Marc Lloret - Now a European champion and a World Cup winner
Marc Lloret, Catalonia
Q. How does it feel to retain the European Team championship?
ML: Well, for me it is a new experience to be a European champion. I guess my feeling can be summed up with a with a phrase I have used before; "the important thing is not to reach a height, but rather to be able to stay there", and Catalonia has managed to do just that and retain the title. For that reason, I, indeed all of us are extremely content and proud to continue as champions.
Q. Does Ireland's absence diminish the win in any way?
ML: Obviously, it is a shame that such a reputable team, Ireland, did not take part, but we all know what goes on at home. I can only hope that Ireland will return to compete internationally. But for me, the important thing is that Catalonia won.
Q. What were the important turning points in the win?
ML: I reckon that we gained confidence with the advantage in the Foursomes, because individually we were quite strong and each of us was able to win a point.
Q. Could the Netherlands have won?
ML: Indeed, the Dutch could easily have won the final. For that matter, so too the Galician or Andorran teams. The Dutch were very strong, but Andorra was also in great form and Holland was close to losing in the semi-final. I suppose one or the other would have been considered a favourite, but in the end things are not quite as easy and at the end, one has to prove your merit on the course.
Q. How did Catalonia prepare for the championship?
As a team, I would say we had the advantage in that we were highly motivated and had a super connection among the members of the team. The team spirit made us strong and consequently, training sessions were very agreeable, and apart from team sessions, each of us practiced individually.
Q. Your impressions of the new associations - Basque and Galicia?
ML: I was not at all surprised with the performance of the Galician team. I know the players for some years now, and play to a very high standard. They are gaining experience and will be difficult to beat in the future. To finish the championship in third place tells us that they are in great shape. With regard to the Basques; it is a young association with loads of enthusiasm. I hope they will continue to work hard to consolidate their association.
Q.Do you like the El Torrent course?
ML: El Torrent is an excellent Pitch & Putt course with short, but technically difficult holes. Not only since the European championship, for some time now I consider this course to be among my favourites. Moreover, it was in excellent condition as always, and the reception of the Armengol family was great.
Q. Was the organisation of the event acceptable?
Broadly speaking the organisation and administration of the championship was fine. I guess there were a few minor issues that could have been improved, but generally everything went smoothly.
Q. What went well for Catalonia during the week?
ML: I suppose the good weather was helpful. The fact that it was not raining favoured us as others are more used to wet conditions.
Q. What didn't go well?
ML: When you win, normally is because everything went well. That said, well perhaps some players snored louder than others, another talked in his sleep, but these things are supportable, and when they invite you to a beer, one is forgiving. (:o)
Q. How does it feel to be both a European Team Championship and a World Cup winner?
ML: Personally I'm really happy; this is a title I've not had until now. I've worked hard to make the team and to then do my best to contribute to a victory, n essence an incredible experience. If I had to choose, I would go for both!
Q. Is the strokeplay seeding position important?
ML: The relevance is relative. Sure, being the first seeded team allows you to play against the weakest team in the Match play round. But after that matters can get complicated.
Q. Talk about your teammates and what they contributed to the win?
ML: As I alluded to, everyone has a human factor, each enormously talented. That brings confidence and makes things easier. Everyone made a huge contribution whenever required. I value most of all the sense of cohesion among the players, the enthusiasm, and the unity of the group, the dedication and the effort of each member of the team including the team coach - key to achieve this victory. I take the opportunity the express my gratitude to all involved in helping me achieve a dream. YOU'RE SUPER GUYS.
