Following his win at Lleida in the International Pairs tournament alongside Rolf Kwant, leading Dutch coach Rinus Huberts gave this reaction to fippa.org.

fippa.org (Q.): What were the essential components of your success at the International Pairs?

Rinus Huberts (RH): We complement each other well. We both have a lot of experience and know how to win. Rolf is the most consistent player and manages all aspects of Pitch and Putt. During this tournament we were both in shape; our pitching and putting were particularly good. We both remain fairly calm under all circumstances.

 

Q.Your scores across the three formats (Foursomes, Greensomes and Fourballs) were superb. You obviously dovetail very well?

RH: As a couple you should know very well what are your strong and slightly less strong points. In advance, we had taken a good look at what might be the possibilities, e.g. where do you have to score a birdie and where you should be satisfied with a par.

 

Q. Do you regularly play as partners in competition?

RH: We do not play as a couple often, but we often train together. We have known each other since 1999, and have played many tournaments as a player and coach.

 

Q. Were you worried when Liam O’Donovan and Pacelli Darcy put together a charge on Sunday?

RH: We knew that Liam and Pacelli could score very low on the last day. But also knew what we needed to win and that was within our capabilities. So no, we were not worried. If we could score 7 under, it would have been enough. We were 9 under with 9 holes to play. At that moment, we knew we would win this tournement.

 

Q. Which other pairings impressed you over the weekend of the International Pairs?

RH: Daniel Coleman and David Sole and Liam O Donovan and Pacelli Darcy. They played a great fourball, 13 under par.

 

Q. Did you ever feel you were in trouble at any stage of the competition?

RH: Not (for) one minute. After our seven under foursome, we knew we had a big chance to win this tournament.

 

Q. Did you arrive at Lleida early to practise?

RH: We always try to arrive two days before the tournament begins, so you can play the course and know where to score.

 

Q. Clearly, the weather was very good in Catalonia in October?

RH: The weather was very good; there was a good ambience.

 

Q. How is Pitch and Putt progressing in Holland at the moment?

RH: Pitch and Putt in Holland is stable. The number of playing members still has to grow. The difference between the top and the group below is very big. The better players have little opportunity to often play against each other, which increases the level.

 

Q. Do you expect many Dutch players to participate in FIPPA tournaments in 2018?

RH: There is always the same group of players who will play tournaments in other countries. Yes, I think this will also happen in 2018.

 

Q. Will we see a Dutch Team at the VIII European Team championships?

RH: I do not know; I hope so. The PPBN is connected to IPPA. From the PPBN there will be no team at the VIII European Team championships. Holland is not a member of FIPPA. As a player, I would like to play against the best players, including the VIII European Team Championship. If FIPPA wants to have a strong team from Holland, no problem, we can handle that. It's only not a representation from a union. Just six good players who want to play against the best.