Title sponsors Willow have received an early boost at this week's Senior Golf Classic as an ace on the 16th hole, by amateur Placid Gonzales, raised £10,000 for the charity.
Gonzales, playing in a group with European Senior Tour professional Greg Turner, carded an ace on the 185-yard par three 16th, and tournament sponsors Midway Insurance pledged £10,000 for each hole in one scored by an amateur across the five tournament days.
Pro-Ams took place on Wednesday and Thursday, and the unique format of this tournament will see amateurs partner professionals for all three competitive rounds from Friday to Sunday.
The charity's founder, former Scotland and Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson, is already delighted with the awareness raised by the tournament, which is a new addition to the Senior Tour Schedule for 2016.
“The hole in one was just extraordinary,” said Wilson. “It’s an amazing boost for us to add that to the pot on the first day of what will be a wonderful week.”
The Wednesday Pro-Am was won by the team of professional Mike Harwood and his three amateur partners, Woburn Golf Club captain Ian Holloway, former Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pat Jennings and former Fulham and Tottenham Hotspurs footballer John Lacy.
Football stars Ossie Ardiles, Ray Clemence and David Seaman also took part in the Pro-Am.
Ticket proceeds from this weekend’s tournament will go to the charity Willow, which provides Special Days for 16 to 40 year olds with serious illnesses.
“It’s all about spreading awareness of what we do,” added Wilson. “Every year, 16,000 people from the ages of 16 to 40 are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. My daughter Anna was the inspiration for Willow. She had radiotherapy, chemotherapy and 16 life-saving operations, and we had these Special Days with her to give her a touch of normality against the horror she was going through.”
Proceeds from ticket sales at this week’s Willow Senior Golf Classic go to Willow, and can be purchasedhereor on the gate.
