FIPPA Newsletter - March 2007.
Welcome to this edition of the FIPPA Newsletter.
Australian player - James Rogerson
James Rogerson, member of the APPA National Development Squad, top ranked player in the 2006 World Interclub League, former Australian National Champion and current ACT State champion. Member of the Canberra International World Interclub League 2006 Champion team - handicap +8
James, you have won the first round of the 2007 APPA Rankings - winning the ACT Championships and have been named in the APPA 2007 National Development Squad. Things have started well for you this year. What are your ambitions for 2007?
Well, I'd like to go to Adelaide to play in the South Australian Open at Valley View in May because that is played over the 1200 metre distance and it would be the first time I have played in that event. I am also looking forward to the Australia Triple Crown in November and playing well against the international players.
When did you start playing Pitch and Putt and what have been the highlights of your career so far?
I started playing about 8 or 9 years ago, at Queanbeyan. I used to play golf with my mates but wasn't any good at it, I remember shooting a 147 one day and even then I didn't count all my strokes!
Then one of my friends suggested I try the shorter game at the nearby Queanbeyan Pitch and Putt course and I found it suited me much better.
Highlights so far? Winning the National Championships three years in a row, in 2002, 2003 and 2004 with each year being played on a different course interstate.
Later this year you will be playing against international players here on home soil. What are your international ambitions?
I really want to play in the French Open, I would love to play in that event and I would also like to go to Ireland to play on their courses.
It is also my goal at the moment to try to qualify for the Australian team to play in the World Cup next year.
James Rogerson during the recent ACT State Championships
Recently APPA introduced many rule changes to bring the sport in Australia in line with the international community. How have you adjusted to those changes?
That's been ok, it hasn't meant any great change to my game and I am playing well at the moment. (ed- James then went out after this interview and shot a 43 in competition to confirm he is going ok at the moment!)
Who is the best player you have ever played against in Pitch and Putt?
Hmmm, I think Arthur Jelly is one of the best and most consistent players I have played against and we have had some great battles in national championships over the years. I also rate Tom Rickit very highly (Tom came second in the recent ACT State Championships) and also Doug Hartshorn, but he doesn't play anymore.
Is Pitch and Putt the only sport you play, or do you dabble in other sports as well?
I used to play rugby league football a lot and still play a bit of cricket and the occasional round of golf.
Many of the best players in the world are heading to Australia in November this year - do you have a message for them?
Yeh, just come down and enjoy what we have. I'm looking forward to making new friendships and getting to know these guys from overseas and having some great contests against them.
|
