PALM BEACH, Fla., Nov. 1, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Grand Slam golf icon Gary Player and Berenberg, Germany's oldest bank, announced today a three-year partnership where Player will serve as a global ambassador for the renowned private and investment bank. In the partnership, the Black Knight will represent Berenberg as the International Ambassador of Golf and host events across Europe and the United States.
"I'm delighted to serve as a global ambassador for such an esteemed company," said Gary Player. "Berenberg has been a fantastic partner in our philanthropic endeavors through the Gary Player Invitational and The Player Foundation where we have already enjoyed a rewarding relationship, but I am now honoured to promote this bank that was founded in 1590 across the globe."
The announcement that comes on the golf icon's birthday seeds from a relationship that has developed over the years following the participation of Berenberg Managing Partner Dr. Hans-Walter Peters in the Gary Player Invitational (GPI) at South Africa's Fancourt Resort. Since 2011, Berenberg has generously supported the European-leg of the GPI series, which raises funds for underprivileged children, in London as title sponsor.
In addition to philanthropic endeavors, Berenberg has tapped the golfing icon over the past four years as tournament ambassador of the Berenberg Bank Masters, the flagship event of the European Senior Tour in Continental Europe.
"It is with great honor to have Gary Player as our new brand ambassador. For me, Gary Player is one of the leading sportsmen in the world and he is a great ambassador of Golf," says Dr. Hans-Walter Peters, Managing Partner of Berenberg.
Founded in 1590, Berenberg remains an independent private bank after over 400 years of business. Spanning across Europe, the United States and Asia, Berenberg is recognized for their quality and distinction in servicing divisions that include Private Banking, Investment Banking, Asset Management and Corporate Banking.
"We are thrilled to see the strengthening of our relationship with Berenberg," said Marc Player, Black Knight International CEO. "This partnership truly represents a union of two brands standing for excellence that we hope to continue for years to come."
ABOUT GARY PLAYER
Gary Player, often referred to as the Black Knight, symbolizes all that world class golf is or was ever intended to be. Celebrating his 60th anniversary as a professional golfer in 2013, Player is a champion in every sense of the word. He has won 165 professional tournaments worldwide, and through the philanthropic efforts of The Player Foundation generated over $50 million dollars for the education of underprivileged children. Player, a master of the game, and a world leader in golf course design is credited with shaping more than 325 courses worldwide.
When Gary Player won the US Open in 1965 at age 29, he became only the third golfer to win the Grand Slam, following Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen. Since then, only Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have added their names to this elite group. Player has, to date, won nine major championships on the regular PGA Tour and nine on the Senior or Champions Tour. He is a three time President's Cup Captain and in 2000 received South Africa's Sportsman of the Century Award.
In addition to his 40 years of golf course design, Player currently serves as the Global Ambassador to the World Golf Hall of Fame and holds an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from St. Andrews University. His legendary career and humanitarian endeavors have been acknowledged by numerous awards, including the 2012 PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2006 PGA Tour Payne Stewart Award, and the 2003 Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award.
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Player has circled the globe in pursuit of sporting events, and after journeying over 15 million miles, or 25 million kilometers, he is widely recognized as The World's Most Traveled Athlete™. When not traveling to or from sporting events, Player divides his time between the South African stud farm, where he has bred over 2000 winning thoroughbred race horses, and his residence on Jupiter Island in Hobe Sound, Florida.
ABOUT BERENBERG
Established in 1590, Berenberg is one of the leading privately owned banks in Europe today, focusing on four operating divisions: Private Banking, Investment Banking, Asset Management and Corporate Banking. The Hamburg-based bank with a strong presence in London, Zurich and Frankfurt has 17 offices in Europe, America and Asia and is managed by personally liable partners.
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