olazabal winning the Masters.

“It is not often that someone as young and unknown as me gets the chance to play with a legend like Gary Player, so there was no doubt in my mind what I would be doing at the end of November. And children should be our number one priority. It is an honour for me to be part of this special event and do my bit to raise money for the children of South Africa.”

These lovely ladies will all share the fairways with Grand Slam champion Gary Player, double US Open champion Retief Goosen and reigning Masters champion Angel Cabrera, as well as celebrities DJ Spoony and Ard Matthews and top cricket and football legend Lucas Radebe.

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Gary Player Sees Bright Future for Golf in Asia

Legendary golfer Gary Player (shown in the picture on the right with Liang Weng-Chong at the Gary Player Clinic during the 2008 Invitational in China) and his design company, Gary Player Design, have a long and successful history of designing championship golf courses in Asia, dating back to their first course opening in the early 1970’s in Japan. To date, over 40 projects in Asia bear the Gary Player mark, with several others underway.

Many of Player’s courses have received accolades including Ria Bintan in Indonesia, which has been ranked the top course in Indonesia since 1994 and was named the number one course in all of Asia last year by Asian Golf Monthly.  Also making headlines in recent years are Suzhou Jinji Lake International Golf Club in Jiangsu, China (Best New Course in China by China Golf Magazine 2006 and #2 Best New Course in Asia, Asian Golf Monthly 2006);  The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau in Hong Kong (Best Environmental & Socially Responsible Golf Club by Asia Pacific Golf Summit 2008 and Best Course in Hong Kong by Asian Golf Monthly 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006); and Kranji Sanctuary in Singapore (Top 10 in Singapore, Asian Golf Monthly 2005). 

Always at the forefront of environmental sensitivity, Player’s Kranji Sanctuary was the first course in Singapore and the second in South East Asia to receive the prestigious Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Award, and Ria Bintan was the first in Indonesia.

Gary Player himself was named the Best Golf Architect for 2004, and Runner-up for 2005 by Asian Golf Monthly.

Player is especially enthusiastic about next year’s opening of his next course in Asia, Hidden Tiger Golf Club, located in Anhui Province, China.  The layout takes full advantage of the scenic Tai Ping Lake with Yellow Mountain as the backdrop.

With enthusiasm for the game of golf spreading across Asia, Gary Player and Gary Player Design see tremendous opportunity on the horizon for their team in the giant continent, and coupled with the inclusion of the sport in the 2016 Olympics, they expect a very bright future for world-class golf development in Asia.  Player recently remarked ‘I have been traveling to Asia and enjoying its fascinating culture and hospitality since the 1950’s.  The exponential growth that has taken place in recent years is remarkable and the passion for the great game of golf in Asia is just amazing and exciting.  I look forward to spending a lot of time here in the future as we continue to build great golf courses for people to enjoy.’   

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The Player Group Hosts The First Tee

Impacting the lives of young people is a shared mission of The Player Foundation and The First Tee.  It was a natural fit to pair the two, and became the impetus for what both organizations hope to be an annual Career Day event. 

With design projects in 35 countries throughout the world, Gary Player Design recently took some time out to partner with The Player Foundation to host kids from The First Tee of Greenville (South Carolina) with the goal of educating them about the many aspects of the golf industry.  “This event was a wonderful way for us to once again give back to the community where our staff live, work and play,” stated Marc Player, CEO of The Player Group.

Youth involved in The First Tee program arrived at Black Knight International’s offices in Travelers Rest, South Carolina eager to learn about golf great Gary Player, and the golf business.  “There is so much more to the game of golf outside of playing professionally.  Exposing children to the many facets of the golf industry such as marketing, brand management, golf course design and our global business ventures helps to expand their vision from a myopic view to a wide range of future opportunities,” added Player.

Upon arrival the children were greeted by Design Divisional President Scott Ferrell and taken on a tour of the African inspired office.  With the myriad of trophies, memorabilia and photos, it wasn’t much of a challenge for the group to learn about the life and victories of The Black Knight, while also experiencing the philanthropic side of the organization. 

One of the highlights of the “Career Day” according to participant James Wiley was, “we got the chance to design and draw a fairway of our own golf hole.”  Groups of children rotated between designing a hole, to learning about the development and branding of our products to viewing the areas of the world where Gary Player Design is currently working on projects. 

After lunch, The First Tee kids walked away with a goody bag, their own press kit and a new perspective on the world of golf.  Was it a success?  If you ask Wiley it was, “I had a really awesome time.” As for The Player Group and Foundation, Ferrell summed it up aptly, “We really had an enjoyable day with these kids.  They were so interested in how we conduct our business, and I very much hope we opened their eyes to a different side of the game.  Educating kids is one of Mr. Player’s great passions, and we were pleased to support the First Tee of Greenville.”

For more information on The Player Foundation or Gary Player Design, visit http://www.theplayerfoundation.org and http://www.garyplayer.com.

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Aiken and Sandys Strengthen SA Challenge at 2009 Gary Player Invitational

South African golfers Thomas Aiken and Omar Sandys are among the latest additions to join this year’s field at the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola at The Links at Fancourt in George from 26-29 November 2009.

The Gary Player Invitational series has raised more than R250-million for charities worldwide and the 10th anniversary of the South African edition is set to continue the success story with a star-studded line-up of Champions and Regular Tour golfers, as well as top business people and celebrities from the world of entertainment.

Aiken and Sandys will form part of the field of this South African challenge alongside tournament host Gary Player as well as Retief Goosen and reigning Masters Champion Angel Cabrera and a slew of formidable European Senior Tour professionals, including Mark McNulty, John Cook and Bill Longmuir.

Aiken, who made his debut last year alongside Joseph Stoltz, Vincent Tshabalala and Roland Schoeman, says he better bring home the trophy this year, as friends Richard Sterne and Louis Oosthuizen expect nothing less than the best from him for giving him another shot at The Links.

