The IPPA webmaster interviewed John Hudson, President of IPPA shortly after the Italian Open:

IW: Was this competition a success? Does it deserve the title “Italian Open”?

IP: Yes, it was; yes, it does. From an organisational point of view, the team at Virginia Pitch and Putt club was well prepared and went to great lengths to ensure its success. From 6 in the morning till 11 at night, the ground staff, the office staff, the people in the kitchen and in the restaurant and all the voluntary helpers were available, helpful and always smiling. In the three days I was there, I never heard a cross word or a complaint of any kind.

IW: What about the standard of play?

IP: The scores may not seem outstanding but it is a demanding course which can soon turn nasty. Andrès Pastor’s opening 48 reflects a high degree of mastery and control. Under the pressure of the final round, he could only manage a 57 and just 3 players got round in par. It was good to have players from five different countries

IW: Is the course worthy of such an event?

IP: Being a 9 hole course makes it very difficult to run such an event. In every other respect, the course is a tip-top Pitch and Putt lay-out; it was beautifully prepared; and the two tee-boxes at least give the impression that you are playing 18 different holes. It poured with rain for 6 hours between midnight and 6 a.m. on Saturday morning and I arrived at 7 expecting to live another day like the one at La Grande Motte, which washed out a round of the World Championship. But no, we were able to tee off on time with just a few patches of occasional water, which dried out quickly.

IW: So the weather was not good?

IP, No, it was perfect; warm but not too sunny and with very little wind. Players and spectators had a great time.

IW: The high spots?

IP: Enrico’s sand save on the play-off hole which forced Andrès to sink a very tricky putt.
The look on Mark Fromings’ face when he received an autographed premier league football as best-placed junior. He also recorded the best score in Round 3.
Kissing a pretty blonde when asked to present the lady’s prize to Virginia of Virginia.
The gala dinner – Italian cuisine at its best + a wonderful atmosphere.
Excellent and convenient accommodation at a reasonable price. Etc, etc., etc. .

IW: The black spots?

IP: None at all. With events of this quality, IPPA has a bright future.

IW: What about IPPA’s future?

IP: Last week, we received official confirmation of our registration as an international sporting organisation. We can now start really making our presence felt in the world, especially in the golfing world. We have a meeting in Madrid in November to put the final touches to our strategic plan and we shall be making some important announcements. Watch this space!