How did you get into golf?
«My whole family plays golf and since I was a child I was immersed in this very interesting world. The great fortune was to live near the beautiful Lugano field in Magliaso. With my parents and my sister we spent many good times on this path, but the passion arose when my mother started taking care of the juniors of the Lugano club, organizing courses, competitions and above all transfers throughout Switzerland to involve the boys at the various championships of the Swiss Golf Association. This competitive side has really motivated me and I can only thank my mother for my life in and with golf ».
What have been your most important successes?
«I was a good amateur and I had the honor and pleasure of being able to represent Switzerland at international and European championships and even at a world championship. They are strong emotions and unforgettable experiences. In 1995 I also won the title of Swiss Champion and was a member of the women's national team from the age of 17 to 29. Then I was the national captain of the U18 girls and I was able to experience another face of elite golf ».
In June the European Senior Championships for men and women took place in Ascona. What did they represent for the growth of golf in Ticino?
«Being able to host European championships is an honor for our Association, a motivation and inspiration for our athletes who can compete with the best players in Europe. For the region hosting the championship this is a priceless promotion. Just think that there are players from over 30 countries who spend a week and discover the region and the culture of the country. The 140 participants are fantastic promoters who will return with their family and who will speak well of Switzerland, golf in Switzerland and, as in this case, Ascona Golf to their friends and acquaintances. For the organizing club it is a prestige to be able to be part of the circle of routes selected for the organization of a European championship ».
What can golf represent for the development of tourism in Ticino?
«We know that golfers (almost) always want to play golf when they go on vacation. The choice of destination depends on the possibilities it offers the golfer. Ticino, with its 3 magnificent courses (Ascona, Losone and Lugano) has been a popular destination for golfers from all over Europe for years. I was the director of Losone Golf from 2001 to 2007 and I was able to personally verify the amount of tourists who choose Ticino for their holidays thanks to golf. The tourist offices are aware of this important market and are always very open to collaborations with golf courses and with the events that are organized. Swiss Golf found excellent collaboration and support from the local Tourist Board for the European Championships in Ascona. Ticino is already a destination known and loved by golfers and I am sure that the statistics of the various bodies can only confirm this statement of mine ».
Among the numerous assignments, you are General Secrétaire of Swiss Golf. What are the objectives of your mandate?
«I have been working for the association for 12 years and have been the director for 5. Swiss Golf is the umbrella association of golf in Switzerland and our aim is to support, control and promote this magnificent sport on federal territory. In recent years, thanks also to the work done by two organizations for independent athletes (ASGI and the Migros Golf Card), golf has become more democratic. Most of our clubs have also changed their admissions policies and become more open and flexible. Golf is a great sporting activity for all ages! It is the ideal sport for young people who learn to respect the rules of behavior by playing, but also for people of a certain age; a walk in nature is good for the body and mind! It is a fun sport when practiced with family, friends or even alone! And for those looking for a more active social life, joining a club is the best way to meet new people and participate in a sports program. I have many projects to carry out for Swiss Golf, but one that is particularly close to my heart is to be able to change the image of our sport which is still too subject to prejudice ».
What emotion does this sport arouse in you today when you go down to the green?
«Unfortunately I don't have so much time to devote to golf anymore, but when I play it is a real joy for me! I don't even have to play well to have fun! Only being able to be in nature and being able to "hit a ball" relaxes me and makes me very happy! Golf is a sport for life and at each stage you can have fun adapting your expectations and competitiveness ».
