Wednesday, April 3, 2013

HSBC: Golf Legend Gary Player on Olympic Mission to Brazil


SAO PAULO - Wednesday, April 3rd 2013 [ME NewsWire]
(BUSINESS WIRE/ME NewsWire)-- The man who put South Africa on the golfing map landed in São Paulo today (Tuesday 2 April) on a mission to do the same for the sport in Brazil.
As part of its sponsorship of this week’s Brasil Classic tournament (April 4-7), global golf sponsor HSBC has flown in international golf legend Gary Player to help three of the country’s best young players prepare for the event with a 48 hour masterclass in golfing excellence.
As the countdown continues to golf’s return to the Olympic Games at Rio 2016, the nine-time Major winner gave Rio-born Cristian Barcelos, 18, Curitiba-born Daniel Stapff, 22, and Rafael Becker, from São Paulo, a putting lesson on the roof of one of the city’s tallest buildings, Centenario Plaza. For Becker, it’s the perfect birthday present – he turns 22 today.
The three players, who are all taking part in the US $675,000 Brasil Classic presented by HSBC, will spend two days under the wing of the golf icon as part of a comprehensive masterclass covering everything from mental preparation to diet and fitness plus all aspects of the game from tee to green.
South African Player said: “This could be the moment for Brazil and if my visit can inspire the next generation of talent that really would be fantastic.
“I’m absolutely thrilled that golf will be included in the Olympics once again. The exposure will be a great catalyst for development in new, emerging markets and the growth in Brazil and Latin America will be tremendous. One thing I’ve learnt in my career is that change is the price of survival.”
Giles Morgan, HSBC Global Head of Sponsorship & Events, added: “As a global banking and financial services organisation, we pride ourselves on opening up a world of opportunities for people and we want to help Brazil maximize the Olympic opportunity – this is why we have sponsored this groundbreaking new event and why we have flown one of the best golfer’s in history to São Paulo this week.
“We hope these three young players can go on to great things for Brazil and it would be incredible to see them making an impact at Rio 2016.”
ends

Contacts
HSBC Golf Press Office
Steve Bradley
07771 776568

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