See All Sites

Saadiyat Beach Classic Hosted By Gary Player Raises Dh 2 Million To Help Children

Jan 28, 2011 | Filed Under: General NewsThe Player FoundationEvents & Tournaments   Share

The second annual Saadiyat Beach Classic hosted by Gary Player was a resounding success raising just under Dh 2 million ($ 545,000) for children in need and besting last year’s total of Dh 1.2 million ($327,000).  The monies raised go directly to the Emirates Autism Centre, Ability Center for Special Needs, and The Player Foundation. 

The 2011 event drew a fantastic field of professional golfers from both the Men’s and Woman’s tours, celebrities and sports stars.  Ryder Cup winning Vice Captain Thomas Bjorn lead his team to victory besting PGA Champion Henrick Stenson’s squad by one stroke, with tournament host Gary Player’s team finishing third. World number 9 Paul Casey, world number 12 Ian Poulter, Italian sensation Matteo Manessero, winning Ryder Cup Captain Colin Montgomerie and European ladies tour stars Henrietta Zuel and Carly Booth rounded out the field of professionals and rugby legends Victor Matfield, Gavin Hastings, ZinZan Brooke and former Manchester United star Dwight Yorke also competed. 

Gary Player said: “It’s an absolute joy to be back in Abu Dhabi for an event and golf course that is so close to my heart. Without a doubt the true spirit of golf and those values of sporting friendship which make golf such a special game are on show today as familiar faces from around the world enjoy yet another memorable occasion.
“Regardless of the scores on such a picture perfect golfing day, we are all reminded that we are the fortunate ones in life. The real winners are the worthy causes and the children who will benefit from the funds raised.” 

‘“What a special event and what a special day - this really brings out the best in golf and people. The combination of a stunning golf course in perfect condition, beautiful weather and three very worthy causes at the heart of the event, certainly help us raise our games to the challenge. Hopefully we can come back next year as a team and defend our title and raise more money for charity!’ added Thomas Bjorn.

Hosted by Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), the master developer of tourism, cultural, and residential destinations in Abu Dhabi, and Gary Player, the tournament featured eighteen teams comprised of one professional golfer and three celebrities.  There were a lot of laughs, but when it came to crunch time the teams buckled down and played some excellent golf. 
Mubarak Al Muhairi, Managing Director, TDIC, commented:
“It is a joy to see some of the world’s best players fight it out alongside local players at the Saadiyat Beach Classic, now a prestigious occasion in Abu Dhabi’s sporting and social calendar. This year’s event follows on the fantastic success of last year and so we look forward to raising even more funds for this year’s selected charities: Emirates Autism Centre and Ability Center for Special Needs, as well as The Player Foundation.”
The key aim of the tournament is to make a real difference to the lives of many children, whilst at the same time offering golfers and spectators the unique opportunity to rub shoulders with icons of sport and entertainment.  Following the day of golfing action, all players enjoyed a charity gala dinner at the stunning Emirates Palace entertained by a range of local and international entertainment, plus live and silent auctions to raise much needed funds to ensure that children in Abu Dhabi and around the world benefit directly.
 
Some of the luxury items auctioned include a Saadiyat Beach Golf Club Annual Passport for 2011, three specially commissioned art pieces including a piece by Rokni Haerizadeh, a couture dress made to measure by esteemed designer, Rami Al Ali, a Tiger Woods autographed personal Nike driver, a Phillippe Tournaire ‘Palace’ ring with diamonds, as well as a unique South African experience by the Gary Player Group.
“2011 was better than 2010 and 2012 will be better than 2011.  I can’t wait to come back next year.” Said Gary Player.

« Back