“Richard will be at the World Cup and Louis and his wife Nella will have a new bundle of joy to share, so they have both told me with Retief and Angel in the field, I’d better fly the flag for the young guns,” said Aiken.

“I am absolutely delighted to return. We mostly play in Europe and it’s not every day we get the opportunity to battle one of the best courses in South Africa.  At the Gary Player Invitational we have the added benefit of competing for charity.” 

Aiken said he was impressed with how Goosen approached the ‘green monster’ last year and is looking forward to seeing how Cabrera copes with the length and challenges of The Links.

“But competitions aside, this event is all about the children. Isn’t it wonderful that we can be playing for the betterment of their lives so close to the Christmas holidays?”

After half-a-dozen appearances, Sandys is a familiar and popular face at Africa’s premier charity event, which remains the highlight of his season.

“I just love coming back to the Gary Player Invitational,” said Sandys, who was on the winning side in the 2006 Team Fourball Alliance competition with David Lyons, Sandy Lyle and Ashleigh Simon.

“I really enjoy the camaraderie in the team competition and the fact that we pull together for a win-win result – to win the tournament and to make the most possible money for charity.

“This is the one event in the season I will miss for nothing; in fact, I would probably walk to George if it came down to that.”

Two-time US Open winner Goosen will be back looking for his first double win in the tournament.

The Goose won the professional betterball competition in 2000 and 2006 and the Team Fourball Alliance last year alongside businessman Alan Pearson, senior professional Costantino Rocca and supermodel and actress Inés Sastre.

Other stars in the field include Sir Clive Woodward, top British entertainer DJ Spoony, Ard Matthews - guitarist and lead vocalist of internationally famed rock band, Just Jinjer and senior professionals such as Bertus Smit.

A who’s who of top business people complete the current line-up in the prestigious event, including Dr. Hasso Plattner of SAP, Dr Hans-Walter Peters and Hendrik Riehmer of Berenberg Bank, Stokes Land Group president Hugh Connerty and Abdullah Saeed Al Naboodah, chairman of the Al Naboodah Group.

The Links course will provide a different challenge this time around, with the course having undergone a successful upgrade and several enhancements under the guidance of tournament host and Grand Slam Champion, Gary Player.

The changes include general maintenance, overall aesthetics and improved playability. All 18 greens were resurfaced with A4 Bent to address the presence of poa annua and the new greens are running a lot faster. There were also some subtle changes made to the contours on five of the greens (holes 1, 2, 3, 10 and 12) to create more level surfaces around the hole and the renovation process also included the renovation of all the bunkers.

Further participants will be announced in the weeks leading up to the event.

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Rory to Rock at the Gary Player Country Club in Sun City

Reigning Masters Champion, Angel Cabrera, double-major winner Retief Goosen, defending Henrik Stensson and Irish teen sensation, Rory McIlroy, will headline an excellent field for the Nedbank Golf Challenge to be held at the Gary Player Country Club from December 3-6.

Announcing the field, tournament host Gary Player said, “All these fresh young faces makes it even more exciting for me.”

Henrik Stensson, who shot a nine-under 63 at the tough Gary Player designed layout and the countries No. 1 ranked course on the first day of the tournament last year, was the first to accept the invitation to play. South Africa will be represented by Retief Goosen, Tim Clark and Richard Sterne at the Sun City Resort.

Nedbank Golf Challenge field:

• Robert Allenby (Australia)
• Angel Cabrera (Argentina)
• Tim Clark (South Africa)
• Luke Donald (United Kingdom)
• Ross Fisher (United Kingdom)
• Retief Goosen (South Africa)
• Robert Karlsson (Sweden)
• Hunter Mahan (United States)
• Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland)
• Henrik Stenson (Sweden)
• Richard Sterne (South Africa)
• Nick Watney (United States)

For more information please visit www.nedbankgolfchallenge.com.



Photographs courtesy of Getty Images.

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Gary Player to Deliver Closing Address at Asia Pacific Golf Summit

As attendance numbers continue to soar for next week’s Asia Pacific Golf Summit, legendary golfer Gary Player prepares to deliver the closing address to end the conference on Wednesday, October 28.  The Grand Slam winner and his design company, Gary Player Design, recognize that Asia is a major player in the golf industry today and want to use their experience and expertise in the region to continue to contribute to the development of championship golf across the vast continent.

In his usual entertaining and engaging style, the Black Knight will discuss the rise of golf in Asia, his environmental efforts in golf course design and the inclusion of golf in the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.  As “The World’s Most Traveled Athlete™“and with 50-plus years of international travel to his credit, there is simply no one in the industry that can discuss the importance of growing golf globally like Gary Player.

The Summit originally planned for 300 delegates, but has already surpassed the 500 attendance mark, further indicating that Asia has become a dominant force in the golf industry.  This year’s conference will be held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on October 26-28. 

For more information, visit http://www.golfconference.org.

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Gary Player’s New Poland Course Makes Europe’s Top 100

Just three months after opening, Gary Player’s first course in Poland, Modry Las Golf Club, has been selected as one of the Top 100 European golf courses in Golf World’s recently published list.  As the only course in Poland to make the rankings, Modry Las puts Poland on the world golfing map and adds to the Gary Player Design portfolio of over 300 golf courses across five continents.

At the Grand Opening this past July, the Black Knight remarked, “Our design at Modry Las is world class and it is surrounded by beautiful countryside – wild flowers, mature trees and lakes – just a beautiful setting”  The course is characterized by distinct and dramatic bunkering and has already hosted its first tournament on the Polish PGA Tour.  The ownership at Modry Las is also working with the Polish Government to develop a youth program in Poland, a cause that is passionate to Gary Player.

Located just outside of Choszczno in the West Pomerania region of Poland, Modry Las is within close proximity to the Baltic Sea and Scandinavia, as well the German border and Berlin. This region of rolling countryside with abundant virgin forests and lakes has historically been a popular summer resort destination.  With the emergence of golf in the area, tourism is sure to thrive in the growing, refurbished regions of North Central Europe. 

