Earlier this year, the EGA created a fund to support Ukrainian golfers’ participation in international amateur tournaments. The UGF fund, set up shortly following the outbreak of the war, raised over 50,000 euros thanks to donations from member federations, committee members, golf clubs and individuals.
Thanks to the fund, 21 starts were give to Ukrainian players in eight different international amateur championships throughout the 2022 season.
Special moments as a result of the initiative included Ivan Malovychko proudly flying the Ukrainian flag with support from family and friends at the European Amateur Championship at Parador El Saler in Spain; Maria Fedorowycz representing her country at the European Ladies’ Amateur Championship in Paris; Four junior players forming a Ukrainian team in the European Young Masters at Linna Golf in Finland; and Sofia Pylypenko being invited to compete in the ANNIKA Invitational in Sweden.
Ivan Malovychko and friends at the European Amateur Championship - Parador El Saler, Spain
Team Ukraine at the European Young Masters - Linna Golf, Finland
Two highlights would come for Ukrainian teams at the European Team Shield Championships in Hungary. The ladies’ team finished runners-up, narrowly missing out on gold medals in the final, while Lev Grinberg earned leading individual honours in the stroke play qualifying round of the men’s competition.
The Ukraine Ladies' team with silver medals at the European Ladies' Team Shield Championship - Pannonia Golf & Country Club, Hungary
The General Secretary of the Ukrainian Golf Federation, Volodymyr Pylypenko, recently expressed his gratitude to EGA President, Jan Hubrecht, for the support given by the UGF Fund: "On behalf of the Ukrainian Golf Federation, we express to you our respect and gratitude for all the support and care towards our athletes and us in these difficult times."
“You helped our children and gave them an opportunity for a normal life during the war. You gave us a chance not only to maintain our progress, but also to continue its development. We are sincerely grateful to all your team and we will never forget it.”
Ukrainian teams were also present at the World Amateur Team Championships in France with the help of the UGF Fund.
The Ukrainian Ladies' team at the World Amateur Team Championships - Paris, France
The Ukrainian Men's team at the World Amateur Team Championships - Paris, France
The EGA would like to thank all supporters of the UGF fund, as well as EGA Member Federations who made the players welcome in their countries and facilitated their participation this year. Remaining funds and further donations, still open on this link, will be used to support Ukrainian players in international amateur championships next year.
The Ukrainian teams at the European Team Shield Championships - Pannonia Golf & Country Club, Hungary
