GEORGE, South Africa -- Market and technology leader in business software solutions, SAP, will be a partner sponsor at the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola, in South Africa next month.

The sponsorship reinforces the brand's alignment with golfing legend Gary Player, an association dating back over ten years.

"Our philosophy at SAP is to deliver products and services that help accelerate business innovation for our customers," said Chris Burton, vice-president of Global Sponsorships and Global Marketing.

"SAP has, in many ways, had a long running relationship with Mr Player Black Knight International worldwide and there is great synergy in our goals. We are delighted to extend our involvement to the Gary Player Invitational.

"We believe that doing so will unleash growth and create significant new value for our customers as well as support Gary Player's vision with the Gary Player Invitational series to raise money to uplift the uneducated and strengthen the impoverished."

The South African Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola, forms the final leg of the four event international series that includes the United Kingdom, United States and China.

Each of the GPI Events has at its heart the act of giving back to those less fortunate. The Player Foundation, the GPI's primary beneficiary, is in its 26th year, and has successfully raised more than R250 Million in order to bring hope, help and healing to underprivileged children and communities worldwide.

"This partnership is especially gratifying for Black Knight International as it signifies the continued strength and loyalty by SAP in this relationship." said Marc Player, CEO of Black Knight.

"The Gary Player Invitational celebrates its 10th Anniversary in November at The Links, Fancourt. This is not only a measure of its ongoing success, but it's fundamental position in the international series.

"SAP's decision to become involved with the South African GPI offers them a unique opportunity for the company, its shareholders, subsidiaries and clients to be part of South Africa's premier charity golf event and contribute to the education and upliftment of the less fortunate."

The Gary Player Invitational South Africa presented by Coca-Cola, will be staged at The Links, Fancourt in George, South Africa from 26-29 November 2009.

For further information, please contact:
Marc Tudhope, Managing Director, Black Knight International
E: marc@garyplayer.co.za or T: +27 21 671 5159

Jen Fonseca, Program Director for The Player Foundation
E: jen@garyplayer.com or T: +1 561 624 0300

About the Gary Player Invitational Global Series
The Gary Player Invitational Series, with events in the United Kingdom, United States, China and South Africa, is aimed at raising money for non-profit charitable organisations, whose mission is to provide quality education for disadvantaged and underprivileged children and strengthen impoverished communities plagued by disease and crime.

For over a decade, top professionals, all-star sportsmen, celebrities, and businessmen have come together for the annual Gary Player Invitationals in support of underprivileged children. For more information about our charity series, please visit www.garyplayerinvitational.com .

About The Player Foundation
The Player Foundation executes global charitable efforts in support of underprivileged children. This year the foundation celebrates its 25th anniversary, and in that time, has raised over R250 million globally. Gary Player Invitational charity events take place in each corner of the globe - from Europe to China to the USA and culminating in South Africa.

About Black Knight International
Established by Marc Player, Black Knight International, the global holding company for all divisions of The Player Group, maintains a strong presence in North and South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Gary Player's penchant for wearing black attire on the golf course, coupled with his competitive style of play and courteous demeanor, earned him the name, "The Black Knight." The recognizable Black Knight logo identifies all the companies of The Player Group, including the Gary Player®, Player® and Black Knight® brands.