Congratulations to Alan Hanlon-New Vice President of FIPPA
At the 2026 FIPPA General Assembly at Vallromanes, Alan Hanlon was elected Vice President of FIPPA, fitting reward for his significant contribution to the development of international Pitch and Putt.
One of the early pioneers of Pitch and Putt’s international aspect, Hanlon has successfully contested international opens in both hemispheres, across three continents.
A three-time winner of the San Marino Open (2006 to 2008), Alan won the 2005 French Open at the La Grande Motte club, near Montpelier.
One of an intrepid group (which included current NEC colleague Liz Quinn) that travelled down under in 2007, Hanlon claimed that year’s Australian Night championship at Canberra International as well as finishing second in the Australian Open and Australian Matchplay, to fellow Irishmen Ian Farrelly and James Carroll respectively.
He placed third in the 2014 Irish Open at Glenville as well as claiming runners-up spots in the 2008 Italian Open and in the 2005 San Marino equivalent.
Shades of ambidextrous snooker players like Ronnie O’Sullivan, Alan is equally adept at playing Pitch and Putt right-handed or left-handed.
Alan was honoured to represent Team Europe in their 2018 Fernando Morgado trophy success over South America in Chile.
Crowned Leinster Strokeplay champion with a superb 90 at Gaeil Colmcille in 1985, Alan reached the millennium provincial Matchplay final at C.P.M., going down to Mark Millar. He was also twice a National Matchplay semi-finalist, at Ryston in 2001 and at Lucan a couple of years later.
Alan teamed-up with Liz Quinn to twice collect the Best Gross award in the National Mixed Foursomes, at Tullamore in 2006 and at Rocklodge a year later.
A bronze medallist with Westmeath in the 2000 National Inter-County championship at McDonagh (shooting a never-to-be-forgotten 87), Alan helped the Lake County to that famous 2014 Leinster Inter-County success at Collinstown, and also twice picked-up provincial silver medals (in 2005 at Castletown and in 2017 at Lough Owel).
Alan was an integral part of the Ireland sextet that lifted the European Team Championship at Overbetuwe, Netherlands in 2005.
A Dublin native, Alan has been a member of Collinstown for decades and is a multiple Westmeath Strokeplay and Matchplay champion.
He has filled many administrative roles on Westmeath County Board, including a memorable stint as Pitch and Putt reporter for Midlands Radio 3.
National P.R.O. in 2007 and a consistently articulate contributor to Conventions, Alan Hanlon returned to the NEC in 2026 as Pitch and Putt Ireland Secretary.
Everyone involved in Pitch and Putt Ireland wishes Alan every success in his new role and the very best for the future as he continues to represent and promote the game at international level.
Pitch and Putt Ireland would also like to sincerely thank John Manning for this excellent and comprehensive write-up recognising Alan’s outstanding contribution to the game.
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