For more information on Modry Las, visit www.modrylas.pl.

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PGA National Resort & Spa Adds Gary Player Wine to their Champions’ Wine List

Black Knight Wine is pleased to announce that PGA National Resort & Spa has added the Gary Player Major Championship Series to its Champions’ wine list.  PGA National, located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, will begin offering the 2003 Murifield vintage as part of their tribute to golf’s greatest players.  The Murifield 2003 was a perfect compliment to PGA National’s excellent wine list given the high quality of the wine and Mr. Player’s long friendship with the club.  Over the course of his career, Mr. Player has won two Senior PGA Championships at the club and makes a point of returning almost every year to play tournament golf, practice or just play socially. 

The 2003 Murifield vintage is the first in a series of fine wine paying tribute to Mr. Player’s achievements over the course of his storied career.  Over the next two decades Gary Player Wine will release a range of fine wines celebrating Mr. Player’s eighteen Major Championships on both the regular PGA Tour and Champions Tour.  The 2003 Murifield is Bordeaux style red blending Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage and Shiraz grapes and commemorates Mr. Player’s first major championship win – The Open Championship at Murifield, Scotland.  It recently received an 89 rating from Wine Spectator and 4 out of 5 stars from Platter’s South African Wine Guide.  The wine is produced at Quoin Rock, an award winning boutique winery in the famous Stellenbosch region (pictured above) at the heart of the South African wine industry.

For further information about the Gary Player Major Championship wine please contact:

Guy DeSilva
Publisher & General Manager
Tel:  +1 561 624 0300
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Nadia Price
Director, Sales & Marketing
Tel:  + 1 864 477 2720
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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Tea Entrepreneur Works with Gary Player to Aid Impoverished Children

In an interview with the Greenville News, Zimbabwe native Raymond Levy proudly shared his association with fellow South African native and golfing legend Gary Player with the local community in the Upstate of South Carolina (Greer).

Levy is the chief executive officer of Amanzi Tea, a South Carolina-based company offering hundreds of types and flavors of organic loose teas from all over the world, whether white, green, oolong, black, maté or herbal teas like South African “rooibos” (red bush tea).

The company has long promoted the healthful benefits of tea, including aiding weight loss, increasing energy, promoting relaxation and helping the immune system. Through a partnership with The Player Group, a new benefit comes with purchasing tea: philanthropy.

This past summer, the two companies jointly released four signature blends of rooibos known as “The Grand Slam Rooibos Collection” in honor of the Black Knight’s legendary achievement. Gary Player has always felt very strongly that “we must look after our youth in order to ensure a positive future”, and therefore, sales will benefit The Player Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to bringing hope, help and healing to underprivileged children and impoverished communities worldwide.

Thanks to The Player Group’s impact on the Upstate of South Carolina with the opening of the company’s offices at The Cliffs at Mountain Park last year, “Rooibos” is the new buzz word around here. The tea is appreciated, in part, because it does not contain caffeine, is low in tannins and high in antioxidants. It tastes naturally sweet and is enjoyable iced or hot. Quite a different twist to the traditional Southern “Sweet Tea” (pronounced “sweeeet teeeea”). The tea is available at the Black Knight Shop, so “Y’all come on by and enjoy”!

Read the full article published in the Greenville News on October 4, 2009 featuring interviews about this new partnership and product, with Marc Player, CEO of Black Knight International and Raymond Levy, CEO of Amanzi Tea.

For further information, please contact:
Nadia Price, Director, Sales & Marketing, Gary Player Group
E: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or T: +1 561 624 0300

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Goosen Looks Forward to Returning to the Gary Player Invitational at Fancourt

South Africa’s Retief Goosen says he always enjoys the relaxed atmosphere of the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola after the pressure of a long year of competitive golf around the world.

The two-time US Open champion has again confirmed his participation for the 10th staging of the tournament from 26-29 November 2009 at The Links, Fancourt in George, South Africa – his sixth appearance since the first staging of the event in 2000.

Goosen, who won the professional betterball competition in the 2000 Gary Player Invitational with Allan Henning and partnered Bobby Lincoln to victory in 2006, tasted his first success in the team betterball competition last year alongside businessman Alan Pearson, senior professional Costantino Rocca and former supermodel Inés Sastre.

“The competitive nature at this event is really about the camaraderie of the team, which is one of the reasons I really like it,” said Goosen. “The tournament is first and foremost geared around charity and then the good natured competition. Having a fun time is merely a natural by-product of that.

“I thoroughly enjoy that atmosphere. This is one of those tournaments where a guy like me can rub shoulders with some of my own sporting heroes.

“I’ve had the opportunity of playing with guys like Naas Botha, Shaun Pollock and Gary Kirsten. I’ve also met and played with one of the amazing business men that has backed this event for years, Hugh Connerty and of course, the privilege of playing with the gentlemen that inspired my love of the game – guys like Allan, Bobby, Joe (Dlamini) and John (Bland).”

Goosen says he is still holding out to be paired with his ultimate hero and the host of the event, Gary Player, but is happy to wait his turn.

The 2009 season has been an industrious one for Goosen. He started the year ranked 45th in the world and is now back in the top 20. He claimed two wins, at the Sunshine Tour’s Africa Open and the Transitions Championship on the PGA Tour. He also counts eight top-10 finishes - including a runner-up spot in the Canadian Open and third at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and BMW International Open - among his highlights this year.

The Goose loves returning to South Africa, but does find it increasingly difficult to spend much time at home.

“I like to support golf in South Africa as much as possible, but it’s hard to do everything,” said Goosen, who will also star in the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola in Shanghai, China in November this year.

“I always try and put time in the schedule for events at the end or start of the year in South Africa, I really enjoy playing in front of a home crowd. We play all over the world and when we come home at the end of year it’s in our holidays, there is also a lot of pressure on us because people have high expectations from us. We also want to play well for the fans and play well in front of them.

“That’s why I enjoy the mixture of competition and comradeship of this event so much, because, in the end, charity is the real star.”

