05 Dec 2011 at 19:46 | Published by: Hans | Views: 13596 | News search

Vincent Huus playing in Stockholm  (Photo by Per Olsson 2011)

Interview with Vincent Huus (VH), Denmark and Putter Team Odense

This interview was done the 5th of December 2011. Interviewer is Hans Bergström (HB).

HB: First of all congratulations to the team fifth position and good results individually in Stockholm Championship? Are you satisfied with the results in the team?

VH: I thank you on behalf of the whole Danish Team, Hans. We are very proud to become nr. 5 in Stockholm. For me personally it was a dream come true to get into the Cup-stage individually too. Satisfied? Oh yes!

HB: Can you tell our readers little about yourself? Who is Vincent Huus?

VH: I’m 38 years old and live in Odense in Denmark. I love all kinds of sports and have tried a lot of sport myself. I’ve been a taxi driver since 2007. Before that I’m educated in both retail and later as social worker. Minigolf has been a great part of my life since 1993. I have played on the Danish national team since 1998. Had a break from the sport from 2006-2009. Been junior coach in my club since 1994 and then again from 2009 until present day. Best result in 2002 in Prague with a 9th place and a spot in the super final.

HB: What were your personal and the Danish team goals before the Championship?

VH: Sometimes you get the feeling you are part of something special. We knew that the team was able to bring home a great result. We even spoke about top 5 before we started out.

During the last year 5 of us had already played either Swedish Champs in 2010 or NC in 2011. We felt really well prepared. Top 5 was our dream. It was wonderful to reach the dream. On a personal level I knew my form was good, but I was a bit concerned whether my mental state could manage both coaching the juniors and still perform at the highest level in Sweden. I’m really pleased how it turned out.

HB: Fifth position in the men’s team. Is this the best ever done by a Danish Team?

VH: YES :) ! it’s the best placement ever for Denmark. Before 2011 the best result was in euro Porto 1998, where Denmark was within 40 strokes of medals.

HB: You acted both as player and the Head coach during the Stockholm Championship. How was it to combine theses two roles?

VH: Well I wasn’t coach in Stockholm, only player. We didn’t have a national coach at that time. The confusion might be because I’m the coach of the Danish juniors and had just returned from Naturns just before the Worlds in Sweden. I was highly motivated to play after seeing some brilliant play in Italy at JEM. I also knew that this time we had a great team in Stockholm and I was proud to be part of it.

HB: Can you tell us about your KO-game against Harald Erlbruch. What were your feelings before and during the match?

VH: Harald… a fantastic player. I’ve seen him play so many times and knew it would be like climbing a mountain to beat him. On the other side anything is possible in KO-game. Allan Schwab showed that at the 2009 WC, beating Carl Johan Ryner in my hometown of Odense.

This time it was my chance to beat a legend. No matter who you meet in KO, you just know it’s going to be hard. It takes a bit of luck and a lot of focus to win head to head. I was determined to give my best, but at the same time really enjoy the moment. I made a promise to give all and I felt I did. I had a fantastic support from all in the Danish team and that really helped me a lot. Harald put the pressure on me from the word “go” and I kept up with him to begin with.

After going 2 down I pulled one back and had a big chance to equalize, but missed double waves. I then lost a couple lanes and found myself 1-4 with 5 concrete lanes left. I won lane 1 and felt all was still possible. Harald then had that little bit of decisive luck on lane 2. A poor shot somehow hit all 4 stones and dropped for an ace for him. He apologized, but hey… that’s also part of minigolf.

He then closed the match down on the next lane. Exit for me. Of course I was disappointed right after, but I gave it all. Harald Erlbruch just showed what a magnificent player he is.

HB: Now tree months later which memories are the strongest from Stockholm?

VH: The team spirit we showed was something I’m never going to forget. We all worked hard, but still managed to have a lot of fun together. Another thing was all the spectators around the course. It made one feel like being part of a really special event. Massive support for the Swedes in particular, but the rest of us got our fair share of their support as well.

Filip Svensson’s last concrete round (23) was absolutely out of this world. Eva Andersons fight with Bianca Zodrow was so intense. The battle of the brother’s of course. Pure magic! Last but not least I still smile when thinking back on my round against Harald Erlbruch. I enjoyed every second.

HB: What is your opinion about the way the Stockholm championships were played with 2 days team, one day stroke play and one day match play?

VH: I like the fact we have 3 different modes of play. It makes the tournament alive and intense. There’s no room for mistakes.

HB: Your club, Putter Team Odense was also playing in the European Cup ending as maybe slightly disappointing 10th position. Can you tell us about that experience?

VH: True, it was disappointing to end up in 10th position at the EC in Vergiate. We just didn’t have what it took to break into the final 6. This time only a couple of the players lived up to their own and the team’s expectations. Personally I didn’t play well at all. I made too many stupid mistakes. On the other hand we had a superb trip as a group and hope we can redeem ourselves next year in Portugal if we regain our national title.

HB: If you could recruit any player in the world, as long as it’s not a Danish, to play for your club PT Odense, who would you pick?

VH: Filip Svensson!!! I saw him for the first time in Odense 2009 and have since been impressed by his pure determination on the course. 1 Silver and 3 gold’s in 2 consecutive World Championships. He’s no doubt a marvelous player to have as team mate. On top of that he is a great guy.

HB: What happens next for you in Minigolf?

VH: I’m most likely going to play both domestic and international in 2012. One of my dreams came true last year, being coach of our national juniors. I’m sure more and more of my time will be spend helping new young talents improve their level during the years to come.

HB: Again a big congratulation to the strong game in Stockholm and good luck in the future.

VH: Thanks for Your interest in Danish minigolf, Hans. I wish a Merry Christmas and a happy new year to everybody in the world of minigolf.

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