Gary Player - The Legend

Player Hosts Worldwide Golf 100th Invitational

Apr 29, 2009 | Filed Under: Events & Tournaments | Comments: 1   

Gary Player was the most popular golfer in the Middle East on April 24th when he hosted the Worldwide Golf 100th Anniversary Issue Invitational presented by ECCO under the Patronage of H.H. Sheikh Saeed bin Mohammed bin Hasher Al Maktoum at Emirates Golf Club, home of the Dubai Desert Classic.

As Executive Editor and Columnist of Worldwide Golf magazine, Player has been involved with the monthly publication since its launch in Dubai in 1999. Today Worldwide Golf is the biggest and most popular golf monthly in the Middle East.

The Black Knight began the proceedings by hosting a brunch organised by the South African Business Council and sponsored by The National newspaper. He responded to the welcome from the UAE Ambassador to South Africa, H.E. Yacoob Abba Omar, with a rousing speech on the subject of South Africa and the importance of having a positive attitude, particularly during this time of recession. “If you come across someone with a smile on his face you are naturally drawn to them – if they haven’t, you tend to avoid them,” he said.

“You should always have the ambition to be the best in the world in whatever you choose to do – even if you don’t achieve your aim. Or you should strive to be the best person you can who can do some good in the world. That was my goal when I started out and I managed to make it.”

The applause had barely died down as Gary Player made his way to the driving range to treat a packed grandstand and others to a clinic that few who attended are likely to forget.  He also involved the youngsters present and encouraged two boys aged no more than five to come and hit a ball with him – which they did in fine style to the applause of the crowd.

From there it was off to the seventh tee for the shotgun start of the Invitational, where Mr Player hit a tee shot with each of the 27 teams of four balls competing as they progressed through 18 holes. In typical manner, he took the time to be pictured with each of the groups, shared a joke or two and spoke of his experiences around the world, offering a little advice on their game and applauding and correcting their golf swing.

It was an example of what a remarkable player he is, that throughout a long and tiring day where he effectively played 27 holes to the competitors’ 18, the Black Knight never missed the green and came within inches of making a hole-in-one.

At the conclusion of the tournament Player headed back to the clubhouse for the Awards Dinner. On behalf of Worldwide Golf His Highness Sheikh Saeed bin Mohammed bin Hasher Al Maktoum made a presentation of a framed Arabian coffee pot to Gary in recognition of his services to golf in the Middle East.  Sheikh Saeed then made a presentation to Abdulla Al Naboodah, recognising his role within the Arab Golf Federation.

Mike Gallemore, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of WSP and Worldwide Golf introduced Gary Player, who had the guests, numbering around 200, enthralled with his values and his experiences.

Mr Player then presented awards to the first three teams, followed by an auction that included a golf & safari trip to the Legend Golf & Safari Resort at Entabeni Safari Conservancy in Waterberg, South Africa.  The prize was sponsored by IFA Hotels & Resorts and included two business-class flights on Emirates Airlines.
Due to the Black Knight, everyone had a wonderful day they will never forget in a friendly and relaxed (and hot!) atmosphere.

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