Gary Player’s gift to Soweto
17 August 2015
The money raised during legendary golfer Gary Player’s 80th birthday party in Soweto on Saturday August 15 and the celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of his achievement of the Grand Slam will be injected into the makeover of the Soweto Country Club.
The celebrations were jointly hosted by the City of Johannesburg, Sunshine Tour and Investec in honour of Player’s contribution to sports unity and for his role in the development of golf in disadvantaged communities such as Soweto and Alexandra. Player, who has won 165 tournaments globally and has been a professional golfer for 63 years, was also named by the South African Gold Association as the captain of South Africa’s first Olympic golf team that will compete in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil next year.
Johannesburg Executive Mayor Councillor Parks Tau congratulated Player for his contribution to sports unity and to the growth of golf in South Africa.
“Gary Player has always been a great friend of the Soweto Country Club. He reached out to his fellow professionals and was interested in their careers. They in turn have always welcomed him warmly,” Mayor Tau said.
He revealed Player’s secret of looking young and healthy.
“It’s pap, morogo and exercise. It shows that a healthy lifestyle of eating right and exercise will ensure you enjoy the later years of your life.”
Soweto Country Club Deputy Chairman Zandi Mkhize said the proceeds from the celebrations would go towards the re-erection of the fence, installation of sprinklers, acquisition of sand for its bunkers and procurement of a greens cutter.
“We’re grateful that the City, through Joburg City Parks & Zoo, mows the rough from time to time but we urgently need to buy our own greens cutter. People we’ve been talking to are keen to help but they are discouraged by the lack of fencing around the course because whatever investment they put in will be vandalised,” Mkhize said.
Scores of Soweto residents sang “Happy Birthday” as the man they call the “Black Knight”, in his trademark black suit and black shirt, “teed off” the celebrations.
“I want to be remembered more for the fact that I cared about my fellow beings than how great a golfer I was. I want to thank the Soweto golfing community for accepting me and allowing me to be a part of their lives and their careers,” Player said.
When most people his age would prefer sitting in their rocking chairs and reminiscing about their golden years, Player showed invited guests – including former Soweto golfing greats such Vincent Tshabalala and Allen Modiba, and Rivonia Trialist and ANC veteran Andrew Mlangeni – a thing or two on the fairways. Tshabalala, player’s friend of 63 years and 1976 French Open champion, paid tribute to the “Black Knight”. Pointing to Player, he said: “That young man taught me exercise and to be myself at all times. The secret to keeping fit is to play golf and to do everything from the heart.”
Award-winning sports presenter and avid golfer Thomas Mlambo said it was an honour to be in the presence of the golfing legend.
“I’m glad to be a part of Player’s 80th birthday celebrations and to help bring the Soweto Country Club back to its former glory,” he said.
Sunshine Tour Executive Director Selwyn Nathan said: “Gary Player is an icon of world sport, not only golf. He has been one of South Africa’s greatest sporting ambassadors for decades.”
Soweto Country Club board member Rofhiwa Mphaphuli thanked the City, Investec and the Sunshine Tour for putting the club in the spotlight.
“We’re humbled and honoured to host these celebrations. We should also not forget that it’s the very same Gary Player who came here in 1974 and helped to design the Soweto Country Club. He’s back 41 years later, spreading the sweet gospel of golf,” Mphaphuli said.