FIPPA Newsletter - December 2008.
Welcome to this edition of the FIPPA Newsletter.
Renze Hasper
Dutch International and EPPA webmaster
I had a chance, at the recent Willie Parker Challenge Cup at R.G.S.C., to meet articulate Dutchman Renze Hasper. The tall Groningen native is a fine player and has participated in the two Willie Parker Cups. For years, he has also diligently and creatively managed the EPPA website - www.pitch-putt.info. Here's his view of the Pitch and Putt scene.
Q) How and when did you get involved in Pitch and Putt?
Eight years ago, a friend and I were interested in playing golf. We had some lessons, but at the end we thought it would cost us to much money to play golf on a regular basis At that time the second Pitch & Putt course in Holland opened in my home town Groningen. At first we played the game recreationally, but every day. The next year we joined in competitions and got more serious about the game.
Q) What attracted you to it?
As I said, we were planning to play golf but the costs were too high in our opinion. Pitch and Putt doesn't take that much time and I have more fun hitting the ball close to the flag than hitting it (more or less straight) 300 yards. Today I like the competition and being able to play with the top players in Holland.
Renze Hasper
Q) Do you play regularly and what prizes have you won?
I play in two club competitions during the season (Groningen and Oostwold) and attend all the ranking tournaments. Over the past years I won various competitions at my home courses, this year the Matchplay and two Strokeplay competitions. Last year I won my first and only ranking tournament. 2008 was a very good year. I played very well in the national championship and ended 5th on the national ranking.
Q) Tell us a little of your experience in Ireland at the Willie Parker Challenge?
WPC was in a word: fantastic!
That we would not win was known in advance, since the level difference is too big I had a few exciting games. I played against, inter alia, Ray Murphy, Ger Ward, Frank Dineen and two good friends Ian Farrelly and James Carroll.
All in all an experience to remember!
Q) The EPPA website is excellent and thanks for your work on it. I understand you plan some changes. Could you tell us a little about them?
Thank you John, it's my pleasure. The current EPPA website is already four years old. The website runs on free software Joomla. The current version is outdated and must be replaced urgently. In addition, the layout is up to date, including being replaced. In the future there will be some components to be added such as a calendar of international tournaments.
Q) How could we capitalise more on the advertising/marketing opportunities presented by the EPPA website?
In the new layout, there is more space for banners. The EPPA could search for sponsors who can then place a banner. The more visitors the site attracts the more money you can raise per banner. So it is important that the website is up to date and news is added on regular basis.
Q) Do you plan to play a circuit of international opens? How excited are you at the prospect of an Irish Open in 2009?
The last five years I have played the French Open and this year for the first time the Italian Open. Next year's agenda is already full of beautiful tournaments and it will be difficult to make choices. I think many players are looking forward to play the Irish Open. It's about time that the home of Pitch and Putt got it's own Open.
Q) Does international Pitch and Putt have a future?
Based on the agenda for next year would you say so. For the first time a world championship for individual players, the Chinese Open and another Triple Crown in Australia. Also at the last world championships in Papendal you could see the international growth of the participating countries.
Q) Who impresses you of the international players?
At the WPC I played some matches against Ray Murphy and in my opinion he's like the Pele, Maradona or Cruyff of Pitch and Putt. He's a great sportman and he's one of the best, if not the best player I've seen. Other great players are Alan Hanlon, Ian Farrelly, James Carroll, Liz Quinn and the Deebles you can meet them at almost any Open around the world. I think they're great ambassaders of the sport.
Q) Tell us a little about the Pitch and Putt circuit in Holland? Should the NPPB actually generate more registered members?
In addition to the sport, Pitch and Putt in the Netherlands is also more of a business concept. Usually the courses are filled with recreational players and there is barely space to ptactice. Because of the concept, it is not possible for all courses to join the NPPB. If this was possible registered members would double and we would have a nationwide coverage more quickly
Q) Did you enjoy the World Cup in Papendal?
Unfortunately, I could only attend the finals and had not the chance to watch all teams, but what I saw was fantastic Pitch and Putt.
Q) What could EPPA do to better market Pitch and Putt internationally?
Pitch and Putt is for all ages and genders, this is a very accessible sport. The R & A has already recognized Pitch & Putt as its own sport. I think the task of the EPPA now is to get this recognition from the IOC. Then it will be easier to raise funds.
(with John Manning)
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