Pitch and putt
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pitch and Putt is effectively a shorter version of golf, and is an organised and independent sport developed mainly in Ireland since the 1940s. Traditionally, the holes measure up to 70 metres (with a total length of maximum 1,000 metres) and the players may only use an iron and a putter. The game is played from raised artificial teeing surfaces using a tee and it has its own handicap system.
As Pitch and Putt developed in other territories, the distances and number of clubs are, in some cases, somewhat different as far as local competitions are concerned. Nevertheless for international competitions, compromise rules apply as per the Definition section – International Pitch and Putt defined.
In all cases Pitch and Putt has its own handicap system and applies the Rules of the Royal & Ancient St. Andrew’s with the exceptions that are specifically approved in each country. The Pitch and Putt Union of Ireland has a comprehensive set of Pitch and Putt specific rules.
[edit] European Pitch and Putt Association (EPPA)
In October 1999, in Dublin, it was agreed to form the European Pitch and Putt Association (EPPA) attended representatives from Pitch and Putt Union of Ireland (Ireland), British Pitch and Putt Union (Great Britain), Associació Catalana de Pitch and Putt (Catalonia), Association Francaise des Pitch and Putt (France), Nederlandse Pitch and Putt Bond (The Netherlands) and Federazione Italiana de Pitch and Putt (Italy). Later, the Norwegian Pitch And Association (Norway), Swiss Pitch & Putt Golf Association (Switzerland) and San Marino joined the EPPA.
The European Pitch and Putt Association stages a biannial European Team Championship. Ireland has won the 4 European Championships played (1999, 2001, 2003 and 2005)
[edit] Federation of International Pitch and Putt Associations (FIPPA)
The Federation of International Pitch and Putt Associations, is the governing body of the sport of Pitch and Putt, and was created in March 2006 in a meeting in Barcelona by representatives of 17 Pitch and Putt Associations. The members are Ireland (PPUI), Catalonia (FCCP), France (AFPP), The Netherlands (NPPB), Norway (NPPA), Britain (BPPA), Italy (FIPP), Switzerland (SPPGA), South Australia (APPA) and Chile (FCPP). Also Denmark (DPPU) and San Marino (FSPP) are associated members.
The Federation of International Pitch and Putt Associations stages a biennial World Cup Team Championship. Catalonia has won the 2 World Cups played (2004 and 2006)
