Anthony Malone - Thoughts of a Vice President as Lucan prepares for IX ETC
Two-time All-Ireland Strokeplay champion Anthony Malone was elected to the position of Pitch and Putt Ireland Vice President in February. He is also a leading light of the Lucan club, host course for the 2025 European Team championships. Fippa.org was delighted to gather the thoughts of the charismatic Dubliner as he looks forward to a momentous year.
Congratulations on your election as Vice President of Pitch and Putt Ireland. How have you found the role so far?
I am only coming to terms with what's required and the challenges we face but I am enjoying it so far. I look forward to making a difference, particularly keeping players well-informed by administering in a proper and democratic manner. Transparency is the way forard in my book and information is key for all concerned..
As a long standing member of Lucan, you must be thrilled that the course will play host to the European Team championship?
It's an absolute delight for Lucan to host suha prestigious event and we'll leave no stone unturned. It's our first international event and I couldn't be prouder that my club was chosen to host it.
You played in one of the early international matches – against Catalonia at Solius in 1997. How do you reflect on that experience now and what is your view of the current international Pitch and Putt scene?
We travelled over in 1997 to face the unknown and the team was basically a "Who's Who" of Iresh Pitch and Putt. the courses were superb and very daunting, partcularly as some holes stretched to 120 metres. It was basically Pitch and Putt Irish style versus a much longer form of the sport (Catalan distances) but the qulaity we had overcame this problem with aplomb. We adapted well, chiselled out a victory and were pioneers of what was to come.
The international scene since then is more conducive to our (Irish) players with the compromise FIPPA rules (90 metres/1,200 metres). Having travelled to the Catalan International Pairs for the past three years, it's been really enjoyable. The courses are a joy to play and the strength in depth of the fields make the tournaments hugely enjoyable to compete in or to spectate at.
What can visitors to Lucan expect? On course? Off course?
The Lucan club will have the course set up and in the best possible shape.that can be achieved. We have a number of great volunteers who work on the course weekly to keep it in top condition for our members and it will be no different for July's European Tea championship. Given decent weather in the run-up, our greenkeeper Stephen (Murray) and Anthony (Keegan) who attends to the fairways (assisted by the club volunteers) will produce a course that will generate a wow factor with the visitors.
Our clubhouse features all the facilities necessary to cater for everybody's needs, food, bar and whatever else required. All will be welcomed hospitably and will be looked after in a proper and disnified manner. We have a long history of hosting major events and the only thing we can't control is the weather! Hopefully, the weather gods will smile on us.
How do you rate Ireland’s chances in the Gents championship?
I feel the Irish team are current World Cup champions are undoubtedly the favourites. If they don't become complacent, I think they'll win. On home soil, the team (whoever plays) will be wary but confidence and pride in the jersey will (hopefully) drive them on to win.
How excited are you that Ireland will play host to the first ever European Ladies Team championship?
It's a step forward and hopefully will encourage more ladies partici[ation in our sport, both at home and abroad. It should be very competitiove and enjpyable to watch. It's great thet Ireland (the founders of competitive Pitch and Putt) are the host nation for this neww beginning. One hopes it leads to bigger and better things in our sport.
Notwithstanding all of your (increasing) administrative responsibilities, you’re still an active and successful payer. Do you think you’ll have much time to play in 2025?
I'd like to think Yes. Even with a few health issues preventing from preparing as I'd like to, I feel my game is still there. I'm very selective in the events that I play in but with warmer days around the corner, I'm hoping to get out more, playing-wise. My competitive spirit is saying 'Yes', but, unfortunately, is saying 'No'! But hopefully, that can change. I enjoy going to the events, even if I'm not playing. To hear the banter and see the players enjoying our sport is reward enough for me.
