This is the final leg of the 2016 Gary Player Invitational charity golf series, which plays a major role in the Grand Slam champion’s quest to raise $100-million for charity.
Both Cole and Campbell will make their Gary Player Invitational debut, which has expanded to six tournaments worldwide, all raising funds for The Player Foundation’s various charitable projects supporting underprivileged children.
“I’m really excited and feel privileged to be taking part in the Gary Player Invitational tournament. I’m also looking forward to spending more time in beautiful South Africa,” says Cole.
The two stars will be joined by South African Olympic golfer, Paula Reto, and European Tour winner, Haydn Porteous, who are part of the first wave of participants named for the tournament.
“I’m so pleased that Andy and Michael will be joining us for the first time, and would also like to welcome two of our brightest young South African stars, Paula and Haydn,” says tournament host, Gary Player. “The fact that they have taken time out of their busy schedules to contribute to our goal, is very humbling.”
Cole’s football career includes playing for Arsenal, Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers, and Manchester City, and Manchester United. He also made 15 appearances for England’s international team.
Campbell won the 2005 US Open in a career which featured 15 professional titles, and also included the 2005 HSBC World Match Play Championship.
Porteous claimed his first European Tour title at the 2016 Joburg Open, while Reto heads to Sun City as a LPGA Tour campaigner, as well as one of South Africa’s first Olympic golfers under the captaincy of the ‘Black Knight’.
As golf’s global ambassador, Player has set the target of raising $100-million for children’s charities through The Player Foundation, supported the series of tournaments in the United States, United Kingdom, China, Japan, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. The foundation has already raised more than $62-million, and Player believes the goal of $100-million will be reached.
“We have so many people around the world who are seeing what we are doing for charity and want to support us with donations to help us reach our target,” Player says. “We have golf stars, businessmen, athletes, and movie stars all supporting our cause. As a result, we’ve been able to help so many children in need.”
The Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola, has helped The Player Foundation raise more than R800-million across the world in an effort to help sustain the charities. All proceeds raised from the event will go to various selected charity beneficiaries, including Wings and Wishes and Wildlands.