Men and women of professional golf were brought together by Black Knight International and title sponsor Berenberg, under the banner of a Union of Golf and Giving, for a star-studded event that raised more than $150,000 for charity.
Part of the world leading Gary Player Invitational series, which has helped The Player Foundation raise more than $62 million for charitable causes, the annual event staged on the Gary Player-designed Edinburgh Course at Wentworth Club took place on 17 and 18 July.
The field included some of the game’s most successful players, such as 2016 Masters Champion Danny Willett, Martin Kaymer and Tom Watson. This year’s tournament was in support of Depaul, an organisation that helps homeless and vulnerable young people in London.
The golf tournament was won by Team Harrington, which saw the three-time Major Champion shoot a superb 62, alongside Caroline Martens of the Ladies European Tour.
“It is an honour that so many of the game’s great players came together for our union of golf and giving,” said tournament host Gary Player. “The generosity on display during the gala dinner, alongside the on-going support by our title sponsor Berenberg, continues to amaze me and we feel humbled to have helped such a wonderful and worthwhile cause in Depaul.”
The black-tie gala dinner and auction event included the opportunity for guests to bid on a number of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, such as a Masters Tournament package in Augusta at the Black Knight House, and trips to Wimbledon courtesy of SAP.
The evening also brought together players for the game’s most decorated selfie, featuring 12 Major champions, with 32 Major victories collectively.
Reflecting on the success of the event, Dr. Hans-Walter Peters, Managing Partner at Berenberg, said: “Gary Player is not only a great ambassador for the game of golf and Berenberg but his philanthropic initiatives, such as the GPI series, continue to help improve society as a whole. We continue to be very proud of our association with Gary, this event and to play a part in helping to raise money for our chosen charity, Depaul.”
“I would like to thank all of our sponsors and the professional golfers who continue to support The Player Foundation and the Gary Player Invitational series,” added Marc Player, CEO of Black Knight International and the Gary Player Invitational series founder. “Your on-going efforts ensure we are able to make a real difference to the lives of those less fortunate around the world.”
In addition to the United Kingdom, annual events are staged by Black Knight International in Abu Dhabi, Japan, USA, China and South Africa.
The Player Foundation http://garyplayer.com/foundation