AMBASSADOR W. ROBERT PEARSON

During Vakko Golf Cup, we found the oppurtunity to interview with Ambassador W.Robert Pearson,who is a famous golf-lover.

Ambassador W. Robert Pearson, of Tennessee, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, has a broad background in European and Security issues as well as wide management experience overseas and in Washington. The Senate confirmed Ambassador Pearson as Ambassador to Turkey on July 9, 2000. He officially assumed his position in Ankara on September 21, 2000.

Ambassador Pearson was Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy to France from July 1997 to July 2000. He followed closely the evolution of European Union policy regarding the candidacy of Turkey for membership, and defence and security issues within the Atlantic Alliance and the EU. He actively promoted business ties between France and the U.S. and helped in the opening of five new offices in France s regions. He served twice at NATO, first from l993 to l997 as Deputy Permanent Representative to the U.S. Mission during the Balkan crisis and NATO s enlargement, and second from 1987 to 1990 on the international staff as Chairman of NATO s Political Committee. From l99l to l993, he was the Executive Secretary of the Department of State. He served as Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Security Council (l985-l987). He served in Beijing, China as a political officer (l98l to l983), was staff assistant in the East Asia and Pacific Affairs bureau, and began his Foreign Service career with a two-year assignment in Auckland, New Zealand (l976-l978).

Ambassador Pearson served in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps from l969 to l973, and is a graduate of the University of Virginia Law School in l968. He is a member of the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London. He speaks French and Chinese. His wife, Margaret, is a career diplomat. The Pearsons have one son, Matthew, who is a student in the United States.

T&G : When did you first start playing golf?
R.P: I met with golf at the age of 13 when I was a little boy.

T&G : How frequently do you play now?
R.P : I haven't played golf for 3 months, but last week I played in Ankara and this week I participated in the Vakko Golf Cup.

T&G: In which courses do you prefer to play golf?
R.P : Unfortunately there are no golf courses in Ankara, we only have a practicing area. When I come to İstanbul, I prefer Kemer and Klassis. Kemer, especially, is a real challenge.

T&G: What do you think of the Vakko Golf Cup?
R.P : Vakko Golf Cup is an essentially important achievement. Well-thought and well-planned. A select group of people participated in. I think that golf is a full-scale activity, especially in terms of socializing and such tournaments contribute greatly to golf as a sport and as a social activity. I hope initiatives will be taken in this respect.

T&G: Are you happy with your performance today?
R.P.: Actually, I made a bad myself but I enjoyed the game and my team mates were great fun. It was a tough competition, yet I had a wonderful time. I'm looking forward to next year's tournament.

T&G: Were you excited ?
R.P. : Yes, pretty much!

T&G: What is your handicap?
R.P: 18

T&G: What do you have to say about golf in Turkey today? What about the golf courses and golfers in Turkey?
R.P. : Golf is so young and new in Turkey, but has rapidly improved in the last three years. It is very impressive. There are competent golf players in Turkey who have committed themselves to this sport. However, it is of great importance to have the necessary infrastructure. Turkey will no doubt mark its way in the international arena with improved facilities. For the time being, golf clubs in Turkey are efficiently run and there are widespread organizations.

T&G: In your opinion, how will golf contribute to Turkey? Serve a purpose for tourism?
R.P: Definitely. I believe it will help Turkey to be recognised better and will contribute to country's economy greatly. Belek can be a perfect golf center. Antalya is a holiday resort with historical sites and I believe this is of great interest for foreigners. An effective marketing plan will introduce the cultural riches of the country to the world.

T&G: Who else in your family plays golf?
R.P: Both my son and wife play golf. My son is in New York, and my wife is in Ankara now. She will be here next year for the tournament.

T&G: Finally, what does golf mean to you?
R.P.: Golf is life itself.. You can't afford making mistakes in golf. You have to keep struggling for the best even under the worst conditions. Just as you do in life. There are rules to it and you have to adhere to those rules to take part in it just like you do to take part in a society. It is a way of disciplining yourself. It is important to have a team spirit and think and act collectively. You must learn from your past experiences. Golf has a lot in common with life.

T&G: Thank you very much. It was a pleasure to have an interview with you.
R.P.: Thank you. My Pleasure.