FIPPA Newsletter - August 2008.
Welcome to this edition of the FIPPA Newsletter.
Anthony O'Brien
British Strokeplay champion
Son of a prominent Irish Pitch and Putt administrator, Anthony O'Brien has made his home in the United Kingdom for many years. He gave this very thoughtful and sincere interview to fippa news in the wake of his win at the 2008 British Strokeplay championship.
Q) Congratulations on your win at the British Championship. How proud are you of this achievement?
A) Being crowned British Champion is definitely the pinnacle of my sporting career thus far. I never imagined I would one day be champion. I am incredibly proud of this achievement and will be very reluctant to relinquish this title next year.
Q) What were the key factors in your success?
A) Practice, practice and more practice! The tournament was hosted on a course local to me and I was able to practice most evenings which certainly helped. I also felt confident going into the event.
Anthony O'Brien
Q) A few words about your nearest rivals?
A) Steve and son, John Deeble, are definitely my biggest rivals. The competitions and banter between us is great and brings an extra buzz to our interclub events. Geoff Unwin is also worth mentioning as he too on his day can compete with the very best.
Q) Does Pitch and Putt in Britain have a future?
A) The standard has definitely increased dramatically over the past number of years. I think this became apparent when the UK came third in the last European Championship held in Sardinia, 2007. Whilst the committee seeks new ways of attracting members, the number of new members remains low. Another good result in the upcoming World Cup should hopefully increase our profile nationally.
Q) Did you play Pitch and Putt in Ireland before you moved to the UK?
A) Coming from Cork, I was fortunate enough to play out of the greatest clubs in Munster (if not the country!) St Anne’s Pitch & Putt Club. I finished my playing days in Ireland at Templebreedy (Crosshaven). Coincidentally, the current British and Irish champions both come from the same club, Templebreedy.
Q) You're on the British team for the 2008 World Cup. What preparation does the team plan?
A) On top of our individual practice, preparations are well underway. Flights are booked; the hotel is being confirmed this week. We have our matchplay a month before the WC with a number of other events planned.
Q) What are your expectations for the World Cup?
A) We certainly have the confidence and belief that we can match, if not, surpass our result in Sardinia. The number of countries competing this year has nearly doubled so we have to be cautious with our expectations. This is the strongest team the UK has sent to a World Cup so there is great expectation of us this time.
Q) What are your ambitions in Pitch and Putt?
A) Having achieved the milestone of British Champion, I now set my sights on retaining the title. I have been in the post of Handicap Secretary for the last two years and continue to work with the committee in finding ways to develop the sport across the UK.
Q) What other sports did you play before taking up Pitch and Putt?
A) I would consider myself to be a keen golfer, handicap 12. I played hurling and football with St Vincent’s Club, Cork. I support Manchester United and try to get to a game at least once a season,
Q) What is your profession and what is your Pitch and Putt handicap?
A) Being a parent first and foremost. I have two beautiful children, my daughter is 16 and my son is 10. I’ve been working for Hewlett Packard for twelve years; current role is Business Analyst, having spent ten years in their procurement department as Senior Buyer, qualified in 1990 IIPMM. I currently play off +3.
(with John Manning)
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