Prostate Cancer UK has announced it will joins forces with the Travis Perkins Masters, part of the Staysure Tour, from 31 August – 2 September.
Prostate Cancer UK has been appointed as the Official Charity for the tournament which will be played for the 15th time this year and the 11th successive time over the Duke’s Course at Woburn Golf Club.
The move to align Prostate Cancer UK with the Staysure Tour, aims to confirm the joint commitment of both the charitable and sporting organisations, to help save lives. This will represent the fourth successive season in which a senior tournament has been linked with the leading men’s health charity, focused on raising funds and awareness amongst the professional community.
For the past three seasons, Prostate Cancer UK has been a partner of the Scottish Senior Open but will now focus its attention on a tournament which has attracted around a quarter of a million spectators over the duration of the Travis Perkins sponsorship.
To celebrate 15 years of the Travis Perkins Masters, the opening day of the tournament, has been designated as ‘Free Friday’ with admission to the course being free of charge. However, all charitable donations collected by Prostate Cancer UK volunteers will go to the Official Charity, who provide a vital role in helping men in the 50+ age group, who are most at risk of developing prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer UK will also collect donations at strategic points around the Woburn complex during rounds two and three on 1 September and 2 September, when entry will be charged at £15, £10 in advance.
As the qualifying age is 50 for golfers participating in the Staysure Tour, Prostate Cancer UK is a perfect fit with the senior golfing community. Over 26,000 men are living with prostate cancer in Scotland, while more than 47,000 men in the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, making it the most common type of cancer among men.
James Beeby, Director of Fundraising for Prostate Cancer UK, said: “We’re proud of our work across the great game of golf and it’s great to continue our work with the European Senior Tour for a fourth successive year.
“The sad fact is, prostate cancer exists in every golf club, but by having a presence at the Travis Perkins Masters, we can help raise awareness and funds to knock this disease out of bounds.
“One man dies from prostate cancer every 45 minutes; it’s the most common cancer in men, but we want to make prostate cancer a disease that the next generation of men do not fear.
“The money raised will fund ground-breaking research to help fight the disease. That will help us provide dedicated support and information to men and their families affected by this disease. We thank the European Senior Tour for their continued support and look forward to a great tournament.”
John Carter, Chief Executive Officer for Travis Perkins, added: “We are delighted that Prostate Cancer UK is the nominated charity partner of the Travis Perkins Masters this year.
“Our Keyline brand has supported Prostate Cancer UK for over nine years and has raised a considerable sum of money for the charity but more importantly we have taken an active role in raising men’s health issues amongst our customer, supplier and colleague base across the industry which is still relatively male dominated.”
David MacLaren, Head of the Staysure Tour, concluded: “We have established a strong association with Prostate Cancer UK, initiated in Scotland in 2015 and continuing at Woburn Golf Club this year. As we have stressed in the past, we hope to exploit the power of sport to help raise awareness of this debilitating disease.
“Prostate Cancer UK has previously embarked on a number of powerful campaigns – most notably the Men United campaign across football, rugby league and many other sports – and we hope that those participating in the Travis Perkins Masters can help deliver this important message to a wide audience.”
Prostate Cancer UK’s drive to save lives through golf, has also earned acclaim from former Ryder Cup stars. Ian Woosnam and Sam Torrance, Ryder Cup winners both as players and captains, have been strong vocal supporters of Prostate Cancer UK’s drive to raise awareness of the disease.
Ian said: “The statistics about prostate cancer are amazing, so it’s great that we are able to help raise awareness. I’m very aware of the disease and have been to the doctor. It’s important that men go and get checked out.”
His comments were echoed by Sam, who added: “This is a great thing to be involved in. Making people aware of getting themselves checked, and going to see their doctor regularly, that’s what it’s all about. If you have got anything you don’t feel happy about get down to the doctor and make sure and get yourself checked out.
“Cancer is something we have to get rid of. There are many forms of it and prostate cancer is one we need to help. I was made aware of it around the age of 50 and have been keeping an eye on it since.”
