George, South Africa

Stars Arrive at Fancourt Links for 10th Gary Player Invitational

The stars of this week’s 10th anniversary of the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola all arrived at The Links at Fancourt on Thursday, with the Grand Slam winner leading double US Open champion Retief Goosen and two of golf’s most exciting young female professionals in the official practice round.

As the host of an international charity series that has raised over R250-million over the past decade, Player was first off on the course he designed, and which has recently undergone several changes to the greens and bunkers under his guidance.

German LPGA Tour sensation Sandra Gal and British star Henrietta Zuel joined British television celebrity Sarah Stirk in a glamorous threeball thereafter. All three are making their debuts in this prestigious event, and were overawed to be in the field.

“I’m very excited and honoured to be here and am looking forward to every minute of it,” said Gal, who enjoyed a solid rookie season on the LPGA Tour in 2008 and then broke into the top 50 on the rankings this year.

“My game has progressed a lot since last year. I had a very nice season and was in contention a few times this year. So I’m happy with my game. And I love links golf. It’s just a whole different way of playing the game, and I love it.”

The long-legged player has yet to claim a victory as a professional, and was astounded at Player’s record of 163 tournament wins worldwide.

“I just cannot believe it. He’s an absolute legend. And all the work he does with various charities is amazing. I’m very honoured to be here and talk to him, and maybe get a few tips from him.”

Both Zuel and Stirk are understandably wary of a Links course which has tested some of the biggest names in world golf.

“I’ve heard a lot about how tough it is. I’m really looking forward to seeing it and figuring out a plan for this week,” said Zuel. And Stirk added, “I’ve heard it’s pretty long and very difficult. I haven’t been playing a huge amount recently, so I’m a little bit nervous. But I’m off the ladies tees on some of the holes, so that’s always a help.”

John Bland and Vincent Tshabalala, two of the leading senior professionals in the field, also took advantage of the blue skies and gentle breeze to get in a practice round on Thursday.

“This tournament is always a wonderful experience,” said Bland, who is making his eighth appearance in this event. “As golfers we are here to support Gary (Player) and see what we can do for charity, which is a very big part of professional golf. And my own game is pretty good at the moment. I’ve had a nice break and am looking forward to playing this week. Hopefully I can get one of the young, regular tour professionals as my partner and ride him all week.”

Tshabalala is another veteran of this event, playing here for the seventh time and having twice been crowned champion.

“I have practised incredibly hard for this tournament. I’ve won it twice, and now I want to get that third win. I’m ready for it and I’m going to give it my best. But it’s just very exciting to be part of this. Gary has done a lot for so many people. He’s touched and changed so many lives, and given so many children new hope.”

The official pro-am tees off on Friday, with the tournament taking place over two rounds on the weekend.

The 32 participants will combine in eight fourballs consisting of a senior professional, a professional, a celebrity and a businessman. The teams will compete over 36 holes in a Fourball Alliance with two scores to count in the charity pro-am event while the two professionals in each group will also compete in a separate Betterball Medal competition for first prize of R250,000.




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