EMBRACING THE MADNESS

Nick Bonfield heads to Essendon Country Club in Hertfordshire to experience a golf day that's as far away from traditional as is possible...

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A couple of years ago, I had my first correspondence with Lawrence Bond when an email popped into my inbox inviting me to his company's charity golf day. I politely declined - we'd love to support every golf day we're invited to, but it simply isn't viable.

I was intrigued, though, and his assertion that it would be the wackiest golf day I'd ever attend did pique my interest somewhat. I asked him to send me pictures and videos of the day afterwards and what I saw was unlike any golf event I'd taken part in before.

So, earlier this year when the invite popped into my inbox, I didn't hesitate to accept. I also brought along a photographer to capture the festivities. I'm so glad I decided to attend, because I can't remember a more fun-fuelled, unconventional and downright bonkers experience on the golf course.

When I arrived at Essendon GC, I got a sense of what to expect on the drive to the clubhouse. Popup cardboard figures, including Donald Trump and Borat, guided participants to the car park, while pink signs, inflatables and carpet led everyone inside.

Pink was very much the theme of the day. Participants were all asked to wear pink garments and the colour scheme was a constant throughout, from the bunting to the cocktails and even the dyed pink sand on the par-5 9th hole.

The day, put on by Lawrence from recruitment firm BondMoran, aims to raise as much money as possible for breast cancer charity Future Dreams, a cause very close to the organisers' hearts. It's dubbed 'The Alternative Open' and that description is very apposite indeed.