SUN CITY – The power of women to inspire change in society will be showcased as legendary golfer Annika Sorenstam leads a strong group joining the “Golf and Giving” drive in the Gary Player Invitational at Sun City from November 22 to 25.
Sorenstam will be joined at Sun City by Henni Zuël, a former tour professional and now internationally-recognised on-course golf reporter for Sky Sports.
Joanna Klatten, a professional on the LPGA Tour, will also be in the field as a powerhouse of leading women who embody the empowerment drive through this event.
One of the two beneficiaries of the Gary Player Invitational is Wildlands, which supports women in rural communities through its unique waste collection and recycling programme.
For many of these women, this is their only source of income and ability to sustain their families.
Sweden's Annika Sorenstam playing her final match before retiring from professional golf - December 14, 2008. Photo: REUTERS/Steve Crisp
The second beneficiary is Wings & Wishes, in aid of underprivileged children in need of medical care.
“Working with and investing in women is one of the most powerful ways to spur sustainable economic growth and development,” said sponsor's representative Bruno Pietracci.
“Our collaboration with the Gary Player Invitational and its support of Wildlands allows us to further our goal of truly transforming communities by empowering the women within them and giving them a sustainable future.”
It’s a move that certainly resonates with Sorenstam, who was a pioneering athlete in golf and now works through her businesses and ANNIKA Foundation to help empower young girls around the world to pursue their own dreams.
The Gary Player Invitational is the final stop on the annual series of global tournaments played in Abu Dhabi, London, New York and Shanghai, all with the purpose of raising funds to bring hope, help, and healing in those cities and countries.
To date the series has helped to raise more than $64 million (R926m) for the underprivileged worldwide, with The Player Foundation targeting $100 million (R1.4b) for charity by 2025.