FIPPA Newsletter - August 2008.
Welcome to this edition of the FIPPA Newsletter.
Josep Fontdegloria
The Catalan who came saw and conquered in Switzerland
Here are the reflections of Josep Fontdegloria from Catalonia on his victory in Alps in mid June.
Q) Congratulations on your win at the Swiss Senior International Open. How proud are you of this achievement?
A) Thank you John. I am indeed very proud to have won this tournament in the Swiss mountain resort of Verbier.
Q) What were the key factors in your success?
A) I guess the key factor was that I was especially concentrated during the three rounds.
Q) A few words about your nearest rivals?
A) They were playing very well too, but we helped each other out. There was a great sense of camaraderie.
Josep Fontdegloria (second from left) with SPPA President Brigitte Albisetti (third from left) and the other prizewinners at Verbier.
Q) Does international Pitch and Putt have a future?
A) The international dimension is a great boost for the development of the sport. The popularity of Pitch & Putt will continue to grow if courses around the world pay attention to the demands of players who like to combine travel with their sport. As players improve, so too will courses with respect to aspects of course design, quality of maintenance, amenities etc.
Q) Your comments about the Verbier course?
A) Being where it is - in the Swiss Alps, what is essentially a ski resort, it came as no surprise that we felt the course was especially difficult. A spectacular location, but the terrain does not lend itself to well designed course, but rather favours more the downhill skiers! Nevertheless, it was a great experience.
Q) How well-organised was the Open and the other tourist elements of the trip?
A) I must compliment the Swiss Pitch & Putt Association on the excellent organisation of the event. We especially appreciated the tremendous effort Brigitte Albsetti and indeed her daughter, Barbara, made to make us feel so welcome and looking after all the logistical matters related to the tournament. Unfortunately, we did not have enough time to fully appreciate the tourist attractions on the region.
Q) What are Pitch and Putt's attractions for seniors ?
A) I particularly appreciate the fact that it allows us to get together, to get together often and of course meeting and making new friends.
Q) What your ambitions in Pitch and Putt?
A) My ambitions are modest enough, I would like to be able to continue to enjoy the game and participate in more such events wherever!
Q) Would you play in a circuit in senior international Opens?
A) I would be really delighted, even it it means I should go back to the gym to keep fit!
Q) How competitive is the seniors circuit in Catalonia?
A) The seniors circuit at home is not only especially enjoyable, recreational, but also 'terribly' competitive, as it should be.
(with Martin Whitelaw and John Manning)
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