King sues Gary Player for R33m

Controversial Scottish-born businessman Dave King is demanding golf icon Gary Player pay him some R33-million, claiming he lent Player R6.1-million more than a decade ago.

King now wants the money back - with interest. But Player denies he owes King a single cent.

The businessman who, before he fell foul of SA Revenue Service in 2001, was reportedly one of the richest men in South Africa, says he had not called in the loan in the intervening 13 years be cause he knew SARS would immediately have seized it to offset his disputed tax debt.

Pending the outcome of his claim against Player, King earlier this month asked the Grahamstown High Court to attach shares held by Player in his renowned Colesberg-based Gary Player Stud Farm, which breeds thoroughbred racehorses.

The High Court granted King an interim interdict to this effect. Player will have an opportunity this week to say why the order should not be made final.

Player's attorney, Mark Nettelton, said the golfer intends contesting the claim and the attempt to attach his shares in the stud farm.

King claims he made the $1-million (R6.1-million) loan to Player in July 1999.

Player has not yet filed his own affidavit, but in a letter attached to the court papers he informed King's attorney there was no loan agreement. The letter says King gave the money to Player to pay off a R6-million debt Player owed to IMG Sports Management. In return, King would have full access to the sporting icon, would travel the world with him and attend major sports events.