Black Knight International Presents a Union of Golf and Giving: China 2011

Two Weeks, Two Events, 20 Million For Charity

In the span of two short weeks the Gary Player Invitational charity golf tournaments in Shanghai, China and Durban, South Africa bucked the global economic downturn, raising nearly R20 million for at-risk children across the globe and pushing the total to R22 million for the 2011 year.

The Gary Player Invitational series, “A Union of Golf and Giving”, began twelve years ago with one event in South Africa benefitting underprivileged children’s education and has since grown to a global series comprising four events on four Continents – USA, Asia, Africa and Europe.  The monies raised through the charity golf tournaments and auctions have helped thousands of children build a better life, and have provided them a chance to obtain the education they need to become successful adults and break away from the poverty, crime and dangers of their upbringing.

“Every year we marvel at the generosity of our sponsors, guests, celebrities and professional golfers who donate their time and money to make these events the great success they have become,” said Marc Player, CEO, Black Knight International.

“My father told me a story a few years ago that sums up what The Player Foundation is really about.  He was walking down the street in Cape Town and heard someone calling his name.  He looked around, but didn’t see anyone until he looked up at an office building where a man was yelling out of the window.  He told my dad that he went to the Blair Atholl School, and because of the education he received he now had a good job and was supporting himself.  This young man was able to escape poverty and become successful and happy.  Stories like this are why The Player Foundation and the GPI series are so important,” he added.

The 2012 GPI Global Series kicks off on April 8th at Champions Retreat in Augusta, Georgia, USA immediately following The Masters.  We hope to see you there.

For more information about The Player Foundation and the Gary Player Invitational global series please click here