September 2025 – The weather and course conditions were absolutely perfect for the 100 golfers who came out to participate in the annual event organized by the Chornomorska SITCH sports club and Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey (UACCNJ). The outing was a great success with all proceeds, once again, going to benefit children and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
The format for the golfers was a 4 man scramble (best ball) competition. There were some very competitive scores posted for the day, but the team of Bo Iwaskiw, Alex Iwaskiw, Adrian Iwaskiw & John Bilanicz turned in an impressive score for the open division with a -11 under par. The Senior division proved to be equally as competitive with the team of Walt Wilczak, Alex Popowich, Roman Hawryluk & Roman Hirniak taking the honors, also shooting -11 under par.
The golfers were traditionally challenged with a closest to the pin and long drive competitions. Michael (Mish) Jablonsky won the closest to the pin on the Par 3 6th hole. The longest drive competition went to Chris Foster who rocketed his drive down the 9th fairway,
When the last drive, approach shot and putt was sunk, golfers hustled their way to the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Whippany, NJ who hosted the golfers, family members and friends to food, drink and good times. The banquet festivities began with outing organizer Jarema Kochan thanking all golfers who came out to support the event. He also thanked all the volunteers who helped in preparation as well as during the event. The thank you’s continued for the many sponsors who help make the event a success every year. Mr. Kochan reminded all in attendance about how all proceeds from the outing will once again be going to a good cause, the children and humanitarian aid for Ukraine.
After a delicious dinner, two final fundraiser events were held. First, Alex Popovich had some really awesome Ryder Cup memorabilia that he auctioned off from his personal collection. Items such as a Tiger Woods signed golf ball, Ryder Cup team members signed golf bag and a Ryder Cup banner signed by the American Ryder Cup team. The auction was a great success for both the children of Ukraine and the bidders going home with some great golf items. The banquet ended with the 50/50 raffle winning number pulled.
While the banquet officially ended, many of the participants stuck around and continued their good times at the Cultural Center Social Club where you could hear talks about the great….and not so great…..golf shots made during the day.
A special thanks must go to event organizer Jarko Kochan, who once again ran a wonderful event for our Ukrainian community.
Lastly, Nash Sport (Our Sport) are greatly appreciative to all golfers who provided Nash Sport magazine with pictures and videos from the outing. We’ve attached some of them throughout the article for your viewing pleasure.
Slava Ukraini.
