Cole excited for dream GPI debut
Andy Cole has achieved more than he ever dreamed possible in an illustrious football career. But Cole says playing with Gary Player and helping him to raise funds for charity in this weekend’s Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola is something he could never have imagined as a young boy.
“When I was growing up I never believed I’d have this opportunity
to come to South Africa and play with one of golf’s icons. That’s how far I’ve
come,” the former England and Manchester United football star said after
Friday’s pro-am before the weekend’s main 36-hole tournament.
Cole has been paired with the Grand Slam champion in a team also including Kelvin Balogun, the Coca-Cola Company President of South and East Africa, and Anthony Leeming, the Chief Executive Officer of Sun International.
And Cole admits to feeling a bit of pressure, considering Player is hunting a hat-trick of team victories in this tournament and who at 81 still regularly breaks his age by several shots.
“I was never fazed by the pressure in football. When I played in front of 70 000 people it never fazed me. But when I stood on the first tee here I was nervous. All I can do is give it my best shot. If I can play like I did today I’ll be more than happy. If Mr Player carries me along on the weekend, I’m more than happy with that too,” said Cole.
“I’m just really looking forward to it. Gary is a special man and to have an opportunity to be here is amazing.”
Former Springbok captain John Smit came through his pro-am round ready for the weekend as he looks forward to a “captain’s fourball” alongside European Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke and businessmen Gideon du Plessis and David Woollan.
“I’m looking forward to playing with Darren. At least now I’ve got a good idea of the golf course. I can’t believe how green and lush the course is with the lack of rain in this area. They’ve done a great job.”
Cole isn’t the only one feeling the nerves ahead of Saturday’s first round of the tournament. Former Springbok flyhalf Butch James, who has LPGA Tour star and South African Olympic golfer Paula Reto in his fourball, also admitted he was nervous during the official pro-am.
“I can’t imagine how nervous I’m going to be in the first round. But it’s just so good to be here. It’s an unbelievable feeling to give back to charity in this way, and that’s the main reason we’re here.”
Draw for the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola
Team 1 – 9:00: Paula Reto, Butch James, Daniel Gavagnin, Phil Grindrod
Team 2 – 9:08: Haydn Porteous, Roland Schoeman, Marco Saviozzi, Laurent Girouille
Team 3 – 9:16: Michael Campbell, Jimmy Tau, Stefanie Zinser, Steve Elford
Team 4 – 9:32: Celine Herbin, Brian McFadden, Doug Jackson, Daryl Bernhart
Team 5 – 9:40: Darren Clarke, John Smit, Gideon du Plessis, David Woollan
Team 6 – 9:48: Gary Player, Andy Cole, Kelvin Balogun, Anthony Leeming