Linda Thomson - Looks forward to the Irish Open at Glenville

Linda Thomson, Ireland

It's not much of an exaggeration to say that Linda Thomson "grew up" on Pitch and Putt courses!

"I have been around a long time - even at the age of only 31!" reflects Linda. "I have been a member of Glenville since 1992. My mam and dad had been members for many, many years, so I suppose growing up with parents who played all over the country it was inevitable I was going to end up playing."

Every weekend throughout the season, Alan and Margaret Thomson, family in tow, would make their way to whichever course was hosting that week's Pitch and Putt open. Some stalwarts from the Pitch and Putt circuit recall providing crèche facilities for the Thomsons! There is no doubting Linda's Pitch and Putt pedigree and her immersion in the sport he parents loved. "I am lucky enough to have played on most courses in the country. There are even some players out there that I have changed the grips on their clubs, at the age of 11 or so! Still to this day, I can go to many courses in the country and be recognised, and it is great to see that many of these players are still playing and supporting opens each week. It all brings back great memories of the pitch and putt community."

Linda and her family endured a tough 2013 with the sad loss of Margaret (R.I.P.). "This year, following my mam's passing, Glenville are naming a cup in her honour to show their appreciation for all she did for the club over the many years she was a member, and the family are very grateful. It's not just Glenville that has meant a lot, as they played all over the country every weekend."

The naming of Glenville as the venue for the 2014 Irish Open invokes memories of a landmark international event of yesteryear. Linda was centrally involved. "When Glenville hosted the Quadrangular in 1997, I was Juvenile Captain for that year. I remember the preparations at the time, and the Glenville members pulled together to make sure the course was showcased to the best of its ability. The work put in at the time changed the course for the better, for the players of that tournament and then for benefit the members for many years to come. This event cemented Glenville on the map of Pitch and Putt as one of the best courses in the country."

Linda has very happy memories of that milestone weekend. "I was lucky enough to be involved back in 1997, and I carried the scoreboard for Australia. I got to meet many players from all over, and after the event, the Australian team sent me a t-shirt and cap to thank me... Pretty sure I still have them at home somewhere!"

The Glenville club were very keen to host the IV Irish Open. Linda sums up. "We put ourselves forward to host the event, as many players from all over Ireland and further afield find the course a challenge. Whether the classic course will be used, or whether they decide to lengthen some pitches, it's something all players will have to wait and see what happens. Yes, we have the space, so there may be a surprise or two. Then again, the Glenville classic course can be quite the challenge!" Many would subscribe to that latter sentiment!

Although not directly involved with the organisation this year, Linda attests, "Glenville have formed a strong committee to oversee this event. Preparations are well underway, from the grounds to the social end. Glenville will of course extend a warm welcome to local players as well as our international friends, with social nights in the club over that weekend a definite given. It is lucky that some of the organising committee are regular visitors to the Dutch Open, so I know they are only too delighted to extend the hospitality they receive over there to the upcoming weekend of the (Irish) Open. - Sláinte (the ancient Irish drinking toast) will become the new "fore" for that weekend!" Glenville will therefore maintain its long held reputation as one of the most hospitable Pitch and Putt clubs.

Linda harbours strong playing ambitions for the Irish Open. "I am going to try and qualify for the event as it is being held on my home track, although I do find that playing on my own course is never to my benefit, but being a player or a spectator on that weekend will be exciting."

As well as a busy career and a hectic playing schedule, Linda manages to work voluntarily in Pitch and Putt administration. "I am enjoying my time with the Dublin County Board and I'm about to start my second year as Secretary. It does slightly affect the playing end of things, but it is nice to be involved and hopefully bring about some changes for the good of the sport."

Linda unassumingly plays down her own standard of play. "I would not be on the same playing level as many of the ladies in the game," is her overly modest assessment. "I only have one senior title and that is Dublin Matchplay champion, so hopefully in the coming years I get to add to this..,, Sometimes you just need the rub of the green!"

Dublin teams of the recent past have featured Linda Thomson in their ranks and she aspires to continue that involvement. "I do hope to make the Dublin Inter-County team for 2014, and think for all players in the country it should be their ambition to play for their county. It is a great weekend of Pitch and Putt - for players and spectators, competing or socially or both. I play in all the big events (if I qualify that is!) and love taking part. Although most times it doesn't go to plan, it is nice to be involved, and really is a great way of improving your game.

Linda's parting shot is a fervent wish. "I hope that all players who come to Glenville for the International Open enjoy the weekend, enjoy the course, and the social aspect, as with the on-going preparations, which will continue until the last flag is taken down on that Sunday evening, the members and club hope it is a major success and Glenville retains the name "The Augusta of Pitch and Putt"

I think we can count on it.