Angel Cabrera, the reigning Masters Champion will headline the field alongside Gary Player and The Goose, as well as Sir Clive Woodward, South African long board and Big Wave Africa surf champion, Grant (Twiggy) Baker and top British entertainer, DJ Spoony.

Among the senior professionals count Mark McNulty, John Cook, Bill Longmuir and Bertus Smit and the confirmed business men are Dr. Hasso Plattner, Dr Hans-Walter Peters and Hendrik Riehmer of Berenberg Bank, Stokes Land Group president Hugh Connerty and Abdullah Saeed Al Naboodah, chairman of the Al Naboodah Group.

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Angel Cabrera Joins the Player Design Team

Gary Player Design is excited to welcome Masters and 2009 US Open winner Angel Cabrera to its design team.  Mr. Cabrera will spearhead projects in South America with special interest being paid to Argentina, his place of birth, which is fast becoming a world class golf destination and is considered one of the most interesting and beautiful countries to visit. 

Argentina may be best know for its mouth watering beef, Evita Peron and most recently Juan Martin Del Potro’s defeat of Roger Federer at the US Open tennis tournament, however, what is not as well known is what makes Argentina so interesting and appealing to travelers, wine lovers and golfers alike. 

Argentina is a stunningly beautiful country with a number of distinct regions that offer a plethora of travel options.  If outdoor activities are on the schedule, visit the Patagonia region which boasts some of the best mountaineering and skiing in the world. The Perito Moreno Glacier (pictured below) is a sight not to be missed. Here you can take a full day boat tour and get close enough to the glacier to not only experience its beauty, but hear the ice cracking and watch huge chunks fall into the sea.  Visitors say it is one of the most incredible experiences of a lifetime as one can not understand the sheer size and power of a glacier until you see it in person.

For the real adventurer head further south to Tierra Del Fuego, a small group of islands located off of the Southern tip of Argentina and Chile.  Here you will find Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world and the gateway to Antarctica.  Seasoned sailors venture into the Straight of Magellan to test their skills by navigating one of the most tumultuous waterways in the world.  For those who prefer a more sedate, but no less interesting adventure, visit the Beagle Channel (pictured below) where boaters, hikers, kayakers and horse back riders can experience the beauty of the islands and get a close up view of the indigenous sea lion and bird colonies.

If wine is your passion take a trip to Mendoza, home to more than 1,200 wineries, numerous five-star hotels and Michelin-rated dining.  The region specializes in Malbec, a once somewhat obscure varietal that is now making serious inroads with red wine lovers across the globe.  Paul Hobbs Vina Cobos recently received a 99 rating from Robert Parker’s Wine Guide for its 2006 Cobos Malbec; the first ever 99 rating for an Argentinean Malbec, and a sign of things to come from this burgeoning wine region.  Mendoza offers more than just great wine and as it is a relatively small region getting around is easy and convenient. You can take a trip to the Andes for hiking and mountaineering, or get a few rounds of golf in at one of the world class courses.

The variety of outdoor activities, world class dining, stunning scenery, rich cultural heritage of the Argentineans will surely leave you wanting to return for a second, third or even fourth visit.

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The Sights and Sounds of Morocco

Gary Player Design is pleased to announce the opening of Mogador the first of two courses built in the city of Essaouria in Morocco.  The design team paid particular attention to the natural beauty of the Moroccan landscape routing the course through existing trees and incorporating dramatic elevation changes and the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.  The development is one of the most ambitious projects in Morocco and includes luxury residences/villas, a 5-star Sofitel Hotel, fine dining and a stunning clubhouse.  Members and visitors alike will have a truly Moroccan experience while playing a championship 18-hole Gary Player Signature designed golf course.

Moroccans are some of the warmest and most welcoming people in the world and Essourai is a perfect example of their hospitability.  Essourai, literally translated in Moroccan Arabic means ‘picture’, is located in the southwest region of Morocco and is considered to be the most relaxed small city in the country.

Its tranquil atmosphere and charm has drawn the likes of Orson Wells, who choose that location for the filming of scenes from his classic film Othello. Jimi Hendrix attributed his inspiration for the song “Castles Made of Sand” to the experience he had while there. Morocco is also known as one of the most popular wind surfing destinations in the world.  Some say that the source of the tranquil environment comes from the consistent Mistral winds blowing down from the Atlas Mountains while others claim that it’s the mystical aura that surrounds Essourai or the hippie-like environment and the openness and friendliness of its inhabitants.  Whatever the reason, Essourai is a wonderful place to visit and relax in the lap of luxury.

If you want a faster paced experience, Marrakesh is the place to go.  Marrakesh is the epicenter of Moroccan tourism and an energetic and exotic city.  The highlight of any trip to Marrakesh is a visit to one of the numerous Souqs found throughout the city.  Souqs, the city’s commercial centers, are famous for the sheer variety and quality of goods available and the aggressive
sales tactics of the vendors.  Simply, the Souqs are a blast. 

After your hectic shopping experience, retreat to the riad AnaYela, one of the finest Marrakchi riads. The owners took their time restoring this 300-year-old palace focusing on authenticity and creating a true Marrakchi experience - over 100 local artisans helped to refurbish it, using every traditional technique from silver-beating to wood carving, and working by candle-light throughout.

The other hot spots not to be forgotten about are Casablanca and Tangier.  Both are cosmopolitan cities with vibrant night life, rich cultural history, interesting architecture and residents ready to greet you with open hearts.  Morocco is surely a destination that should be on everyone’s travel schedule.

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Kenny Perry Selected as the 2009 Winner of the Payne Stewart Award

The PGA Tour selected Kenny Perry, a 14-time PGA Tour winner with two victories this year, including the Travelers Championship in Hartford, CT, as the 2009 winner of the Payne Stewart Award. The award goes to a tour player who shares Stewart’s respect and commitment to “the traditions of the game.”

