On the morning of Friday 25 September at the East Herts Golf Club, Willow held its eighth annual Arsenal V Spurs Golf Day, where golfers compete alongside their footballing heroes, in a game that pits the two rival London Clubs against each other – though not contending as they know best.
You may not think that a charity golf match would instil such seriousness and trepidation, but with lucky socks on every foot, the players marched out onto the tees with similar grandeur as for their native sport.
With Arsenal having defeated Spurs in the Capital One Cup match just two days earlier, light-hearted banter and rivalry was rife throughout the day, which is an invaluable fundraiser for Willow.
As is traditional for the Golf Day, Bob Wilson was captain of the Arsenal team, which consisted of Ray Parlour, Lee Dixon, David Seaman, Ian Wright, George Graham, Liam Brady, Nigel Winterburn and Frank McLintock.
While Spurs were captained by Martin Chivers, and included Ossie Ardiles, Clive Allen, Paul Miller, Paul Moran and Eddie Clayton.
East Herts Golf Club has jointly organised the event with Willow since 2008 and the Arsenal team were victorious for the second year, in what was an enjoyable day of golf and fundraising. The East Herts Golf Club generously offers its facilities at no charge, meaning all of the £16,000 raised on the day came straight to Willow.
Bob said “We’ve had a fantastic day. This week Arsenal is on a winning streak, both on the football pitch and golf course! On behalf of Willow, I am very grateful to all those that have taken part today, and especially to the East Herts Golf Club for generously waiving the green fees, meaning that all the money raised will go to Willow to support many more seriously ill young adults, helping make a positive difference to their lives at a time when they need it most.”
To date, the Arsenal vs Spurs golf days have raised around £85,000 for Willow.