UGAGB Challenge – Northenden GC, Manchester – Sunday 23 April

Our second event of the season was held at Northenden GC, Wythenshawe, Manchester, a

course we played in 2022, that follows the flow of the River Mersey west towards Liverpool, snaking it’s way around the perimeter of the course, which unfortunately I and another member in my playing group managed to find…sadly!!

Not sure how many balls ended up in the river yesterday, but I bet the bed of that stretch of The Mersey is full of them!

On arrival we were given a very warm reception by the catering staff who served bacon

sandwiches and coffee before order of the play was drawn by The President, Roman

Skalsky. With 22 golfers, 3x3ball and 4x4ball teams were drawn.

The weather, although threatening to rain, held off only requiring members to reach for

waterproofs and umbrellas for 10 minutes for most of the round until after the first 3ball

team of aces had putted out on the 18 th when the heavens opened, and a deluge of rain and hail fell for about 15 minutes.

They really did feel for the other teams still out on the course…..NOT!!!!

Once rounds had been completed, cards signed and scores submitted in the clubhouse, we

were treated to a hearty steak and ale pie with chips followed by apple pie and custard.

The overall winner of the day was Mick Lobaz with a magnificent 42 points, in what was only

his 4 th round of the year and last year’s winner, Geoff Gillies, presented Mick with the

UGAGB Challenge Trophy.

Congratulations Mick!

Buddy kept up his excellent form from the first event by top scoring in division 1, he’ll be down to single figures the way he’s playing.

Nearest Pin Bob Semehen and Scott Frearson / Nearest Pin in 2 Buddy Bdzola / Longest Drive Bob Semehen

As far as minor prize winners go, this season has unearthed another contender for longest

drive, in addition to the usual suspects, Bob Semehen, who can certainly drive a ball a long

way and yet have the finesse to be accurate when aiming for the green in the short

competitions.