Tipperary's Breda White - It's a long way to Verin and a world title

Breda White's involvement in the sport of Pitch and Putt dates back to the 1970s. The Tipperary Hills player won her first Munster Strokeplay championship in 1979. She took a lengthy sabbatical from Pitch and Putt in the 1990s and noughties but a spectacular return has brought three more Irish individual titles, an Inter-County win, the Irish Open, four provincial crowns and now, the biggest one of all, the World Over 55s Ladies Strokeplay championship. 

Breda was understandably in ebullient mood when fippa.org caught up with the Co. Tipperary lady to discuss her memorable weekend in north western Spain. "It feels great to win the first Senior World Championship. I'm thrilled to bring it home."

This little corner of Galicia will always hold a special place in her heart, albeit some of the pin positions were a challenge! "Verin course was beautiful. Course management was needed, especially on the greens. Putting was very tough, especially downhill putts. But I really liked the course. Holes could have been a little bit more central!" 

We wondered if there was any stage on Sunday where Breda felt she might succumb to a spirited Pilar Montero fightback, which saw the Catalan legend claw back a three stroke deficit to force a play-off for the title. "No I didn't think about losing the championship. I played so well on Saturday, I really didn't envisage a big problem. But I left myself on the wrong side of the greens and three putted a few. It was also very wet and cold. When I went from three shots up to two down. I had my 'chat' to myself and knew I had 13 -14- 15 and that I could make amends. I never felt under pressure!" Breda's safely played two putt par in extra holes finally secured the title after Pilar missed the green and failed to get up and down.

The main protagonists for the inaugural ladies title largely kept their own counsel. "Pilar, I really didn't engage too much. I just went about my own game. She's a lovely lady." 

Plans for the remainder of the season are open-ended. "I'm just going with the flow! I've suffered a lot in the last year with my back, so I'm delighted to be playing."

Breda's not just playing - she's playing superbly. That old adage of "beware the injured player" certainly applies.