Bernt Kristian Nerland - Norwegian Open champion
Bernt Kristian Nerland led from gun to tape at Bryne Kro & Hotell to win the II Norwegian Open on 156. He gave this delighted reaction to fippa.org.
fippa.org (Q.)How does it feel to be Norwegian Open champion?
Bernt Kristian Nerland (A.) It feels very good. I had a terrible start at the season, so this was a good surprise.
Q. You obviously know the course well. How much of a factor was that in your success?
A. It was all of the success. I have not had the time to practice as much I want it to, 1 maximum 2 times in the week. Knowing the course as I do helped me through the weekend. My swing path is a little bit rusty at the moment, so it is nice to know where I could aim for the ball to be safe if or when I miss!
Q. Clearly you played beautifully on Saturday. What were the key elements of your 49 and 51 for eight under par?
A. I always make myself a game plan. Which holes are 90% birdie holes, which holes are 50% and which holes are par holes. Here I picked seven holes with good chances to shoot a good score and go from there.
Q. Was there a difference in the weather and playing conditions between Saturday and Sunday?
A. No, I think maybe it was a little bit colder at Sunday, but sunny and nice.
Q. Did you feel pressure on Sunday?
A. Not initially. I had my game plan and my routing, and I had a comfortable lead, so it shouldn’t be that difficult. But it is a long time since I´ve been in this situation, so when I got on the first tee I got all the nerves and I actually started shaking.
Q. What factors contributed to the over par final round?
A. My nerves of course, and the fact I developed a terrible swing path on Sunday. I was collapsing at the top and blocked every shot out to the right. I saw it at the end of the last round at Saturday, but I thought I was just tired. But that's the price you have to pay for only having one practice day during the week.
Q. Did you think at any stage in the round that Jan and Helge would be able to overtake you?
A. From the second hole I thought Jan would take the lead after the front nine. And then Helge got lucky with a hole in one at the 6th - "the devils corner." I had my plan to take a three maybe a four there. Lucky for me Helge and Jan missed some putts towards the end.
Q. What other international events do you plan to play in 2019? Will you be in Dagenham for the European championship?
A. I will only be playing in Dagenham, I don't think I´m suited for it, but it should be fun to try.
Q. What other Pitch and Putt ambitions do you have?
A. After a little break now of 2-3 years I think I will try to play some more international opens and try to be the best I can get.
Q. How strong is Pitch and Putt in Norway?
A. Not really strong, Norway is still a golf nation, and Pitch and Putt is played by golfers or as a place for beginners to practice. Many leave to join golf clubs.
