Marc Fischer - Australian Open success

MARC FISCHER, AUSTRALIA

Marc Fischer sampled international Pitch and Putt relatively early in his career. "As for playing overseas, I had that experience in 1997 when I made the Australian team that travelled to Ireland, playing at Glenville Pitch and Putt," recalls the 41 year old Australian Open champion. "I would love to do it again," muses Marc about a memorable far off August weekend in 1997, when he bagged two wins from his five matches. The Aussies finished third (behind Ireland and Canada but ahead of England) in that 1997 quadrangular international.

Marc Fischer took time out from his duties as a Melbourne postman to reflect with satisfaction on a productive 12 months. "2014 was a good year for me. I had 3 wins - Australian Open, Victorian Open and Victorian Masters..."

One title will be relished more than the others. "The Australian Open meant the most to me as it was the first time I had won that title...I have won 4 Victorian Opens and many masters," is Marc's matter of fact assessment.

Marc pays tribute to his closest rivals. "My biggest competition over the last few years has been James Rogerson, Jack Kalis, Arthur Jelly, Doug Harthorn and Richard Tour. "

Sunday morning at Waverley last November saw the most critical phase of Marc's biggest win to date, in almost a quarter of a century playing our great sport. "I guess the turning point in the Australian Open was the 3rd round when I went from being one behind to being 4 in front with an 8 under round."

Marc is devoted to his home course and scene of his latest success. "I have played Waverley since it opened in 1990 and I love the course, always in perfect condition thanks to Phil Shaw Dennis, the newly appointed APPA President."

When quizzed as to why Pitch and Putt is not a bigger sport Down Under, Fischer raises a theme that many domestic associations could identify with. "I think the only bad thing in Australia is that we get a lot of juniors to play Pitch and putt but lose them to the bigger game. It would help if we had more courses which would lead to more competitions and competitors." We're certain the APPA (driven by the new Presidential appointee) are on the case.

Pitch and Putt is not Marc Fischer's only leisure pursuit. "I like to play most sports and stay active. I also compete in 10 pin bowling".