SCHOOLBOY JACK Donlan will never forget the moment he beat Paul Scholes, the former Manchester United and England player in a test of footballing skills.
The 14-year-old pupil from St Damian’s, Lees Road, took on Scholes at footgolf, a game incorporating features from both games.
Jack plays for Springhead FC under-14s, one of five local junior teams invited to the launch of a new nine-hole footgolf course at Oldham Golf Club.
Dave Dolan, Jack’s dad and joint manager of the team, said: “Paul got to play two holes with one of our teams, and Jack beat him on one of them.
“It is something he hasn’t stopped talking about, and he want forget it in a hurry.”
Dave and Lee Hollin, who also manages the team, are former members at Oldham Golf Club who contacted them with the invite to the opening.
Dave said: “We were aware Paul was going, but didn’t tell the players.
“Paul hid in the professional’s shop and when it was announced he was there, the players couldn’t believe it and were in awe of him.”
Springhead, winner of this season’s Tameside Junior Football League Challenge Cup, fielded three teams of four in the competition with Scholes joining one of them for a couple of holes.
Players kick a size five football from the tee towards large holes with the scoring similar to golf in the lowest score wins.
Dave said: “It is harder than it looked and the course is quite tricky.
“The lads loved it and we we will be taking them back.”
The cost of playing nine holes footgolf is £7.50 for adults and £5.50 for under-16s. Bookings can be made at www.ukfootgolf.com and more information can be obtained by telephoning 0161 626 8346.
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