Men and women from all sections of the professional golf circuit turned out in force at Wentworth on July 18 to take part in a special charity tournament hosted by Gary Player.
Part of the world leading Gary Player Invitational series, which has helped The Player Foundation raise more than £40m million for charitable causes. This year’s tournament was in support of Depaul, an organisation that helps homeless and vulnerable young people in London. Under the banner of a Union of Golf and Giving, the star-studded Berenberg Gary Player Invitational raised more than £120,000 for charity on the day.
The Pro-Am was staged on the Player-designed Edinburgh Course, with the field included some of the game’s leading stars, including Tom Watson, Danny Willett, Martin Kaymer, Padraig Harrington, Charl Schwartzel, Tom Lehmam, Ian Woosnam, Jason Dufner and Sandy Lyle. The tournament was won by Team Harrington, with the three-time major champion shooting a superb 62, alongside LET player Caroline Martens.
“It is an honour that so many of the game’s great players came together for our union of golf and giving,” said 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 at the Black Knight House in Augusta, 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.