Past winners include Jack Nicklaus, Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer, Ben Crenshaw, and Gary Player. Stewart, an 11-time PGA Tour winner, died tragically during the week of the Tour Championship in 1999.

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Rolex Celebrates a Decade with the Black Knight at the Gary Player Invitational

Rolex, (one of) the world’s leading manufacturer(s) of luxury watches, announced that it has extended their sponsorship with multiple Majors winner Gary Player to include the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola, in South Africa later this year.

The deal will allow Rolex to leverage their brand identity in this fourth event of the international Gary Player Invitational Series.

The inclusion of Rolex as a partner is huge boost for the Gary Player Invitational South Africa which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this November.

Arnaud Laborde, International Sponsorship Delegate Asia for Rolex said: “Rolex has been a strong symbol of performance and prestige for over a century and we are delighted to expand its long standing association with Gary Player.

“He is the embodiment of the values we uphold, including his dedication to the principles of excellence and his golfing accomplishments. Our involvement in South Africa also gives us a structure that allows us to promote broadly across the globe.”

Rolex’s association with South Africa’s Grand Slam champion and winner of 18 Majors (9 on the Regular Tour and 9 on the Seniors Tour) dates back to 1965 when Player won the US Open.

“We are excited to welcome Rolex back to our growing list of GPI partners, which now includes many high profile international brands,” said Marc Player, CEO, Black Knight International.

“We would like to thank Rolex for its ongoing support and we look forward to another lasting relationship ahead which I believe will benefit both parties. The GPI series is enjoying exciting times as our events continue to expand with each passing year.”

The Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola, will be staged at The Links, Fancourt in George, South Africa from 26-29 November 2009.

Click here for more information about Rolex.

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Masters Champion Angel Cabrera Headlines Gary Player Invitational Field

Masters champion Angel Cabrera (pictured left) and double US Open champion Retief Goosen will lead a field of distinguished golf professionals, celebrities and businessmen in the 10th anniversary of the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola in South Africa later this year.

It was revealed at the official media announcement that Cabrera and Goosen will join top personalities in the premier charity tournament being staged at The Links golf course at Fancourt in George, South Africa from 26-29 November. 

Among the confirmed luminaries are international businessmen Dr Hans-Walter Peters and Hendrik Riehmer of Berenberg Bank - the oldest Private Bank in the world, president of Stokes Land Group and a staunch supporter of the Gary Player Invitational series, Hugh Connerty and Abdullah Saeed Al Naboodah, chairman of the Al Naboodah Group. 

A single figure handicapper, Al Naboodah is closely involved in the construction and development of golf course infrastructure in the Middle East and is a strong supporter of junior golf development.

Former World Cup-winning rugby coach Sir Clive Woodward, Ard Matthews - guitarist and lead vocalist of internationally famed rock band, Just Jinjer, South African long board and Big Wave Africa surf champion, Grant (Twiggy) Baker.

Top British entertainer, DJ Spoony, returns to the action alongside two-time European Ladies Tour champion, Diana Luna, Champions Tour campaigners Mark McNulty and John Cook, as well as European Senior Tour stalwarts, Bill Longmuir, Bertus Smit and John Bland, winner of the Bad Ragaz PGA Seniors Open in last month.

The South African tournament is the culmination of the Gary Player Invitational Global Series of Events, which has already travelled to Scotland this year and will be visiting China and the United States in the global bid to raise funds for charity through The Player Foundation.

Since 1983, the international series has raised over R250-million which has been donated to initiatives aimed at improving educational standards and helping children from impoverished communities plagued by disease and crime.

“We are once again thankful for the many people who are always willing to give of their time to support the Gary Player Invitational in South Africa,” said Marc Player, CEO of Black Knight International.

“In this time of economic challenge, The Player Foundation is proud to be able to continue playing a key role in raising significant funds for charities, which so desperately need it.”

“As always, Coca-Cola South Africa is proud to be part of this initiative to raise money to improve the lives of South African children,” said Coca-Cola South Africa Executive, Alex Maditsi. “We look forward to a successful event and we hope that it will prove to be popular with the golf enthusiasts.”

Gary Player, winner of 18 Majors, 9 on the Regular Tour and 9 on the Champions Tour and one of only five men ever to secure the career Grand Slam, will host the tournament.

“It keeps haunting me of how I struggled as a young boy,” said Player. “I can’t think of anything worse than a child who is suffering. I always said that when I became successful, I was going to make a difference in the lives of children. 

“The GPI Global series has been a wonderful vehicle in using golf to bring about social change. It brings together a marvellous and diverse society of people that get involved in our tournaments. You have golfers, movie stars, models, businessmen and celebrities all contributing to the cause of raising money for children.”

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The Links Upgrade Under Player’s Guidance Complete in Time for the 2009 Gary Player Invitational

The Links golf course at Fancourt has completed its highly successful upgrade and enhancements as the famed layout prepares to host the 2009 Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola, in November.

The South African tournament of this global charity series will celebrate its 10th anniversary at The Links, designed by Grand Slam champion Gary Player, from November 26-29.

The Player Foundation, aimed at improving educational standards and helping children from impoverished communities plagued by disease and crime, has already raised over R250-million since its inception.

The enhancements made to The Links included various elements such as general maintenance, overall aesthetics and improved playability.

According to Frank Henegan, the Senior Designer for Gary Player Design, all 18 greens were resurfaced with A4 Bent to address the presence of poa annua on the greens.

As a result of the new greens running a lot faster, there were some subtle changes made to the contours on five of the greens (holes 1, 2, 3, 10 and 12) to create more level surfaces around the hole.

The renovation process also included the bunkers.

“The reason for renovating the bunkers is that it’s part of the long-term plan to get all the bunkers on The Links to have a consistent look, namely that of the sod-wall style,” said Henegan. “Also, some bunkers were removed or relocated to take into account technology and how far players are hitting the ball, so that The Links remains a true challenge.”

A total of 18 bunkers were renovated and firmer sand was placed in all the bunkers to enhance playability. The renovation of the bunkers has ensured greater visibility from the tee boxes, creating a more spectacular visual effect on the golf course.

