Gary Player Invitational celebrates 15 years of 'giving golf a heart'

The event, presented by Coca-Cola, concludes the international GPI series which also stages events in the USA, Europe, China, and Abu Dhabi.

Professional golfers are paired with celebrities and business leaders in the event that aims to 'give golf a heart' as it raises money for charities supported by The Player Foundation. The official beneficiaries of the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola are the Wildlands Conservation Trust in partnership with Qhubeka, as well as Wings and Wishes.

To date, the series has raised over R600-million for charity, a core component of what the golfing icon and Grand Slam champion hopes will be one of his greatest legacies.

"I have achieved all and more than I ever dreamt for on the golf course, but I count what The Player Foundation has been able to accomplish with the help of our Gary Player Invitational series as one of the most important and fulfilling achievements of my life," said tournament host and golf icon Gary Player. "I want my epitaph to say, 'Here is a man who was interested in his fellow man, education and health. And he bettered the lives of those less fortunate. Surely that is the greatest legacy a man can leave? I count my blessings that my career has allowed me to do this and that we have had the support of all our generous sponsors to help make this possible."

Women, wellness and water

Coca-Cola remains one of the longest standing supporters of the GPI's drive to improve the lives of the poor and provide a sustainable future for them through a focus on women, wellness and water.

"We are always proud to be associated with the GPI. Coca-Cola has been creating jobs and economic opportunity while bringing people together for good causes and good times - from recycling programs to fitness programs and women's empowerment initiatives. It's in our DNA to make a lasting difference in communities around the world. To ensure we continue to make a positive impact on people, communities and the environment over time, we are embedding sustainability into our business and making it a part of everything we do and the GPI is one platform that allows us to do this," said Therese Gearhart, President of Coca-Cola Southern Africa," said Therese Gearhart, President of Coca-Cola Southern Africa.

For more information on the GPI, visit www.garyplayerinvitational.com or follow @GPInvitational on Twitter.