Michael Vaughan - World Cup winning Captain

Soon after he returned home from a memorable week on the Costa Dorada, Pitch and Putt Ireland National Competitions Co-Ordinator Michael Vaughan gave us this delighted reaction to his country's fifth successful World Cup campaign

• It must be a great honour to captain Ireland’s World Cup winning team?

It was a great honour to be picked. It wasn’t something I was expecting but I was thrilled to be picked. It was a fantastic honour  to go over and take part in the competition and to be so close to the play.

• Was is a stressful week or an enjoyable week?

It was a bit of both, to be honest. Obviously, there is some pressure on going into it to try and retain the title. The players played fantastic and we were on the right side of the draw.

• Friday’s Strokeplay gave you a great platform for the rest of the tournament?

We said in advance that we needed to be seed 1 or seed 2 to get the best chance for the Matchplay. It’s an extra bonus when you’re seeded No. 1. Being on the right side of the draw made all the difference. It was an added bonus.

• How difficult was the Padraic Sarsfield/Damien Fleming situation?

It was very, very difficult. I had spoken to Padraic and We could see he was struggling he was taking some painkillers. It took some time to get it right in his own head. He came to me and I told him I’d back on his decision either way. I think he ultimately made the right decision but it was a difficult decision for him to make

• Your impressions of the El Vendrell course?

I loved the course. We were over earlier in the year (in April for the FIPPA meeting) and visited El Vendrell. At the time I thought it was a course that would suit the Irish eye. It set up not too dissimilar to certain shots that one would see on Irish courses. The holes were a bit longer. We felt we could deal with that. Pick the right club. Ball would fly a bit further.

The distances were much longer right club warm air. We prepared well for it.

We prepared well for it coming pour really getting our practice

• The team spirit in the Irish camp appeared good?

As soon as we arrived, wot our cars drove to the hotel, checked-in and it was straight out on the course.  They boys just wanted to play

I spoke to them on the first day and said we were here to work. This was going to our place of work for the next Relax when we went back to the hotel but on the course Everyone was taking it seriously.

The practice rounds were competitive matches against each other. It was set-up

• What is your opinion of the overall standard of play at the World Cup?

I was very impressed. Some of the other countries are knocking the door. I was especially impressed with Galicia. I thought they were very, very goof and, of course, Portugal as well. It was by no means a foregone conclusion heading into the final.

• Were there any worrying moments in any of the knockout matches?

Damien Fleming sinking the putt in the Foursomes at the 18th was a game changer for us.

There were worrying moments .Matchplay is a funny game, especially over 18 holes. While your opponent is knocking off pars and getting closer to the finishing line.The boys dug in deep when they needed to and did themselves and the country proud.

• Will you be captain in 2028?

It would be a great honour but somebody else probably deserves the chance.