Other elements in the renovation process included the removal of kikuyu grass on the golf course, the cleaning out of the wetlands which had become overgrown, and re-establishing the original sizes of greens which had succumbed due to a certain degree of creep over the years.

Anton Haakman, Director of Golf at The Links, has expressed his satisfaction with the renovation process.

“Our greens are already up-and-running and will be as quick as the world’s top players have come to expect by the time the Gary Player Invitational tees off here in November.”

Please visit www.fancourt.co.za for more information.

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The Breeders’ Cup and Sentient Jet Announce Details for the 2009 “Sentient Perfect Trip” Award

Courtesy of the Business Wire

Breeders’ Cup Announces Details of 2009 “Sentient Perfect Trip” Award

Winner to Receive Private Flight to Championships

Gary Player to Present Trophy on ESPN

NEW YORK—(BUSINESS WIRE)—The Breeders’ Cup and Sentient Jet, one of the leading private aviation companies in the United States, announced today award details for the second annual “Sentient Perfect Trip” Award for 2009.

This year’s award will be presented to one winner from this season’s North American Breeders’ Cup Challenge Races. Each qualifying race will be featured in Blood-Horse Magazine over the next ten weeks and the winner will be selected by a panel of racing experts.

The Perfect Trip Award winner will have the opportunity to experience their own “perfect trip” through Sentient Jet, with complimentary round-trip private jet travel for six people to the 2009 Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park as well as six VIP tickets for the Championship weekend in the Sentient VIP Hospitality Area. The winner will be notified the week of October 19th and golfing legend Gary Player will award the winner the Perfect Trip trophy on ESPN during the Breeders’ Cup World Championship telecast.

“The ‘Sentient Perfect Trip’ Award represents the best of the best of North American racing,” said Greg Avioli, president and CEO of Breeders’ Cup Ltd. “Given the level of talent in these Challenge races, determining the single best ‘trip’ will be no easy task for our panel of experts. I am especially excited to have golf legend Gary Player presenting this year’s trophy at our Championships. Sentient continues to be a great partner of the Breeders’ Cup and the entire Thoroughbred industry.”

“At Sentient, we believe that creating the perfect trip for our clients in the air requires the same passion for details that it takes to create the perfect trip on the track,” said Steven Hankin, Sentient’s CEO. “It is a great honor for us to be able to recognize the best of this year’s Challenge race winners, and we are pleased to be able to offer the winning owner the opportunity to take their own perfect trip through Sentient to this year’s Breeders’ Cup World Championships.”

About Breeders’ Cup

The Breeders’ Cup administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing’s year-end Championships consisting of 14 races and $25.5 million in purses, which makes it the richest event in sports. At last year’s Breeders’ Cup, more than $100 million in winning wagers were returned to fans at betting locations around the globe. The Breeders’ Cup also administers the Breeders’ Cup Challenge qualifying series, and the Breeders’ Cup Stakes Program. Breeders’ Cup has offices in Lexington, Ky., and in New York City. Breeders’ Cup press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup Web site, http://www.breederscup.com. You may follow the Breeders’ Cup on Twitter at http://twitter.com/BreedersCup.

About Sentient Jet

Sentient Jet offers the Membership and Membership Plus cards which provide industry-leading flexibility and value for private jet travel. Since 1999, Sentient Members have enjoyed guaranteed availability with as little as ten hours with fixed hourly rates that are well below national competitors. Sentient’s extensive network of certified operators ensure that Members will always have access to the executive aircraft that meet Sentient’s rigorous standards for safety and quality. With Membership, clients choose from four size categories by trip and funds on deposit never expire and are refundable at any time. With Membership Plus, for a two-year commitment clients are able to choose from three specific jet models as well as the same four size categories by trip, and receive 10% off standard rates for category bookings. Both Membership and Membership Plus programs offer protection from the risk of depreciating assets associated with fractional jet ownership in today’s market.

For on-demand, individual itineraries, Sentient Charter is built off the company’s superb reputation for service and includes expertise in complex road shows, international travel, and large group commercial charter. Sentient Jet also includes the national fuel purchasing and management program, AvBuy.

Contacts

For Sentient Jet
Anton Nicholas, 917-679-8622
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Breeders’ Cup Ltd.
Jim Gluckson, 212-230-9512
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Conover Tuttle Pace
Jason Howarth, 617-412-4000
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Click here for the original article.

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Gary Player’s Abu Dhabi Golf Course Fully Grassed and Preparing for Grand Opening

Described by Gary Player as the course that will “set new standards for the Middle East region”, the UAE’s first beachfront course is now fully grassed and on track for completion at the end of year, just in time for the European PGA Tour’s Middle East Swing in January 2010.

Final enhancements are being made to this extraordinary golf experience with the highest of expectations.

With six golf holes playing alongside the beautiful white sands of the Persian Gulf and eight others offering stunning views of the incredible turquoise water, we anticipate this golf venue to take its place amongst the top in the region, if not the world.

When describing the course, Gary Player Design’s Senior Designer Jeff Lawrence states, ‘Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is truly a stunning golf course that will no doubt provide a memorable golf experience. Mr. Player loves contrasts, and we achieved such a dramatic color transition between the vibrant green fairways, native dunes vegetation, and the white bunker sand. The essence of the golf course has always been to create a clean, neat and straight forward ‘look’ that emphasizes the crystal blue waters of the Persian Gulf while developing creative and interesting design characteristics.  We can’t wait to get player feedback after the golf course opens later this year.’

For more information on the course and Saadiyat Island, click the links below to view recent articles in Emirates Business and Gulf News:

The Saadiyat sanctuary

UAE’s first beachfront golf course fully grassed

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Laureus – Breaking The Cycle of Violence

Clad in biking shorts and shirts, Gary Player, Daley Thompson Boris Becker, Hugo Porta and Steve Waugh cycled to 10 Downing Street to meet with Prime Minister Gordon Brown.  These Laureus Academy members and sporting legends submitted a report highlighting solutions sport can provide to the growing problems of gun and knife crime in England. 

