Sporting greats grateful for chance to support Gary Player Invitational

 SUN CITY – As some of the world’s great golfers and sportsmen arrived at the Lost City Golf Club for this weekend’s Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola, there was a feeling of gratitude amongst them for being given the opportunity to be part of the spirit of Golf and Giving that is the hallmark of this event.

“To have the opportunity to help Mr Player is a fantastic feeling,” said former England and Manchester United football star Andy Cole as he makes his debut in this tournament.

“What a privilege to be here,” added former Springbok captain John Smit, who is making his debut in the South African leg of this global charity series.

Smit understands better than most what former South African President Nelson Mandela meant when he said sport can change the world as he led the Springboks during a momentous era in the country’s history, and he said Player’s similar vision is equally inspiring.

“Much like Nelson Mandela, when Gary Player asks you to help you don’t say no. People thank you for being here but we are the ones who are grateful to be here to be able to help those who don’t have as much as we do.”

Michael Campbell, winner of the 2005 US Open, was equally appreciative of the opportunity to contribute to The Player Foundation’s goal of raising $100 million for charity, including this week’s two South African beneficiaries in Wings and Wishes and Wildlands.

“Gary has given us so much in terms of the game of golf. He’s been such a great ambassador for the game, so when he invited me to this tournament I felt it was an opportunity to give him something in return.

“I have this philosophy that you’re born with two hands – one to receive and one to give back. This is the opportunity for us to give back, and to children who need it. I feel very honoured to be able to do that.”

European Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke echoed these sentiments and said he stood in awe of what the global Gary Player Invitational series has done for charity over the years.

“We’re all here to help Gary raise money for underprivileged children and some of the figures I read today are astronomical. He’s raised $64 million thus far and wants to get to $100 million by 2025, so if we can go a little way towards helping him get a bit more of that this week, then that’s why we’re all here. 

Player’s infectious enthusiasm for people and contributing to society made such an impact on South African LPGA Tour star Paula Reto while she was at the Olympic Games with the Grand Slam champion that it’s become a theme for her own career.

“This is really exciting for me. I met Gary Player for the first time at the Olympics, and just to see how much he gives back has inspired me to want to do the same.”

The draw was also announced for the 36-hole team tournament on Saturday and Sunday, with a “captain’s pairing” of Clarke and Smit amongst the highlights, while host Player will have Cole in his fourball.

Photo: (From left to right) Michael Campbell, Paula Reto, Andy Cole, Gary Player, Darren Clarke and John Smit at the official press conference of the 2016 Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola at The Lost City Golf Club. Credit: Gallo Images.

Draw for the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola

Team 1 – 9:00: Paula Reto, Butch James, Daniel Gavagnin, Phil Grindrod

Team 2 – 9:08: Haydn Porteous, Roland Schoeman, Marco Saviozzi, Laurent Girouille

Team 3 – 9:16: Michael Campbell, Jimmy Tau, Stefanie Zinser, Steve Elford

Team 4 – 9:32: Celine Herbin, Brian McFadden, Doug Jackson, Daryl Bernhart

Team 5 – 9:40: Darren Clarke, John Smit, Gideon du Plessis, David Woollan

Team 6 – 9:48: Gary Player, Andy Cole, Kelvin Balogun, Anthony Leeming

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