Michael Murphy - Pre season thoughts of the fourth FIPPA President
FIPPA President Michael Murphy took time out from his busy schedule to speak to fippa.org about his term of office to date and the exciting 2024 season ahead,
Have you enjoyed your FIPPA Presidential term so far?
Michael Murphy: Having been in the position for just over a year, it is a new learning experience for me. During last year I stood down as Secretary of Pitch and Putt Ireland (in February) and I retired from my position as General Secretary at the end of June. Life is just getting back to normal. I have enjoyed the time so far and just hope I can do a good job.
What have been the highlights?
Michael Murphy: To see the return of the Catalan v Ireland challenge for Juveniles and Ladies. The first of these took place in Papalus back in 2014 and was successful This was followed up by the return challenge, played at Seapoint in 2018. We had to wait until the October 2023 for the next challenge to take place. They are really enjoyable and are great socially. They are also well supported by both sides with families travelling and creating a great atmosphere. Long may they last.
Were there any low points?
Michael Murphy: FIPPA were looking forward to the World Cup returning after Covid, but things did not go according to plan. As we know it was to take place in Chile last year, but it had to be withdrawn and rescheduled. Not a low point, but an incredibly sad one, was the passing of my good friend Myles McMorrow,.Before his health issues he had been so looking forward to taking up the position of FIPPA President.
What are your hopes for 2024 and beyond?
Michael Murphy: Like all of us involved in Pitch and Putt I want the sport to grow. I would love too see us get more worldwide publicity coverage of our major events.
Are you excited that the European and World championships are returning to the Calendar after a Covid-enforced hiatus?
Michael Murphy: It's great to be back with our first full calendar of events since the dreaded Covid put a stop to everything. We have the World individual Strokeplay and the World Cup Team Championship in October at the El Vendrell course in Catalonia. We also welcome the Gelders Open to our calendar for the first time.
Do we have too many international Pitch and Putt tournaments?
Michael Murphy: I will get 'shot' for this, but yes, we have too many tournaments. We need to talk to all associations on this matter and try to get agreement on spreading them out more. We need to reduce the number of Opens in any one year as it is now a lot more expensive to travel to them. My suggestion would be that, like Pitch and Putt Ireland, that the Open be played every two years.
How do you see the FIPPA – WPPT relationship developing?
Michael Murphy: It is hard to know. At the moment we have not heard of WPPT plans for the coming year, FIPPA’s agreement with them needs to be reviewed. As with the above question, there are too many tournaments
What are your priorities for FIPPA?
Michael Murphy: As I have said before, FIPPA needs to solidify its position and not get too far ahead of ourselves. As we get back to normal, post Covid, we need to make future plans for our Team, and Individual Championships and if we can get agreement on the Opens. These are my priorities.
Will you travel to many FIPPA opens and events this year?
Michael Murphy: I would love to attend them all, but being a realist, I will try get to some.