- Nine-time Major champion Gary Player remains one of South Africa's most recognisable and biggest sporting icons.
- Player raised over R3 million for the Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School at the inaugural Gary and Vivienne Player Invitational in Sun City this past weekend.
- Several sporting stars, like Herschelle Gibbs and Victor Matfield, hailed the charismatic 87-year-old.
Sports icons are rare to find, but Gary Player is a living legend still going strong at the age of 87.
Player garners the respect and influence that no South African sportsperson currently possesses, remaining one of the world's most legendary sports personalities.
That star quality was prevalent at this past weekend's inaugural Gary and Vivienne Player Invitational at Lost City Golf Course in Sun City.
The 36-hole event attracted Sunshine Tour professionals, business leaders, and local and international sporting greats as they raised funds for the Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School through the Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation.
Over R3 million was raised from this weekend's team event at Blair Atholl, a school opened on the farm by the Players in 1990.
However, it was the presence of the nine-time Major champion which brought some of SA's most powerful people to come to the Lost City Golf Course for charity and golf.
In an emotional speech, Player paid tribute to his wife, Vivienne, who died from cancer last year.
"I was blessed to hold my wife in my arms when she passed. Some of her last words to me were, 'Gary, don't forget those kids at Blair Atholl'," said Player in Sun City.
"I had so many wonderful years with Vivienne and I left the table having had a feast. My own life has been an epic journey. All of us will have adversity in our lives and, if you can overcome it with courage, patience and love, you will prosper in the end."
Not only did the 87-year-old host a stellar field of golfers over the weekend, he also took time to mingle at social functions and play 36 holes at a hot and humid Lost City course.
There's a Frank Sinatra song, called 'Young at Heart', that perfectly describes Player. The evergreen Player still has the charismatic personality, energy and, let's not forget, the intense push-up routine that makes him one of the most humble sporting icons of our time.
He is one of the most approachable personalities and is always down for a hug, a sweet word and loves talking about the game that has given him so much.
"When people ask me, 'What is your legacy?', they all think it's golf. My legacy is not golf," said Player.
"It's that, through golf and through our foundation, we've raised over $100 million for underprivileged people. That is my legacy."
Two-time Major champion Sally Little was one of the sporting stars to take part in the inaugural event and reminisced about her close relationship with Player and his late wife.
"I'm proud to be here as a golfer and close friend. Gary and Vivienne played a huge part in my life. Gary has always been my idol since 12 years old," said Little at the Lost City Golf Course.
"When I came back to South Africa in 2006, he asked me to play in his invitation and, with Vivienne gone, it's a very meaningful time this weekend to be here at the Gary and Vivienne Player Invitational.
"It's amazing what's being done for their foundation and what they stand for, and that's giving young kids education. Their school in Atholl is a great investment and interest to both of them.
"Vivienne put a lot of time in there because of Gary's schedule. People don't realise what a wonderful sport [golf is], it's a giveback sport and no one owns it."
However, it's not just golfers who respect and idolise Player.
Having several prolific South African sportsmen and sportswomen from various sporting codes at the event spoke volumes of Player's reach.
"It's the one invitation that I never say no to... Mr Player is such an unbelievable icon of South Africa, SA sports and world sports. He is one of three big boys in golf and what he has done for this country," said former Springbok captain Victor Matfield.
"He has travelled around the world to do things for other people, it's just unbelievable. It's great being here and we love the golf too. It's only a pleasure to be here and in the company of so many great people."
Former Proteas star batter Herschelle Gibbs was also had praise for Player, stating that he has continued to set a good example for being South African.
"Look at the man himself and what he stood for all these years. He has been a sportsman that set the highest bar with regard to sports in South Africa. I think there's a reason why he's become known as the most successful South African sportsman ever," said Gibbs.
"And for someone that plays golf, we can understand how difficult the sport is, and for Mr Player to have achieved so much with regards to the Majors and all the tournaments he has won around the world, I think you set a bar that he's second to none in South African sport.
"I think giving back to the underprivileged, I think he's also taken that to another level. After the passing of his wife, he's continued the legacy and he's just been a great example as a South African, covering it all with regards to race, creed, colour.
"And that is why we support the great man and the foundation. It is lovely to be back here.
"That warm feeling, the professionalism, the hospitality of this particular place, it's always there, irrespective of whether you haven't played for five or 10 years, it's exactly the same. So it's lovely to be here and what a great cause."
Former Springbok winger Akona Ndungane also reiterated how humbled he was to take part in the charity event alongside his brother, Odwa.
"You can see how passionate he is about giving back and what they do for those kids at Blair Atholl school. We need more of this and more people to give back and help others," said the Bulls legend.
"For me, to be a part of this golf weekend, it's so special."
