Ryder Cup players, cricket greats and pop stars set to turn out for Gary Player Invitational in Abu Dhabi

A host of professional golfers, celebrities and sports personalities have confirmed their attendance at the second edition of the Gary Player Invitational at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club in February, organisers have announced.

Taking place on February 6, the golf event will raise funds for the Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care & Special Needs. The tournament in Abu Dhabi is one of five in a global series that together have helped raise more than $62 million (Dh227,7m) for charities worldwide.

Among the male professionals joining Player at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club are former British Open champion Darren Clarke, Ryder Cup players Chris Wood and Victor Dubuisson, and former Omega Dubai Desert Classic winner David Howell. European Tour players Joost Luiten, Jason Scrivener, Thomas Aiken, and Trevor Immelman are also participating.

Representing the female pros are Beth Allen, last year’s winner of the inaugural Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open, as well as course record holder Georgia Hall, Caroline Martens, Emma Cabrera-Bello, and Victoria Lovelady.

Cricket greats Brian Lara and Ricky Ponting, and South African rugby player Victor Matfield will all be playing, as will television personality Jodie Kidd, pop stars Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden, and Emirati comedian Ali Al Sayed.

“Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is one of the most engaging courses in the world and the ideal location to host the mix of professional golfers, sporting greats and special guests during this year’s event in Abu Dhabi,” said Player, tournament host and course designer.

“It is especially significant to host this event during the UAE’s Year of Giving and thanks to the support of the Abu Dhabi Sport Council, facility owner, TDIC and the wider UAE community, we are able to build upon the work of the inaugural event in 2016 and move even closer to reaching our goal of raising $100 million for children by 2025. I know that all participants will have great fun in support of an even greater cause.”

For more information on the Gary Player Invitational series, visit www.garyplayerinvitational.com.

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