The event marked the culmination of Daley Thompson’s seven day, 367-mile cycle ride against gun and knife violence, an increasingly troubling problem in England.  Gary Player, Boris Becker, Hugo Porta and Steve Waugh were all enthusiastic about lending their help to the endeavor and joined Thompson for the last few miles of his bike ride.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: “While we are making real progress with the ‘Tackling Knives Action Programme’, it is vital that we continue to do our utmost to combat violent crime which has such a devastating effect on people’s lives…”

The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation is a universal movement that celebrates the power of sport to bring people together as a force for good.  Player, Daley, Becker, Porta, Waugh and all of the Laureus Academy members are acutely aware of the challenges facing today’s children and are striving to use their notoriety and stellar reputations to promote sport as a tool for social change.

You can find the full report about Breaking the Cycle of Violence here.

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Jumping in Line with Ever-Changing Technology

Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Blogs – Really?

“Tweet, tweet, tweet.”  The sounds of the latest technology craze are abuzz throughout the worldwide offices of Black Knight International – we are moving full steam ahead with incorporating Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and blogging into our overall corporate communications strategy.

You may be asking yourself what can a golf course design and real estate company possibly do with Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube?  We asked ourselves the same question and after some discussion we realized that Twitter, for example, would allow us to communicate short, but important bits of information quickly and unobtrusively to our clients.  Also, for those of us who have spent any time with Gary Player know that the man is truly entertaining so why not share his wittiness and penchant for saying whatever happens to be on his mind at the time with our clients and friends?  Stay tuned for what we all hope are some really funny stories and anecdotes from the World’s Most Traveled Athlete™.

On YouTube you can now find videos of Gary’s best known moments.  Clips range from great shots and tournament wins to some of his most memorable quotes caught on tape – anyone remember the great quote from his final press conference at this year’s Masters?  “I stood on the tee last year when I was waiting to play and there was a bit of a hold up, and I thought, damn it all, most of my friends at 72 are dead and I’m playing at the Masters? Most guys at my age, 73, have not seen their knees, never mind their private parts, for seven years.”  You can search for Gary’s video clips by clicking on the GaryPlayerGroup channel, or searching for Gary Player on YouTube.

On a slightly more serious note The Player Foundation will soon launch its own Facebook page to help raise awareness of the foundation and its mission to help underprivileged children across the globe.  The foundation is one of Gary Player’s true passions and we as a company take our role in raising funds very seriously.  We hope that Facebook will help drive new donations and continue to help The Player Foundation provide assistance to those children most in need.

Finally, Marc Player has entered the world of blogging.  We all know that Marc can tell a story with the best of them and more times than not make you laugh out loud.  So we decided to give him a regular forum to comment about the world of golf, the goings on within Black Knight International, the greatness of rugby as compared to football (not soccer - real football), why wearing all black makes one look so sharp and whatever else happens to cross his mind.  You will be able to read his thoughts and opinions and even post your own comments – anonymously for those who may, ahem, desire to remain nameless.  You can find his blog at marcplayersblog.blogspot.com.

We hope that our new endeavors prove useful to you, our clients and friends, and we welcome your comments and feedback. 

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The First Ever Gary Player Golf Hotel

The Grove Club in Hertfordshire, England offered a luxurious setting last month for the launch of The Marquis Estate in St. Lucia,  the first-ever Gary Player Golf Hotel.  PLAYER Real Estate, Harlequin Hotels and Resorts and their new partner West Paces Hotel Group have set out to design a stunning 5-star resort that will set the standard for luxury in the Caribbean. 

This boutique hotel, currently in the design stages and slated to open in 2011, will include 100 guest suites and luxurious private residential villas adjacent to an awe inspiring Gary Player Signature golf course.  The architecture and interior design will reflect the casual elegance of the PLAYER Infused with Africa award winning style while keeping with the indigenous flavor of the Caribbean Islands.

Gary Player Golf Hotel Suites will range in size from 500 to 900 square feet and will be opulent and plush, providing every modern luxury.  Dark wood, silks, leathers and soft natural lighting will create richly sensual, tactile interiors.  The mood will be one of a contemporary elegance and deep comfort with an atmosphere of effortless sophistication and immediate relaxation.

When you are finally able to drag yourself away from the hotel sanctuary, simply follow the river down through the valley at the Marquis Estate and you’ll end up on the pristine beach of The Marquis Bay, said to be one of the most breathtaking beaches on the island.  Also, commanding fabulous panoramic views over the course to the Caribbean Sea, will be an elegant clubhouse equipped with every modern convenience. 

Outside of the Marquis Estate, St. Lucia and its cultural treasures are a fascinating combination of its rich past and traditions.  The island’s people have earned a well-deserved reputation for their warmth and charm, and on the weekends the small fishing villages that dot the coastline offer a great party atmosphere serving fresh home cooked fish and loads of Piton Beer, a local brew that rivals the best lagers in the Caribbean.  St. Lucia itself is sprinkled with fortresses, small villages and open-air markets.  Its steep coastlines and spectacular reefs offer unparalleled snorkeling and scuba diving and not to be missed is St. Lucia’s Soufriere volcano, the world’s only drive-in volcanic crater.  If exercise is on your agenda then grab a guide – they are cheap and plentiful – and venture into the rainforest preserves located in mountainous interior of the island.  There you will find some of the finest hiking and bird watching in all of the Caribbean. 

Additional information about The Marquis Estate can be found at www.themarquisestate.com

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Audi Joins 2009 Gary Player Invitational as Official Vehicle Sponsor

CAPE TOWN, 10 August 2009 - Black Knight International is delighted to welcome Audi South Africa as the Official Vehicle sponsor for the 2009 Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola, hosted by The Links, Fancourt, from November 26-29, 2009.

