19 Aug 2010 at 08:29 | Published by: Hans | Views: 11759 | News search

Harald Erlbruch playing in felt Odense in front of a curious audience  (Photo by Hans Bergström 2009)

Interview with Harald Erlbruch, Germany and Hardenberg

This interview was done in August 2010. Interviewer is Hans Bergström (HB).

HB: First of all thank you for letting Minigolfnews interview you.

HB: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself to those who don’t know you. Who is Harald Erlbruch?

HE: Harald Erlbruch is a German that is crazy for minigolf and year after year aiming for the stars, together with his friends and his team of Hardenberg.

In my daily life I work with insurances, have a girlfriend and I love the Kölner Karneval (this is by the way where I got my nickname „Höhner“ from).

Short trivia: Profession: Insurance salesman
Year of birth: 1974
Start of Minigolf career: 1982
Clubs: Kölner MC, BGS Hardenberg Pötter
Favourite ball: 083
Favourite surface: Eternit
Technical tip: There is no special tips, just training, training, training.

HB: What do you think of your 2010 season so far?

HE: So far, I managed to fullfill my goals for the season...that is, winning the German Bundesliga-titel.

HB: You and your brother Walter have been part of top international Minigolf for more than 20 years now. For how long do you think you continue to play on this level?

HE: As long as I have the ambition to win titles, it’s no problem. Otherwise I plan one year at a time.

HB: How can you keep the motivation up from year to year?

HE: My motivation is to improve my skills and to experience the great feeling with Team Hardenberg.

HB: How much time do you spend practicing and competing on an average summer week?

HE: As an average I spend 3 out 4 weekends each month playing minigolf.

HB: You have played as closer both in your club Hardenberg and in the German Team for quite many years now. What does it take to be a good closer? Are you never nervous in tight situations when the Team Success depends on your performance at the end?

HE: I’m always nervous (everyone is), no matter the situation. If I’m not nervous at all, I also don’t play well.

There are no special skills needed just because a player is the closer of the team. As any other player he or she has to stand up for the team. Everyone has their task to complete.

HB: When you won in 2006 in Geldrop I remember that first thing you did after the final shot was to walk across the whole course and gave a big hug to your brother. It was almost as you had radar knowing exactly where he was. Can you describe what kind of relationship you and your brother Walter have?

HE: Brother, friend and much more.

HB: You also were forced to meet with your brother in the first KO-match in Tampere. Can you comment on how it felt when it was clear that this was a fact and how did you feel about meeting him in the KO-match?

HE: No feelings.

HB: Can you share with us your reflections on last year’s Odense Championship?

HE: -

HB: You are soon to be off to Predazzo as the two times title holder (2006 in Geldrop and 2008 in Tampere). What are your hopes about this Championship? Will it be a third title in a row for you?

HE: I simply want to play well and have a good time.

HB: What do you value the most the Team Play for Germany in an International Championship or a good Individual Performance.

HE: One thing comes from another.

HB: How do you think the German Teams will perform in Predazzo and what Teams will be the toughest competitors?

HE: We are good and at the same time our own worst competitor.

HB: And who of the German Players do you think will have the best chance individually (except yourself of course)?

HE: All.

HB: Who are the favorites for the gold medals individually in Predazzo do you think?

HE: There are many, and the playing modus makes it hard to name any.

HB: What is your best moment in your Minigolf Career?

HE: There are many nice moments, but the best is to be a part of Hardenberg.

HB: And the worst?

HE: 2003 in Bad Münder

HB: What is your opinion on the KO-modus in international championships?

HE: For me it is a question, wheather we really accomplished what we wanted with this system.

HB: If you could recruit any player in the world, as long as it’s not an German person, to play for you club Hardenberg who would you pick?

HE: None, we are complete as a team.

HB: Again thanks for participating a good luck in Predazzo.

HE: Thanks to you too.

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