Rene Jan Bloem - Gelders Glory
Rene Jan Bloem emerged out of a form slump to win the 2024 International Gelders Open in mightily impressive fashion. He explained how to fippa.org
Where did that performance at Strand Horst come from?
Last few years' performance wise have been disappointing, the low point being the performance in last years Inter-County (Irish teams championship). I decided to change my swing drastically after that performance with a little help.(thanks Bryson de Chambeau and YouTube!).
Something clicked instantly and the Enjoyment came back, playing well, competing, how to deal with pressure and winning again. All these things you take for granted when playing well. Strand Horst for me is a result of the last 6 months and all the effort I putt into my game.
Do you know the Strand Horst course well?
Even though I played the tournament a few years ago, I didn’t know the course that well from memory. What really helped is that upon arrival I played three really enjoyable practice rounds with Mischa Effern who has done brilliantly in past years and finished 2nd this year I definitely took advantage of his knowledge of the course.
Tell us about the first round 47?
Strand Horst can be a difficult course with different challenges per hole. The confidence I built up recently certainly helped. My only thought was to go out, take it hole by hole and try to build a round. That focus of playing hole by hole was so present that I actually had to ask my marker for my score after the round as I totally lost track, which is really unusual for me. The 47 was a pleasant surprise after checking scorecards.
One stroke ahead overnight, Sunday couldn't have gone much better?
It couldn’t. Great score the first round and, with more challenging weather conditions the second round, the score of 50 was probably even a better round. Delighted to go with a one shot lead into the final round after day one.
What pleased you most about your game?
The positive attitude and mental side of my game.
Was there any time during the weekend that you felt you weren't going to win?
I honestly never thought about winning till late in the final round. Anyone who has played the game has seen leads disappear quickly and it’s never finished till the last putt is in the hole. Mischa had a great start to the final round with a birdie against my bogey and I lost the lead in the tournament, which is proof how quickly things can change. I responded by making nine birdies in the next 13 holes which probably is the best I played in a long time. On Hole 15 we had a 25 minute wait and I saw my lead was five strokes with four holes to play. That’s the first time thoughts appeared that it was my tournament to lose. I brought it home and will never forget and cherish that moment always.
Do you consider yourself Irish or Dutch or both?
Born and raised in the Netherlands, so I consider myself Dutch. But after living for nearly 15 years in Ireland, which I love, Ireland definitely is the country I consider home.
You played for Netherlands in the 2005 European Team Championship. Would you have an ambition to play for Ireland in the World Cup?
Ambition? Yes. I think any Irish player would love to represent Ireland in the World Cup and I’m no different. Reality is that there are many top Irish players who are high in the rankings and have consistently performed national and internationally for years who I respect the upmost. To have a chance for selection I would have to do the same firsI feel.
What are your remaining ambitions in Pitch and Putt?
Ambition for me is the desire to perform and the passion for the sport which is still very much present. The desire is high to perform in the Scratch Cups and International tournaments and hopefully be in a position to win again. Short-term something really important to me is qualifying for the Westmeath Inter County team. I love team events and after the disappointing result last year we owe the team Manager Mick Buckley a good performance.
Will you play more international opens in 2024?
Yes, Playing in the IV World Strokeplay Championship at Vigo in June, the Irish Open at Ryston in July and the Galicia Open at Santiago in August.
