Although 2010 was a tough economic year, the spirit of helping needy children did not diminish for Gary Player. The Player Foundation raised over $22.5 million to help thousands of children across the world build a better future through the Gary Player International global series and many other charity golf tournaments.
The Yunnan Aids Foundation, St. Jude Research Hospital, American Horse Trials Foundation, Give to Colombia, ASLA EDSA Minority Scholarship Award, AJGA Bob Miller, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Portland, Oregon, were among this year's recipients of funds. In addition, over $1 million was raised in Abu Dhabi at the Saadiyat Beach Classic hosted by Gary Player, known as the "Black Knight."
Gary Player Makes a Difference Globally
Another initiative by SAP customer Callaway Golf, one of Mr. Player's long-time corporate partners, helps the CordeValle Youth Foundation. Established in 2004 by Dr. Hasso Plattner, founder of SAP, and Alan Campey, executive at CoredeValle, a Rosewood Resort, the foundation is dedicated to expanding access to golf to children of all income levels by supporting youth golf programs throughout Santa Clara County, California.
One of Golf's Greatest Players of All Time
A legend in his own time – Gary Player recently won another tournament in 2010 – with victories totaling 165 to date, including 9 majors. These impressive statistics shine aside his winning the U.S. Open as the first non-American title winner in 1965. And he completed the Grand Slam of majors – only the third player in history to achieve the feat at the time.
Renowned as much for his dedication to the principles of excellence as for his golfing accomplishments, Player is recognized as an uncompromising perfectionist. His impeccable values, stringent regimen of health and fitness, and insistence on quality have earned him admiration internationally for decades.
Beyond his golfing legacy, the Black Knight's numerous business interests led his corporation to turn to SAP for a software solution when Gary Player Enterprises wanted to streamline business processes. Now Player's company's golf course design, foundation, real estate, merchandise portal, and other business divisions are integrated and accessible around the world – with offices in Palm Beach, London, Shanghai, Johannesburg, and Abu Dhabi.
Gary Player's commitment to excellence, perfection, and sustainability are the same values that SAP upholds in helping companies run better with proven best practices software solutions and best practices.