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

Gary Player Invitational 2009 Global Series of Events Tees off with Great Success in Scotland

CAPE TOWN, 4 August 2009 - The 2009 Gary Player Invitational series (GPI), hosted by the legendary Gary Player, teed off with great success in Scotland last month and has already made a significant impact for charity.

The European leg of this premier charity series, which will visit South Africa in November, raised in excess of £175 000 (R2.2-million) for The Player Foundation.

Established in 1983, The Player Foundation - aimed at improving educational standards and helping children from impoverished communities plagued by disease and crime - has raised more than US $30million.

The European tournament was moved from its home at Wentworth to the Archerfield Links, adjacent to Muirfield in Scotland where Player won his first Major, the Open, in 1959.

The winner of nine Majors and one of only five men ever to secure the career Grand Slam hosted the pro-celebrity event at Archerfield Links on Tuesday, 6 July, followed by a gala dinner in Archerfield House. In keeping with the format of the four-event series, a number of celebrities including rugby greats Gavin Hastings, Ally Hogg and Phil Godman played alongside invited guests.

As always, the Black Knight was on hand to offer tips and advice to the competitors as they made their way around the Dirleton course. Martin Bayfield, the former England rugby international and strong supporter of The Player Foundation and GPI series Europe, led proceedings at the gala auction dinner hosted by Player.

Commenting on the amount of money raised, Marc Player, CEO of Black Knight International said, “With so many charities struggling today, we are grateful for those who supported this GPI event and helped us to raise significant funds to benefit those children who are less fortunate.”

In early November, the 2009 GPI series moves to Shanghai, China, for the GPI China, followed by the United States leg in California, and concluding with the 10th anniversary of South Africa’s premier charity golf event at Fancourt in George from November 26th to 29th.

“I came from an underprivileged background myself and had to work my way out of poverty,” said Player. “If the foundation can give kids the chance to make a better future for themselves, everything I have achieved in golf will be more worthwhile.”