Ed Janssen - counting down to the Gelders International Open
The Gelders Internatioonal Open has been played regularly In 2024, for the first time, it will form part of the official FIPPA Calendar. Chief organiser Ed Janssen spoke enthusiastically about the Open and other matters to fippa.org.
You must be excited at the prospect of another International Gelders Open?
EJ: Indeed. What started as a counterpart to an European Championship to offer even the lesser “Gods” an international tournament where it is really about seeing good results, has grown into a renowned tournament where bridges are built between players, making it worthwhile to organise another great tournament this year. Also the support from the top players is very much appreciated.
Do you think the Strand Host course will suit Dutch or Irish players better?
EJ: Given the remarks from some Irish players regarding trees and shots where you really have to decide between playing high or (punch) low, I would give the Dutch a very slight advantage, since they are used to play difficult shots, haha!
Are preparations complete for the Gelders Open? Or are there any aspects still giving you sleepless nights?
EJ: Oh yes, just ordered the polo shirts; one of the last things to do so on schedule. The sleepless nights are unavoidable. The financial part is always a thing but thanks to the sposorship of MWS Beheer, I made a minor profit last year and will probably break-even on this edition. The worst thing is the last-minute withdrawals or no-shows while scorecards are printed, seedings done, etc.
You have relinquished your position as PPBN President? Did you enjoy your term in the role?
EJ: As one of the first date founders of PPBN I did my job as treasurer and the handicap system. Only last year I acted as president ,given the fact that Maurice stepped down. Now the younger blood is in charge and the "oldies" will be in the background to help, if needed.
What is your honest assessment of how Pitch and Putt is developing as a sport in The Netherlands?
EJ: As you know I’m always honest, which isn’t always appreciated, so I fear for the sport since we have no juvenile players at all. Also the fact that the Pitch and Putt courses in the Netherlands are commercial enterprises makes that the owners prefer greenfee players over members in some cases.
Every year, there is a struggle to find courses to host National competitions, even Dutch championships.
Even with this in mind we are proud of our Dutch players and their international results. The problem is that Pitch and Putt isn’t 'groovy' for the younger players. Football is the number 1 magnet for them, unfortunately.
Do you see yourself as a player or an administrator? Or both?
EJ: First of all, I see myself as a player with an urge to connect and interact with people. As a player, I’m proud to have opened doors for other Dutch players for exchanges with Irish clubs. Since I feel the players have a resposibility for the sport, I felt obliged to become an administrator for a while (20 years, haha!). As an administrator you know there is always criticism escpecially from people who don't do anything positive for the sport themselves. Maybe I wasn’t the best administrator because I hate politics; I like to be clear in my messages and that doesn’t seem to fit by certain people.
You are ne of the most-travelled Pitch and Putt players of all time. How many trips do you (an Arnhem resident) plan to make to Ireland during 2024?
EJ: The St Patrick's Scratch Cup, Irish Open, qualifying and playing (hopefully) the National Over 55s and the Kildare Shortgrass. It’s currently five trips. I won’t be surprised it’s eventually 8-10! All made possible by my foster family in Mullingar, the Corcoran’s. Without them it would be financialy impossible to stay over so often.
How do you assess the prospects for the Dutch team at World Cup 2024 in Catalonia?
EJ:In Catalonia, the home squad, is only beatable by the Irish so the Netherlands will be 3rd ranked or with incredible form during the days of the tournament, 2nd. Hope the Dutch won’t hold this against me!