Audi has embraced a new partnership by way of coming on board as a sponsor of South Africa’s premier charity golf tournament. The GPI SA also incorporates other leading companies: Coca-Cola, SAP, Rolex, Brandhouse, UPS and Callaway.

Joining the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola is a natural progression for Audi South Africa, having previously partnered with the South African Open, the Alfred Dunhill Championship and acted as host of the annual Audi quattro Cup.

Ryan Searle, General Manager of Audi Sales and Marketing, said: “Audi South Africa has had a presence on the golfing circuit internationally for many years and we are delighted to be associated with this unique and exciting opportunity to demonstrate our unrivaled performance and reliability.

“With a field of exciting world-class players, premier sponsors and an end goal to raise money and awareness for the less fortunate, the Gary Player Invitational series continue to raise the bar for charity around the world. It is exciting to be involved again with such a prestigious event and we’re looking forward to playing our part in its success.

“We are delighted to welcome Audi of South Africa back on board as a valuable addition to our family of sponsors and partners of the Gary Player Invitational series,” said Marc Player, CEO of Black Knight International.

“We congratulate Audi and our other sponsors for the manner in which they embrace the Gary Player Invitational. Their support and commitment to the tournament will ensure the event continues to go from strength to strength.”

“In time, we hope that their commitment to South Africa’s premier charity event might soon extend to include the entire international series.”

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Gary Player Invitational 2009 Global Series of Events Tees off with Great Success in Scotland

CAPE TOWN, 4 August 2009 - The 2009 Gary Player Invitational series (GPI), hosted by the legendary Gary Player, teed off with great success in Scotland last month and has already made a significant impact for charity.

The European leg of this premier charity series, which will visit South Africa in November, raised in excess of £175 000 (R2.2-million) for The Player Foundation.

Established in 1983, The Player Foundation - aimed at improving educational standards and helping children from impoverished communities plagued by disease and crime - has raised more than US $30million.

The European tournament was moved from its home at Wentworth to the Archerfield Links, adjacent to Muirfield in Scotland where Player won his first Major, the Open, in 1959.

The winner of nine Majors and one of only five men ever to secure the career Grand Slam hosted the pro-celebrity event at Archerfield Links on Tuesday, 6 July, followed by a gala dinner in Archerfield House. In keeping with the format of the four-event series, a number of celebrities including rugby greats Gavin Hastings, Ally Hogg and Phil Godman played alongside invited guests.

As always, the Black Knight was on hand to offer tips and advice to the competitors as they made their way around the Dirleton course. Martin Bayfield, the former England rugby international and strong supporter of The Player Foundation and GPI series Europe, led proceedings at the gala auction dinner hosted by Player.

Commenting on the amount of money raised, Marc Player, CEO of Black Knight International said, “With so many charities struggling today, we are grateful for those who supported this GPI event and helped us to raise significant funds to benefit those children who are less fortunate.”

In early November, the 2009 GPI series moves to Shanghai, China, for the GPI China, followed by the United States leg in California, and concluding with the 10th anniversary of South Africa’s premier charity golf event at Fancourt in George from November 26th to 29th.

“I came from an underprivileged background myself and had to work my way out of poverty,” said Player. “If the foundation can give kids the chance to make a better future for themselves, everything I have achieved in golf will be more worthwhile.”

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Archerfield Links Brings High Marks for GPI

By Lewine Mair

Gary Player and his wife, Vivienne, felt shivers down their spine when they arrived in Scotland for the recent Gary Player Invitational at Archerfield.  The shivers had nothing to do with the colder climbs but to the thrill of being back in the so-called Home of Golf. “The Scots are so knowledgeable and so friendly,” said the South African.

Player held this year’s GPI tournament at Archerfield by way of celebrating the 50th anniversary of his Open championship win at the adjacent Muirfield. On 6 July, he played over Muirfield itself just after a press breakfast where he was called upon to talk about everything under the golfing sun.

With reference to the1959 Open, which he won at the tender age of 23, Player remembered believing from the start he could come out on top, after all, he was playing well and was fully fit.

By then, as he explained to the journalists, he had a regular fitness routine in place for six years whilst all the time adhering to a sensible diet. The three-time Open champ made cheerful reference to how his fellow professionals would scoff at the way he went about his business but, in true Player style, he refused to let even the most mischievous of comments get to him. “Like Tiger,” he said, “I did things differently. I did everything I could to make the best of myself.”

As one would expect, the conversation at the breakfast party eventually turned to who was the greatest player in the history of the game. Player stated Hogan was the finest striker he ever saw, before going on to question how much more the great man would have won had he not been involved in a near-fatal car crash in 1949 and missed out on a series of majors during the war years.

Player also set the writers thinking on the subject of Jack Nicklaus versus Tiger Woods. If Jack had known what Tiger was going to accomplish, was it not possible he would have added a few majors to his 18-strong haul just to make it more difficult for the younger man to catch him?

At noon on 7 July a shot-gun start began the day at Archerfield for the latest in a regular series of Gary Player pro-ams, which have raised over $30 million for underprivileged children around the world.  Player, who was revelling in the panoply of colours across the summer links, played the short seventh with each group in turn. When it came to Lynn Kenny, a professional on the Women’s European Tour, he offered a spot of advice which was maybe not the best news from her male playing companions’ point of view: Where previously, they had been edging past Kenny off the tee, they thereafter had to watch her drives finish out in front - with all hitting from the same tee boxes. “Gary,” explained Kenny, “got me to make a more emphatic turn through the ball.”

After the match all were back on a level playing field for a gala evening replete with all the Scottish trimmings:  haggis, bagpipes, and traditional plaid kilts.  Whilst the links outside were flanked with pines, the banquet room was flanked by participants pining over trips to South Africa, The Open Championship and other exciting experiences.  This rousing auction was led by English rugby union footballer, Martin Bayfield, who spurred the bowmen of the evening to fill The Player Foundation quiver with well over $175,000 for children’s charities. 

Next stop on the GPI world tour:  China, followed by the USA and wrapping up with Player’s home of South Africa. 

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