Gary Player Invitational raises funds for children's charities

The European leg of the global GPI series, presented by Berenberg, was won by the team of Grant Horsfield, DJ Spoony, Leslie McCormack and Peter Scrivener as some of the biggest names in golf, entertainment and business came together in aid of BerenbergKids and The Player Foundation.

The field also included Irish singing sensations Ronan Keating and Brian McFadden, former England and British Lions rugby star Martin Bayfield, and professional golfers Carly Booth, Tano Goya, Oliver Fisher, Henrietta Zuel, Helen Alfredsson and Brandon Stone.

Supporting children in need

The Player Foundation, currently celebrating its 30th anniversary, has raised over US$50 million towards improving educational standards and helping children from impoverished communities plagued by disease and crime. Continuing the support for children in need, this year's GPI event benefits Demelza Hospice Care for Children, as nominated by the BerenbergKids organisation, to care for over 700 life-limited children and their families.

"I am humbled by this response to our charity drive," said Gary Player. "From my lifetime spent in golf, I have seen how it is the greatest game in terms of its people and their desire to give back to society. Any time we can share some of the success we have had, then we are making a big difference in the world.

"Bringing together friends, businessmen, and our corporate partners to help change the lives of young children makes everything I have achieved in golf more worthwhile."

The GPI series now travels to China and South Africa in its ongoing bid to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged children.

"We are extremely grateful to those who have supported our GPI events over the years," said Marc Player, CEO of Black Knight International. "We have a wonderful family of friends, business partners and sponsors who all contribute significantly to the work of this series and The Player Foundation."

For more information, go to www.garyplayer.com.