CAPE TOWN, South Africa -- Masters champion Angel Cabrera and double US Open champion Retief Goosen will lead a field of distinguished golf professionals, celebrities and businessmen in the 10th anniversary of the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola in South Africa later this year.

It was revealed at the official media announcement that Cabrera and Goosen will join top personalities in the premier charity tournament being staged at The Links golf course at Fancourt in George, South Africa from 26-29 November.

Among the confirmed luminaries are international businessmen Dr Hans-Walter Peters and Hendrik Riehmer of Berenberg Bank - the oldest Private Bank in the world, president of Stokes Land Group and a staunch supporter of the Gary Player Invitational series, Hugh Connerty and Abdullah Saeed Al Naboodah, chairman of the Al Naboodah Group.

A single figure handicapper, Al Naboodah is closely involved in the construction and development of golf course infrastructure in the Middle East and is a strong supporter of junior golf development.

Former World Cup-winning rugby coach Sir Clive Woodward, Ard Matthews - guitarist and lead vocalist of internationally famed rock band, Just Jinjer, South African long board and Big Wave Africa surf champion, Grant (Twiggy) Baker.

Top British entertainer, DJ Spoony, returns to the action alongside two-time European Ladies Tour champion, Diana Luna, Champions Tour campaigners Mark McNulty and John Cook, as well as European Senior Tour stalwarts, Bill Longmuir, Bertus Smit and John Bland, winner of the Bad Ragaz PGA Seniors Open in last month.

The South African golf tournament is the culmination of the Gary Player Invitational Global Series of Events, which has already travelled to Scotland this year and will be visiting China and the United States in the global bid to raise funds for charity through The Player Foundation.

Since 1983, the international series has raised over R250-million which has been donated to initiatives aimed at improving educational standards and helping children from impoverished communities plagued by disease and crime.

"We are once again thankful for the many people who are always willing to give of their time to support the Gary Player Invitational in South Africa," said Marc Player, CEO of Black Knight International.

"In this time of economic challenge, The Player Foundation is proud to be able to continue playing a key role in raising significant funds for charities, which so desperately need it."

"As always, Coca-Cola South Africa is proud to be part of this initiative to raise money to improve the lives of South African children," said Coca-Cola South Africa Executive, Alex Maditsi. "We look forward to a successful event and we hope that it will prove to be popular with the golf enthusiasts."

Gary Player, winner of 18 Majors, 9 on the Regular Tour and 9 on the Champions Tour and one of only five men ever to secure the career Grand Slam, will host the tournament.

"It keeps haunting me of how I struggled as a young boy," said Player. "I can't think of anything worse than a child who is suffering. I always said that when I became successful, I was going to make a difference in the lives of children.

"The GPI Global series has been a wonderful vehicle in using golf to bring about social change. It brings together a marvellous and diverse society of people that get involved in our tournaments. You have golfers, movie stars, models, businessmen and celebrities all contributing to the cause of raising money for children."

Future 2009 GPI Dates:

Gary Player Invitational China, Shanghai Links, Shanghai, China, 2-3 November
Gary Player Invitational USA, CordeValle, California, 8-9 November
Gary Player Invitational South Africa, The Links, Fancourt, George, 26-29 November

For further information on the Gary Player Invitational: www.garyplayerinvitational.com

For further information on Black Knight International: www.garyplayer.com

If you would like to donate to The Player Foundation, please visit: www.theplayerfoundation.org

Contacts:

Jen Fonseca
Program Director for the Foundation
Black Knight International
E: jen@garyplayer.com
T: +1 561 624 0300