FIPPA Newsletter - April 2008.
Welcome to this edition of the FIPPA Newsletter.
XAVI PONSDEMENECH - ACPP
TOP CLASS CATALAN COACH
FIPPA News interviewed Xavi Ponsdemenech in the wake of his Catalan team's landmark victory over the Irish at the beginning of March.
Q1. Congratulations on Catalonia's win against Ireland. How proud are you of this achievement?
Thanks, it was indeed very emotional and I’m very happy with the outcome. It was beginning to get a little frustrating having to always congratulate them.
Q2. What were the key factors in the historic win?
I think there were a number of factors; primarily the course suited us, secondly, the Irish got off to a great start with a 3:1 lead. I suspect this might have given them a little too much confidence, and thirdly, we had 8 players fully convinced they could win.
Q3. What specific preparation did you and the team do?
Nothing special, we had two coaching sessions concentrating on psychological aspects. About three or four years ago I saw the same high calibre of players both in Ireland and here preparing for matches by discussing at length the characteristics of the courses to play. What until now had been missing was the belief that we had a good chance of winning.
Xavi Ponsdemenech
Q4. You have close family connections to Russia. What is the position there and how hopeful are you that we will have an Russian member of EPPA?
Four years ago I designed a course in Moscow, though I believe it has not been built. I played golf in Moscow and St. Petersburg and you know what? The St. Petersburg course had three holes and we had to go around eight times! The same club had 9 Pitch & Putt holes (which they called Par 3). I explained the set up in Europe and the rapid development of the sport internationally, but they did not appear very interested.
Q5. How important is a manager or a non-playing captain in the sport of Pitch and Putt?
It is difficult to put your finger on it; each country has a different perspective on the role of the captain. In my case, I tried to be one of the team and, at the same time, get the best out of each player. At the end, it is not me who had to sink those birdies.
Q6. What are the prospects for the III World Cup? Will Catalonia retain the title?
The first thing is to find three players who know how to play the game which is played there (in Holland). For the qualifying trials I have a plan – and a surprise.
Q7. Do you actually play Pitch and Putt?
Yes I do and quite a lot. Now I’m a golf professional, but I started playing on the Pitch & Putt course in Solius.
Q8. What is your view on Irish Pitch and Putt?
I like the Irish a lot. After the European Championships in Ireland, where I saw for the first time courses of those characteristics, I realised just how important it is to use a Tee. Since then I have been trying to encourage everyone to use one. I even suggested to some course owners to change the mats so to oblige players to tee-up; not much success on this so far.
(with Martin Whitelaw)
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