During an emotional scene, Gary Player recently played his last competitive round at The Masters golf tournament. The Augusta crowd gave him a standing ovation all around the course to pay tribute to the triple Masters champion who has entertained them for over half a century. Starting his Masters career in 1957, he has competed in a record 52 championships at Augusta.

Player has attained incredible achievement in playing competitively for many years – and his passion for and commitment to competing will long be remembered. Approaching the 18th hole at Augusta, the veteran South African golf pro blinked back a few tears, and many in the crowd also shed some tears.

"I can't begin to express the fond memories I have of the Masters and everything that comes with it," he said.

SAP salutes an accomplished golfer, distinguished man, and good friend!

One of Golf's Greatest Players of All Time

With more than 160 victories, Gary Player is one of the greatest all-time golfers. In 2003, he celebrated his 50th anniversary as a professional golfer. His skill and longevity have earned nine major championships: three Masters, three British Opens, two PGA Championships, and the U.S. Open. He is one of only five golfers to win all four majors, known as the career Grand Slam. Other winners are Sarazen, Hogan, Nicklaus, and Woods.

As a sponsor of Gary Player, SAP is proud to work with a dedicated professional whose contributions extend beyond golf. In 1983, Player established The Gary Player Foundation, a charitable organization promoting education for underprivileged children around the world. The initiative began in Johannesburg, South Africa, where the foundation provides more than 500 children at the Blair Atholl School with meals, clothing, health care, educational opportunities, transportation – and most importantly, love. Gary Player has since expanded his charitable efforts on a global scale. Each year he travels afar to host unique golf events in the United States, Europe, China, and South Africa to raise funds for impoverished children in those respective countries.

SAP is equally pleased that Gary Player Enterprises turned to SAP for software solutions when the company wanted to streamline business processes. The Golf Course Design, Foundation, Real Estate, and Merchandise Portal, and New Business divisions are now integrated and accessible throughout offices in Palm Beach, London, Shanghai, Johannesburg, and Dubai.

For more than 50 years, Gary Player has shown commitment to excellence – as a golfer and a philanthropist. SAP shares the Black Knight's commitment. For more than 30 years, we have provided the best business solutions – and have contributed to the communities where we do business.