George, South Africa

Springbok Rugby Player Victor Matfield Tackles The Links at this year’s Gary Player Invitational

Springbok lock Victor Matfield is still revelling in his first victory over England at Twickenham, and will enjoy a few other firsts when he tees it up in the Gary Player Invitational, presented by Coca-Cola, at Fancourt this week.

“I’ve never met Gary Player before, so I’m really looking forward to that. He’s done so much for South Africa,” Matfield said on Wednesday as he prepares to join a host of celebrities and professionals in his first Gary Player Invitational at The Links this weekend.

“It’s nice to get away a bit and do something which I really enjoy – playing golf,” said the nine handicap who only a few days ago was celebrating a record 42-6 victory by South Africa over England at Twickenham.

“Schalk Burger and I were talking about it in the changeroom after that game, and we both agreed that it was in our top three alongside the World Cup win and the victory over the All Blacks in Dunedin. It was my first victory over England at Twickenham, which made it really special,” said Matfield, who’ll be looking to continue that winning form in this pro-celebrity charity tournament.

His current form on the golf course suggests nothing else. Matfield recorded his most memorable round of 74 at the Black Knight’s Blair Atholl Golf Estate shortly before the Springboks left for their end-of-season tour to the United Kingdom.

“I’m very proud of that round. Hopefully that kind of form continues on The Links,” said Matfield, who stays on the Silver Lakes Golf Estate in Pretoria and has a regular weekly fourball with his Bulls teammates Danie Rossouw, Pedrie Wannenburg and Fourie du Preez.

“I think it’s probably the most challenging golf course in South Africa. I’ve played it twice and I’ve struggled to break 90, so hopefully I can produce something better this week.”

Matfield will be joined in the field by other sports celebrities such as Shaun Pollock, who plays off a one handicap, Corrie Sanders (5), Lucas Radebe, Roland Schoeman (16), and Kenny Dalglish (5).

Amongst the professionals, Costantino Rocca is the latest to be included in a field headlined by double US Open champion Retief Goosen.

The 36-hole tournament tees off at The Links on Saturday, and is aimed at raising funds for underprivileged children, with a specific focus on childhood obesity.

For additional information contact:

Lali Stander
Media Manager
Gary Player Invitational
Tel: +27 82 990 7150
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)




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