On April 30th and May 1st, the twelfth annual JL Challenge: Battle for the Belt was held. This is one of two annual events that support the Jerry Loyola Foundation. The Jerry Loyola Foundation honors the memory of a fine individual and promising young golfer who lost his battle with cancer in October 2009 at the tender age of 24. The foundation’s mission is to provide assistance to families battling cancer and support junior golf. Wheeler Accountants, LLP provides tax preparation services for the foundation and is recognized as a major sponsor.
We were fortunate to once again have excellent weather for the event. Forty-one players participated; nine in the scratch division, twelve in the senior scratch division (players fifty-five years or older), and twenty in the net division. Brant Wilson, PGA Professional and current Director of Golf at Aptos Seascape Golf Course, was the winner of the scratch division with a two day total of five under par 137. Rudy Ortega was the winner of the senior scratch division with a two day total of 159. In the handicapped division, Gerry Lomeli took first with a two day net total of 142.
The major fundraising event for the foundation will take place Saturday, August 27. The Covid pandemic severely affected the operation of this event in 2020 and 2021, and we look forward to having the tournament without the Covid restrictions. It promises to be an event filled with fun and camaraderie, supporting a great cause!