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  Septuagenarian scoops Slovenia Open - Rudolf Leban

Ebullient Slovenian Ridolf Leban gave this reaction to fippa.org after his victory at the Stanežiče course in Ljubjlana.

How does it feel to be the first Slovenian winner of a Men’s International Pitch and Putt Open?

It feels very good. And since I am almost 75 years old, it is also a testament to other players that it is never too late to win, even big and important tournaments.

Did you expect to win?

Every player who goes to a tournament hopes for and expects a good result. This year, after a long break from playing golf (8 years), I started playing on Pitch and Putt courses for the first time in March. I was encouraged by my daughter Saša, last year's winner of the Slovenia Ladies Open. So, this is my first year playing Pitch and Putt  competitions, but the my results have always been quite good, especially in recent months. The results of last year's winner, Mr. Yann le Tallec, and other Slovenian colleagues, as well as the reliability of my own game on this course, indicated that I could win. So, the answer is actually: Yes, I was quite confident that I could expect a victory. 

You were paired with holder Yann Le Tallec. Did that intimidate or inspire you?

The fact that I played the first two rounds with Yann, who is undoubtedly a great player, was an inspiration, because I was thinking that if I could beat him, I would be well on my way to winning the tournament.

Were there any vital moments during the rounds that were crucial to your victory?

Yes, at the beginning of the first day when I managed to make an ace.  I realized only at the end of competition that getting a two-stroke advantage over the main competitor on one hole was crucial. Moreover, in the battle with Yann for the main prize, I think that decisive moments this year happened on the green.

You dominated from start to finish of the tournament. Did you feel at any stage that you might be in difficulty?

Yes, on the last day of the tournament at the 16th hole, when I started to realize that I was getting closer to victory; however, I was very closely followed by Matjaž Slak, who achieved an excellent result on the second day, and at that point, there were only three strokes between us.  It crossed my mind that one small mistake could cost me the main prize… And then, Matjaz made birdie on the 16th and 17th holes, while I only parred both, so it was down to the last hole…

How well do you know the Stanezice course?

I know this course quite well, especially the greens, which are very demanding. Being able to read, feel, and adjust to greens’ differences quickly, gave me a competitive advantage in this tournament.

On which hole did you achieve the ace on Saturday?

On the 2nd hole, the first day of competition.

What are your next Pitch and Putt ambitions?

Mainly to stay healthy and to keep enjoying the game on Slovenian Pitch and Putt courses as often as I can. And to be able to defend the title next year and to win again the Slovenia Open 2022! Moreover, I would like to try out and compete in some other European tournaments or abroad as well.

Is Pitch and Putt gaining popularity in Slovenia?

I think so, yes. And rightly so. I am already at this age, when it becomes more difficult to play in serious tournaments on long golf courses. And to tee-off from RED tees as a Super-Senior does not even cross my mind. I believe that there are many people like me in Slovenia, and they should join us on these type of Pitch and Putt courses soon. Most of them have also children and grandchildren, so young players will follow them . But most importantly, a Pitch and Putt game of 18 or 27 holes doesn’t take up much of our time, so for sure it has a future! Especially among always busy Managers and Ladies.