KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- On the closing evening of the most successful Asia Pacific Golf Summit, Gary Player became the first recipient of the Asia Pacific Golf Humanitarian Award in recognition for his decades of service and tireless efforts to provide education to underprivileged children around the globe. Upon acceptance of the award, Player remarked, "It is humbling to be recognized with a humanitarian award such as this. I've been blessed with successful professional golf and business careers, but I know the work I've tried to do to help underprivileged children will have a far greater impact than any trophy or business accomplishment."

Earlier that day, the Black Knight received a standing ovation following his keynote address that ended the Summit. In his typical rousing style, Player discussed how the golf industry has evolved over his 50 plus year career, including the rise of Asia as a dominant force in golf, how stronger athletes and equipment are overpowering current golf course lengths, and going forward, the impact that the inclusion of golf in the 2016 Olympics will have on the future of the sport. Player also stressed two of his most passionate topics, the environment and good health, calling on Asian developers to implement environmentally friendly initiatives at their courses and to teach golfers the importance of diet, health and fitness, especially juniors.

Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew, owner of the Mines Resort and patron of the APGS, said: "It was a wonderful gathering that brought many of the people who are shaping the future of golf including Jack Nicklaus, Peter Thomson, Tenniel Chu of Mission Hills Group and Peter Dawson, CEO of the R&A."

While in Kuala Lumpur, Gary Player made time to host a Junior Golf Clinic with Callaway Golf of Asia for 150 local children, where he continued to emphasize the importance of exercise and good diet at an early age.

Gary Player's highly acclaimed golf course, Ria Bintan Golf Club, once again received numerous awards at the Summit, including Best Golf Course in the Asia Pacific, First Runner-up Best Golf Course in Indonesia and First Runner-up Best Maintained Golf Course in the Asia Pacific.

For more information please visit www.golfconference.org.

For further information, please contact Scott Ferrell, President, Gary Player Design
E: scott@garyplayer.com or T: +1 864 477 2720

Lindsey Batavia, Client Services Manager, Gary Player Design
E: lindsey@garyplayer.com or T: +1 864 477 2720

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

About Gary Player Design
Established by Marc Player in the early 1980s and widely recognized as the most successful international golf course architectural firm in the world, Gary Player Design has branded over 300 layouts with the mark of a champion.

Over its existence, the firm has worked on five continents and in over 35 countries, and prides itself on taking Gary Player's design experience to emerging markets to help develop the game of golf globally. Player's vast experience in the business coupled with over 50 years of experience as a professional golfer have afforded him a unique understanding of the needs of the average golfer; the objectives of the developer, and the concerns of the environment.

The cornerstone of his design approach is to create playable and memorable golf courses within the constraints of a given site, while being ultra-sensitive to the surrounding environment - particularly in the area of water conservation. And the result is a portfolio of award-winning and environmentally-recognized courses around the world. The Design Company presently has over 60 active projects around the world in Africa, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

For additional information and a listing of awards, visit www.garyplayerdesign.com

About The Player Foundation
Over 25 years ago, the Player family established The Player Foundation in order to provide a quality education, nutrition, medical care and extra-curricular activities to the less fortunate children living in rural areas of South Africa.

Today, through the Gary Player Invitational (GPI) series of charity events staged in the USA, China, Europe and South Africa, the Foundation has expanded its efforts to bring hope, help & healing to impoverished communities globally. By partnering with local charities where GPI events are held, The Player Foundation has been able to make a real difference in the lives of children through health & education initiatives.

Established in 1983, The Player Foundation has raised over $30 million globally and operates as a 501 C (3) non-profit organization out of Palm Beach, Florida in the USA. www.garyplayerfoundation.org