Ray Clemence has two very good reasons to play in the pro-am section at this week’s Prostate Cancer UK Scottish Senior Open at Archerfield Links Golf Club near North Berwick.
The famous Liverpool, Spurs and England goalkeeper is a keen golfer so the prospect of playing alongside the European Senior Tour’s top players appealed to him and he’s also one of the thousands of middle-aged men who have been afflicted by the disease and now wants to help increase awareness of the desolation it can cause.
Clemence talked about both as he prepared to tee up alongside former First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond, cricket legends, Sir Ian Botham and Chris Broad, and former snooker world champion, Denis Taylor, in an event in which an amateur tees up alongside a professional on Thursday and Friday before the professionals only contest the final round on Saturday.
“This is going to be a big week for me and for Prostate Cancer UK,” confirmed 67 year-old Clemence, who played 61 times for England and won an array of national and international honours at both Liverpool and Spurs before being awarded an MBE for his services to his sport.
“I’ve always been a keen golfer. It’s a sport like no other and as well as tackling the fairways and greens – not to mention the odd bunker - for us men it can offer us the chance to reflect and chat openly.
“Let’s face it, men don't like to think that anything is wrong with them, especially sportsmen, and if you have a slight problem 'down there' it will never be at the forefront of your mind that it could be cancer.”
Clemence went on to talk about his own enduring battle with what is the most common type of cancer among men.
“I didn't think there was anything wrong, but having explained my symptoms to [England physio] Gary Lewin, he suggested I should get it checked out and, fortunately, I took his advice.
“My treatment was successful and for three or four years I had no problems. Unfortunately for me, the cancer returned not once, but twice. But after a spell in hospital, surgery and great medical care I’m feeling good once more.
“I've always been a positive person,” he added. “When you give in to something it will win and you can't do that. It’s about being more aware. Men are more at risk when they hit 50, if they have a father, brother or uncle who has had the disease or if they are African Caribbean.
“The power of sport to enable us to fight back against this disease cannot be underestimated. It’s truly inspiring to see the number of managers up and down the country wearing our ‘Man of Men’ pin badge, and using golf to drive home this hugely important message is a masterstroke.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed playing as Celebrity Team Captain in both Prostate Cancer UK Golf Days at Wentworth in 2014 and 2015 – in very different weather conditions I have to add – and the news about the charity partnering up with the European Senior Tour is really exciting.
“To see the tournament packaged up as the Prostate Cancer UK Scottish Senior Open is an incredibly powerful statement and makes me very proud. I’m also privileged to get the chance to play on a superb course in Archerfield Links alongside some of the star names I’ve watched for many years."
"It's been amazing to be part of the amazing journey Prostate Cancer UK have made across the sporting landscape in recent years - particularly in my two passions football and golf.
“Just a few weeks ago my former club Scunthorpe United kicked off a season-long partnership with the charity, and the great game of golf is the perfect fit.”
Ticket information is available via www.europeantour.com and to sign up for Men United visithere
