Senior glory in Galicia for the ultra experienced Pacelli Darcy

Pacelli Darcy, Ireland

Pacelli Darcy has campaigned on the Pitch and Putt courses of Limerick, Clare and Ireland for upwards of three decades. In later years, he hs been a convert to the international wing of our sport. All that experience was put to profitable use at the 2014 Irish and Galician Opens. Pacelli recalled his Galician Over 55s win for fippa.net. "Although I felt that I was not in top form going to Tambre I managed to keep the bogey count to a minimum which enabled me to post a decent score on a very difficult course. I'm also putting a lot better this year since I returned to my old gripping method."

Pacelli reached a milestone Birthday recently, meaning for the first time he is eligible or Pitch and Putt seniors events. What is Pacelli's formula for his achievements at Tambre and Galicia? "I put my success in the two over 55 opens this year down to the very competitive Pitch and Putt environment that I have played in Ireland over the last 20 years and continue to play in on a weekly basis."

The Limerick Inter-County player maintains a disciplined practice regime. "During the competitive season I would practice about twice a week. If an important competition is coming up I would try to ensure that all departments of my game are strong."

Pitch and Putt involvement for Pacelli is not restricted to playing. He is active on promotional matters. "I feel that Pitch and Putt has to become more popular in Ireland. For my part I am involved at club and county levels trying to improve our courses so as to attract new members."

In Pacelli's eyes, International Pitch and Putt is a godsend. "It's great to go to International events with my family and friends. There's a great camaraderie and friendship among the Irish when we go away. I have played Pitch and Putt since the early seventies. I have seen the game in its infancy and develop to the high playing standards that now exist." From past experience, Pacelli sees a possible mirror development angle. "We were delighted years ago to have some of the top Munster and Leinster players come to Limerick to take part in our competitions. It was an opportunity for our local players to learn from them and improve," Pacelli recalls. "It's great to see many of our top Irish players travelling to International events. Hopefully it has a positive impact on the game in the other European regions."

Pacelli is blessed in the close company he keeps in the Pitch and Putt community. "Kieran (Earls), Liam (O'Donovan) and indeed Tommy Hanley not only are top class players but are great people to be around. Kieran and Tommy have youth on their side and I expect them to challenge at national level over the coming years.
Liam is playing the best Pitch and Putt of his life at the moment. It would be hard to find a better chipper and putter in the country His wins at Stackallen and Tambre are testament to his dedication over the years.
What is not probably known is that all these lads put in a tremendous amount of work into the running of their clubs which has to be acknowledged."

Although a strong supporter of international events, there's still a hankering for home! "I prefer Irish distances because I play shorter holes better!"

The international jaunts are far from over. "I was hoping to go to the Open in Andorra and Tommy, Liam, Michael (Darcy) and myself have already booked our flights for the doubles at Papalus in October."

Pacelli "would love to play in the next World and European Strokeplays. There will probably be qualifying first though."

Another big Irish national championship looms on the horizon. "I have entered for the Irish seniors and look forward to a very competitive qualifying round and finals at the Gaeil Colmcille (Kells) course." As we moved towards the end of the interview, Pacelli articulated a sporting dream. "Pitch and Putt needs to achieve as much exposure as possible. I look forward to the day when an International Pitch and Putt team challenges their golfing counterparts on the par 3 course at Augusta on the Wednesday of the Masters week, I reckon that the highly paid golfers would have their "eyes opened."

"To win an Inter County medal. To compete in and win as many senior events as I can." That sums up the future ambitions of a true Pitch and Putt stalwart.