Legends and major winners have a ball in Gary Player Invitational event
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A host of major champions and some of the biggest names in golf turned out in the latest Gary Player Invitational at Wentworth yesterday.
The likes of Tom Watson, Fred Couples and Tom Lehman all prepared for their tilt at this week’s British Senior Open at Royal Porthcawl by competing in the star-spangled charity event played over the Player-designed Edinburgh course.
And although three-times major winner Padrig Harrington failed to defend his Open title at Royal Birkdale last week, the Dubliner’s team – which included Ladies European Tour star Alex Peters – again came out on top, retaining the GPI team crown with a combined team score of 86 points.
Berenberg, the private and investment bank, and Black Knight International united some of the biggest names in golf, business and entertainment under the banner of ‘Golf & Giving’ to raise more than £126,000 for various children’s charities, including youth homelessness charity, Depaul.
Tournament host Gary Player, said: “I continue to be blown away by the generosity and support of the players and the sponsors and am thrilled by the funds we have been able to raise this year.
“I visited Depaul recently and can testify to the significant difference the money raised during this event makes and the positive impact it continues to have on so many young lives.”
The day culminated in a black-tie dinner and auction, where guests were given the opportunity to bid on a selection of once-in-a-lifetime experiences at events such as The Masters, Wimbledon and The Porsche European Open, as well as a Manchester City Football Club experience.
Entertainment included speed painting done by Dave Sharp, before guests were treated to a performance by an ABBA tribute band.
Dr. Hans-Walter Peters, Managing Partner at Berenberg, commented: “We are proud to be associated with some of golf’s most iconic individuals. It’s an honour for us to support Gary’s charitable activities, which continue to make a tangible difference to the lives of underprivileged children, not only in the UK, but across the world.”
The event is part of the world leading Gary Player Invitational series, which has helped The Player Foundation raise more than $63million for charitable causes.
In addition to the United Kingdom, annual events are staged by Black Knight International in United Arab Emirates, Japan, USA, China and South Africa.
