Berenberg Gary Player Invitational Raises Record Funds in New York for Underprivileged Children

Professional Golfers and Business Personalities Help the Black Knight Raise More Than $300,000 for The Player Foundation

(New York, NY) - Black Knight International and title sponsor Berenberg concluded another successful event among top golf professionals and business leaders at the 2017 Berenberg Gary Player Invitational.

The U.S. leg of the global series celebrated the Union of Golf and Giving on October 1-2 at GlenArbor Golf Club in New York. The annual charity event raised more than $300,000 for The Player Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underprivileged children, the betterment of impoverished communities and the expansion of educational opportunities across the globe.

This year’s all-star participant list featured notable golfers including Grand Slam Champion Gary Player; eight-time Major winner Tom Watson; six-time Major winner Lee Trevino; Masters Champions Bernhard Langer, Mark O’Meara, Trevor Immelman, Larry Mize and Mike Weir; Presidents Cup player, Branden Grace; 19-time winner on the LPGA Tour, Cristie Kerr; Other participants included Morgan Pressel, Bill Haas, Jay Haas, Billy Horschel, Tom Lehman, Jeff Sluman, Juli Inkster, Alison Lee, Hunter Mahan, Chris DiMarco, Kristy McPherson, Gerina Piller, Nicole Hage, Mallory Blackwelder, Victoria Elizabeth, Victoria Lovelady, Briana Mao, Ginger Howard, Blair O’Neal and Alexandra O’Laughlin.

The winning team led by Tom Watson and Alison Lee scored 96 points, earning them the Baobab Trophy as champions of the 2017 Berenberg Gary Player Invitational at GlenArbor Golf Club.

To conclude an exciting day on the golf course, participants continued the festivities with a black-tie dinner and gala auction in the evening. The prized piece of the auction was a collection of autographed Masters badges from 1960 to 2017 which sold for $160,000. The funds raised throughout the event pushed The Player Foundation’s total donations to more than $64 million.

“Each year I am humbled by the turnout of this event and the support we receive for The Player Foundation,” said Gary Player. “I am grateful for the kindness of our colleagues and friends who have given their time and generosity to helping us reach our goal of raising $100 million for those in need.”

Hendrik Riehmer, Managing Partner at Berenberg commented, “We are honored to continue our partnership with Gary Player in his efforts to aid underprivileged children around the world. In addition to being a tremendous ambassador for the game of golf, his desire to help improve the livelihood of others is an inspiration to us all.”

Marc Player, CEO of Black Knight International and GPI series founder, added, “We are very appreciative of all of the field participants and the contributions made by our sponsors. They have been key contributors to the success of our philanthropic efforts throughout the world.”

In addition to title sponsor Berenberg, global brands including Porsche, Rolex, SAP and Lavazza also supported the tournament.

This was the third the Gary Player Invitational was staged at GlenArbor Golf Club, set just outside of New York City in Bedford. The Gary Player designed course of nearly 7000 yards course recently underwent bunker renovation, and was in pristine condition to host more than 30 professional golfers. Fall is the perfect time of the year to witness this special course in all its beauty.

The Berenberg Gary Player Invitational, sponsored by Berenberg, the German private and investment bank that was founded in 1590, forms part of the world-leading charity golf event series, which has helped The Player Foundation raise more than $64 million for charities worldwide. The ultimate goal of The Player Foundation is to donate $100 million by 2025 to the support of children’s charities, the betterment of impoverished communities and the expansion of educational opportunities.