William Buckley - Winner of the first Teia Open in 2004
William Buckley Junior, Ireland
Former Irish Strokeplay champion William Buckley Junior was the victor when the first Catalan International Open was played at Teia in 2004. William spoke to fippa.net about his memories of that success ten years ago.
William recalls enthusiastically how he decided to make the trip a decade ago. "John Walsh and I went on invitation as the 2nd and 1st placed players respectively in the PPUI rankings."
Their base for the weekend has become a familiar stop on the Pitch and Putt circuit. "We stayed in Hotel Bernat 2 in Calella."
William remembers that many of the PPUI's finest made the trip. "A big Irish contingent travelled - Sean Downes David Hayden Dennis Monaghan and Colin Somers to name a few. There were approximately a dozen in all.
As always, preparation was meticulous on the newly opened layout. "We played few practice rounds on Friday. All went well. The course was excellent," recalls William.
Play was over just 36 holes that year. It wasn't an auspicious opening for the 2003 Irish Strokeplay champion. "I started very badly. I was 3 over after 4 and nearly 4 over after 5", admits William. "I only got back to level at 17 then birdied 18 to finish 1 under and a few shots off the lead."
One of William's travelling companions and fellow Co. Offaly native (although many years resident in Dublin) shone on day one. "Sean Harkins led after first round. I think Dennis Monaghan was well there too," is William's memory of that long ago March Friday. Dennis actually shot 50 to be one behind Harkins.
Day One didn't go so well for another of the Buckley travelling party. "Colin (Somers) won't like me telling this but he was only Irish man to miss the cut and he had predicted on the plane going over that no Irish man would miss it. Just said I'd mention that!" adds William mischievously.
William's assessment of the final round is characteristically modest. "Sunday went very well, I was steady on the front 7 holes. I then got going and birdied 5 out of 8. I signed for 48 to win by 2."
Buckley hasn't missed a single Catalan Open since and clearly values that 2004 success. "I have played in them all since 2004. I finished third in Mas Pages and 4th in San Cebria. I really enjoy the Catalan Opens - good competitions, well run. The standard is very good. The courses are challenging and it's different to our (Irish) game. I am very pleased to have one of these Opens on my Pitch and Putt CV."
William feels the open scene has changed significantly over the ten years. "These opens have changed since the first one. There are more entries and more rounds to be played. The standard is very high, which is great for our sport."
We wondered how William views this year's Teia renewal. "I look forward to playing in 2014 Catalan open. I am travelling with Colin Somers, Kieran Claffey from my own club, Dermot Wogan, previously winner of the over 55 in Papalus and Dennis Monaghan. All these lads are great players and Dennis likes this game and this course so he could be big threat. This year will be very special for me - back to Teia after 10 years and I am bringing my son Liam for the first time, so hopefully I can perform best I can and maybe turn back the clock. Who knows....?"
A former PPUI NEC Officer, William administrative involvement is confined to minor role with Offaly County board at present. "I was busy for the last few years but I will get more into it in next few years."
Ambition still burns brightly for the man who made his international debut in Catalonia in Solius in 1997. "I hope to be selected on the 2014 Irish team. I would love to make that team to win back the European championship for Ireland. We'll have to wait and see as there are so many good players around and no doubt all will be determined to get a place." "I didn't play much in the last 5 years. Liam was sick and we had very tough time but we are well on the road to recovery now so am back playing regularly now and looking forward to the seasons ahead. I would love to give Teia a run in April and of course would love to win another national. If it does not happen I can't be too disappointed as I have been very fortunate with success in our great game and I look forward to playing many games with Liam who is already hooked on the sport."
