Gary Player’s golf family unites to give underprivileged children hope

The Gary and Vivienne Player Invitational celebrated another memorable edition of golf, charity and friendship as over R2.5 million was raised for the Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School upon conclusion of the tournament at the Gary Player Country Club on Sunday.

Even more is still expected to be raised through various auction items as South Africa’s sports stars and celebrities, the Sunshine Tour’s professional golfers, and business leaders all came together to help ensure a sustainable future for the school for underprivileged children which was founded by Gary and Vivienne Player.

“At my age, the only word I have is gratitude,” said Player.

“The people we have had here, and how they have opened their hearts for our Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School, is just incredible. Vivienne loved that school so much and it was her last words to me that we do our best to keep supporting its future.

“There are so many people in South Africa who need hope for a better future. This weekend, our family in golf came together to ensure that the children of our Blair Atholl school do indeed have a brighter future they can look forward to.”

The two-day tournament was decided over 31 holes after a heavy thunderstorm on Sunday, with the team of Sunshine Tour professional Martin Rohwer, former Bafana Bafana star Mark Williams and the father-and-son duo of Darryl and Daniel Egdes declared the 2024 champions on 160 points.

“I’m extremely proud of our team,” said Rohwer. “It was my debut in this tournament and it was amazing. We had a lot of fun. It’s great for us as Sunshine Tour professionals to be part of this and enjoy these two days while supporting such a great cause.”

Williams was delighted to accept his unique baobab trophy as a champion. “I always thought our team had the potential to win. Playing with Darryl and his son Daniel was brilliant, and Martin brought the professionalism for us. It was a great team effort.”

“Martin was a proper professional to all of us. He helped us every step of the way and we just had a very good time out there,” added Darryl Egdes.

“It was just a privilege to spend a weekend playing with this group. We had a lot of laughs out there. It was fantastic to be here and support Mr Player,” said Daniel Egdes.