Staff WriterIf you thought turning 90 meant swapping the driver for a walking stick, you’ve clearly never met Gary Player.
The Gary Player Invitational is set to return to Sun City this November, and this year’s edition will be the grandest in its storied history — doubling as a global birthday party for South Africa’s greatest sportsman, golf’s indefatigable ambassador, and a man who’s been busier changing lives than slowing down.
A Tournament with Purpose
From 1–2 November 2025, the action will unfold across two of Player’s finest creations, the Gary Player Country Club and Lost City Golf Course.
Sunshine Tour professionals will be joined by sports stars, celebrities, and business leaders, all teeing it up for more than bragging rights. The event raises funds for the Gary & Vivienne Player Foundation South Africa (GVPF SA) and its flagship project, the Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School just outside Johannesburg.
For Player, this Invitational has always been more than golf. It’s a stage for kindness. Ahead of the milestone birthday, he’s challenged the world to perform “90 Acts of Kindness” and urged the next generation to “Become a Future Player.”
“Everybody has the ability to be kind. No act is too small. Together, let’s make kindness our legacy. Together, we will make a difference in the lives of many through the Gary & Vivienne Player Foundation, supporting the children of the Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School and other life-changing initiatives,” said Player.
Global Tributes Pour In
As the countdown to his 90th ticks closer, tributes have been flooding in from golfing royalty. Sergio Garcia chimed in with a cheeky salute:
“Happy 90th birthday, Gary. You look like a young stallion.”
Justin Rose followed up with admiration wrapped in disbelief: “Gary, I can’t believe you’re turning 90. You’ve been defying odds your whole career – taking it to Jack and Arnold from little-known South Africa back in the day, to your incredible longevity and work ethic. But for me, the most impressive thing about you is the way you continue to laugh. That makes you an example to us all.”
And Annika Sorenstam kept it short but sweet: “Gary, I think you’re an incredible inspiration to many. Happy Birthday, and I know you can do many more.”
A Festival of ‘Ubuntu’
This year’s Gary Player Invitational promises to be more than a tournament. It’s a celebration of Player’s lifelong belief in “Ubuntu” — that distinctly South African spirit of humanity and togetherness — showcased on two golf courses that have become icons in their own right.
At 90, Player has lost none of his fire. He’s still swinging, still inspiring, and still reminding us that kindness, like a perfectly struck iron, never goes out of style.
Join the Campaign
- Share your acts of kindness with #90Acts
- Support the Gary & Vivienne Player Foundation South Africa: garyandvivienneplayerfoundationdonate.org/southafrica
- Follow the journey: @gary.player | @gvpfsa
