UGAGB Challenge - Davenport GC, Poynton - Sunday 5 May

The long awaited UGAGB Challenge event at Davenport Golf Club finally arrived on Sunday 5th May, and what an event it turned out to be! Probably one which will stick in our members memories for years to come...😉. After weeks of consistent rain and uncertain weather, we were blessed with the best conditions of the year, warm sunshine, calm skies and a course that, despite lingering boggy patches, was ready to play host to a day of unforgettable golfing memories.

Davenport Golf Club offered a picturesque setting for our second event of the season. With it's challenging layout, and first - class hospitality and food to die for. Our members arrived in good time, all eager to tackle the course and test their skills. They were also eager to tackle the delicious bacon barms, rolls, butties, baps, cobs - whatever your preferred term may be! They were the perfect start to whatever the day had in store for us.

Before teeing off, we extended a warm welcome to our newest member, Mick Ling from Yorkshire, who joined us for the first time at this event. Additionally, we were delighted to have two guests with us, James Bartkiw, son of Mike Bartkiw, and Anthony Melnyk, who was here from Australia accompanying is uncle Mick Melnyk on the day.

We had a healthy turnout with 22 players, including our guest for the day, James Bartkiw. Players were divided into six groups, comprising of four x 4 balls and two x 3 balls. In the day's divisional split, we had 11 members competing in Division One, with handicaps up to 22, and 10 members in Division Two, with handicaps of 23 and above.

And so the competition began. Throughout the day, the course presented its fair share of challenges, bunkers were plentiful, some were deep and most were strategically positioned. The greens were slow, dressed with sand which added to the skill and experience of putting.

As the final putts dropped and the scores were tallied the fun would soon begin. But first we were treated to the very best society golf dining experience, one which will surely go down in UGAGB history. The main course, a perfectly cooked steak, with impeccable flavour and tenderness. Paired with this was a mixed fruit crumble with custard that was simply divine, so delicious that not a single clean plate remained on the tables. It's safe to say that there wasn't a member or guest in attendance who didn't wish for seconds. Our sincere thanks will be sent to the catering team together with the administration team for hosting our event (which included many amendments) and creating a memorable experience for our group.

As the saying goes, it's not the winning, it's the taking part that counts. Maybe true for some but maybe not for others... whichever category you fall under, here are the results......

Birdie Pool:

A total of 6 birdies were recorded going to Stef Borys (2), Matviy Bdzola (2), Geoff Gillies and Ange Kaminskiy.

Minor Prizes:

Congratulations to Bob Semehen, who during his consistent round, clinched the nearest pin in 2 on the 2nd, and nearest pin on the 16th, showcasing his skill and precision on the course. Jon Iwanejko won closest pin on the 11th and big hitter of the day Matviy Bdzola smashed the prize for the longest drive.

Division Two:

1st Place: Scott Frearson with an impressive 38 points

2nd Place: Mick Lobas with a healthy 37 points

3rd place: Mick Gillies with 35 points

Division One:

1st Place: Matviy Bdzola with an outstanding 41 points

2nd Place: Bob Semehen with commendable 36 points

3rd Place: Geoff Gilles with 32 points.

Overall Winner of the UGAGB Challenge Trophy

And finally, a huge congratulation to our overall winner and the Challenge event Champion 2024 with an impressive 41 points Matviy Bdzola. Last year’s champion Mick Lobas handed over the trophy to Matviy. Mick fought hard to retain the trophy, but Matviy proved to be a class above everyone on the day.

Our next event is at Killworth Springs GC, Leicestershire on Sunday 19 May, look forward to see you all there.

Graham