A Re-visit to Southend-on-Sea's Arnold Palmer Minigolf Course

Replaying the Arnold Palmer Minigolf Course in Southend-on-Sea.

Wish You Were Here

Emily and I were recently in Southend-on-Sea and luckily for us the 18-hole Arnold Palmer Minigolf course on the Eastern Esplanade was open - and will be on Saturday's and Sunday's throughout the winter (weather permitting).

Emily playing the shortest hole on the course with Europe's longest pier in the background

We've played the course a number of times over the years and Arnold Palmer Putting/Crazy Golf/Minigolf courses are amongst my favourite types of Miniature Golf. They have that classic look and feel that I associate what the game is all about - the windmill, waterwheel, lumps, bumps and hillocks, and the all-important 'lucky' last hole.

A rough start for Richard with an overhit tee-shot landing in a bunker!

When we visited last December the course was closed, so it was nice to get a game of Crazy Golf this time round.

This hole used to have the cup in another position

In our one-round match Emily and I scored a pair of 48's (having enforced the course rules as opposed to BMGA rules) to force a sudden-death play-off to decide the winner. On the the replay of the 18th hole we both scored twos, but I was able to win the game with a two on the 16th hole.

Playing out the Lighthouse hole

Predictably, neither of us won a free game on the 19th hole. I was quite close though.

Emily having a crack at the Top Hole

The Arnold Palmer Minigolf course in Southend used to consist of two 18-hole courses, however it is only the East Course that still exists. On our first visits to the town as Minigolf enthusiasts the old West Course was still in place, though totally unplayable.

The sign for the East Course at Southend-on-Sea

Back in April 2007 I made my professional Minigolf Debut on the British Minigolf Association Tour in the BMGA British Masters competition that was played on the nearby Adventure Island Adventure Golf courses in Southend-on-Sea.

I think the course is always worth a play if you're in the area and you can find it at Darlowes Green, Eastern Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 2ES.

Related Blog Posts:

- Minigolf and Crazy Golf in Essex
- Then & Now – Southend Arnold Palmer ‘West’ Course

- Crazy Golf and Adventure Golf in Southend-on-Sea - Crazy World of Minigolf Tour

- Southend-on-Sea's Arnold Palmer Crazy Golf (re-visit Dec 11)

- Crazy World of Minigolf Tour