Player's charity raises over R2 million for local school in star-studded event

Nine-time Major champion Gary Player raised over R2.5 million with the help of Sunshine Tour professionals, sports stars, business leaders and friends at the 2024 Gary and Vivienne Player Invitational in Sun City.

The pro-am event was held at the famed Gary Player Country Club, three weeks before the prestigious Nedbank Golf Challenge set from 5-8 December.

All proceeds raised from the two-day tournament will go towards the Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School.

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The Blair Atholl pre-primary school is situated in the Lanseria area, northwest of Johannesburg, and was opened by the Players in 1990.

The pre-primary school provides education to the children of local farmworkers and has now grown to educate 125 children between the ages of three and six.

During the two-day event in Sun City, former sports stars came out in force to support Player, including the likes of Springbok captain Francois Pienaar, Steven Kitshof, Herschelle Gibbs, Shaun Bartlett and Sir Kenny Dalglish.

The 89-year-old Player showed that age is nothing but a number as the still-active legend played in his charity tournament with Sunshine Tour duo Robin Williams and Samuel Simpson.

"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