For Premier League baller James Maddison, golf represents a release from football and a vehicle for positive change.
The Tottenham midfielder is in the form of his life this season. Having joined Spurs from Leicester City at the start of the season, all eyes were on the precocious playmaker to see if he could live up to the billing at one of the best clubs in the country. Spurs’ Number 10 has duly delivered, sweeping August’s POTM with ease thanks to his scintillating start to the campaign, earning the award for the first time in his career after three-goal involvements throughout the month in an unbeaten start at his new club.
He’s only been getting better ever since – but aside from his unprecedented influence on the pitch, Madders is continuing to do his bit while off it. Mansion recently hosted his first charity golf tournament which was dedicated to Super Strong Sophie, a charity for someone who meant a lot to him while back in his days at Norwich.
The golf invitational featured a star-studded roster of English football talent both past and present, celebrating a past time renowned as footballers’ second sport with a day focused on raising awareness for a charity close to his heart.
Hypebeast caught up with him to learn more about the tournament and his obsession with golf.
Hypebeast: Talk to us about your invitational — what was the main reason for starting it?
James Maddison: There were two reasons really. One wanting to do something that’d be able to give back to a great cause for someone who meant a lot to me having met Sophie whilst she was a mascot at Norwich and two, doing something linked to one of my biggest passions off the pitch in golf.
Golf is a great escapism away from football, and has fast become one of my favourite past times. I love the feeling of being on the range, all kitted out and spending hours on hours on the course – it’s very therapeutic and a lot of fun.
Madders Invitational
Madders Invitational
Madders Invitational
Madders Invitational
Madders Invitational
Madders Invitational
Talk to us some more about Sophie’s Sparkle Fund and what the charity is all about.
The Sophie’s Sparkle Fund was started by Sophie’s family after she unfortunately passed away in 2019 due to issues she had developed through surgery. She battled osteosarcoma with fearless positivity, and is one of the strongest people I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. We developed a great bond over the years. This charity is dedicated to raising awareness for the health issues Sophie went through and ensuring there’s a legacy left behind.
You’re a sharp shooter on the pitch — what’s your ability like on the course?
I’d like to say I’m not too bad but every footballer will always back their abilities. I think we saw on the range who is all talk and who can actually walk the walk!
Madders Invitational
Madders Invitational
Madders Invitational
Madders Invitational
Madders Invitational
Madders Invitational
You’re having an incredible season as Spurs so far, having secured POTM and leading your club to 2nd in the table. How are you finding like in North London?
It’s been a great start to life in north London, the fans have welcomed me with open arms and made me feel right at home which has enabled me to perform on the pitch the way I have done.I’m looking forward to what we could potentially achieve this season, we have a great set of lads here determined to make it a successful campaign for the Spurs fans.
