Thursday, January 31, 2019

A return to Fantasia Adventure Golf in Felixstowe

Playing another round at Fantasia Adventure Golf in Felixstowe, Suffolk.


Fantasia Adventure Golf in Felixstowe

In December we returned to East Anglia to visit family and friends and while in Felixstowe  we swung by our most visited course, Fantasia Adventure Golf in Felixstowe. Luckily the weather was really nice and the course was open to play!


Fantasia Adventure Golf in Felixstowe

My opponents on this occasion would be Karl Moles and his daughter Arabella. Karl, the Suffolk Coastal champion defeated me on the course in our first round way back in May 2011. I'd gained a win back against Karl in our rematch in June 2014 so we were all set for a very competitive round on the 9-hole layout.


Fantasia Adventure Golf in Felixstowe
Hole 1 at Fantasia Adventure Golf

Karl started with a pair of threes, while I dropped shots picking up a pair of fours - the same scores as the debuting Arabella.

Fantasia Adventure Golf in Felixstowe
Hole 1 can certainly be a puzzler

We all shot a three on the third hole - Twister - before Karl extended his lead with a hole-in-one on hole 4 - Humpy.

Fantasia Adventure Golf in Felixstowe
Karl helping Arabella with a shot on hole 2 - or is it the other way round?

Threes followed on the fifth, fours on the sixth and twos for all on the seventh. Amazingly Arabella, with a little help from her mum Sophia, shot a three on the eighth hole, while Karl and I both hit fours.

Fantasia Adventure Golf in Felixstowe
Arabella with a tricky second shot on hole 2

Richard Gottfried at Fantasia Adventure Golf in Felixstowe
Holing out for a four on hole 6 - Evil Eye

Threes all round on the ninth hole meant that Karl had won with a round of 26. Arabella (and Sophia) placed second with a 28, while I won the bronze with a score of 29!

Karl Moles at Fantasia Adventure Golf in Felixstowe
The Champ

The Fantasia Adventure Golf course on Sea Road in Felixstowe is well worth a visit and is a tricky little layout. A two is as good as an ace on many of the holes.

Fantasia Adventure Golf in Felixstowe

Fantasia Adventure Golf in Felixstowe

Fantasia Adventure Golf in Felixstowe

We're looking forward to returning once again. Perhaps the challenge series needs to be best-of-five games...

Fantasia Adventure Golf in Felixstowe

Related blog posts:
- Fantasia Adventure Golf
- Felixstowe
- Karl Moles

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Ufford Park Hotel

A visit to the Congo Rapids Adventure Golf course at Ufford Park Hotel.


Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Ufford Park Hotel

In May 2017 we swung by the Ufford Park Hotel in Melton, near Woodbridge, Suffolk to visit the Congo Rapids Adventure Golf course.

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Ufford Park Hotel

It's a brilliant looking course and we look forward to having a round there in the future.

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Ufford Park Hotel

The Congo Rapids Adventure Golf course was the 736th visited on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Ufford Park Hotel

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Ufford Park Hotel

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Ufford Park Hotel

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Ufford Park Hotel

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Ufford Park Hotel

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Ufford Park Hotel

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Ufford Park Hotel

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Ufford Park Hotel

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Ufford Park Hotel

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Ufford Park Hotel

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Ufford Park Hotel

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Ufford Park Hotel

Check out the Ufford Park Hotel website for more information, opening times and prices of the Congo Rapids Adventure Golf course.

The Congo Rapids Adventure Golf course at Ufford Park Hotel is the sister course of the one at Norwich Family Golf Centre.

Visit the Congo Rapids Adventure Golf website for more on the two venues, opening times and prices.

Link:
Ufford Park Hotel

Related blog posts:
- Suffolk
Adventure Golf
Crazy World of Minigolf Tour
Congo Rapids Adventure Golf courses in East Anglia

Paradise Island Adventure Golf in Manchester

Playing the Paradise Island Adventure Golf courses at the Trafford Centre in Manchester.


Since November last year Emily and I have been regularly playing the Paradise Island Adventure Golf courses at the Trafford Centre in Manchester.


Paradise Island Adventure Golf courses at the Trafford Centre in Manchester

Back in April 2009 the Tiki Hut Trail and Temple Ruins Adventure courses at PIAG Manchester became the 85th and 86th played on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour. We've now visited 859 courses and since we moved north in 2016, Paradise Island Adventure Golf's Trafford Centre location is our local course.


Paradise Island Adventure Golf courses at the Trafford Centre in Manchester

In our nine-event challenge contest running from November to January we played a total of eleven rounds, with six games on the Temple Ruins course and five on the Tiki Hut Trail.

Emily teed-off the series on the 14th November 2018 with a win on the Temple Ruins course with a 37 to 39 result. I followed this up with a 33 to 39 win on the Tiki Hut Trail. We tied our round on the Temple Ruins on the 27th November.

On the 6th December I shot a 32 to Emily's 42 on the Tiki Hut Trail, while Emily beat me 34 to 36 on the Temple Ruins on the 18th December.

In our first rounds of the New Year I won 33 to 36 on the Temple Ruins and 36 to 37 on the Tiki Hut Trail on the 2nd January.

On the 16th January I hit a 32 to Emily's 35 on the Temple Ruins and then followed up with a 35 to 37 victory on the Tiki Hut Trail on the 23rd January.

Our final rounds saw us shoot a 33 and a 36 on the Tiki Hut Trail and a 34 and a 37 on the Temple Ruins.

Overall I scored a total of 205 on the Temple Ruins, with Emily recording a total of 214. On the Tiki Hut Trail I shot 169 to Emily's 191.

Paradise Island Adventure Golf has courses in Manchester, Cheshire Oaks, Derby, Glasgow, Livingston and Sheffield. A new PIAG course is also being built at Rushden Lakes in Northamptonshire. Check out the Paradise Island Adventure Golf website for more details of the PIAG courses, opening times and prices.

Paradise Island Adventure Golf at the Trafford Centre in Manchester

Last July I won the Paradise Island Adventure Golf Open Championship held at the course, a title I'd wanted to win for years!

Richard Gottfried - Paradise Island Adventure Golf Open Champion 2018
Paradise Island Adventure Golf Open Champion 2018

Videos:

- Hole in one on hole 1
- Hole in one on hole 5
- Hole in one on hole 15

Related blog posts:
Paradise Island Adventure Golf
- Crazy World of Minigolf Tour
- Manchester

Link:
Paradise Island Adventure Golf

British Speedgolf and the 2019 Pairs Championship


Finding out more about British Speedgolf and the 2019 Pairs Championship.



Details of the 2019 British Speedgolf Pairs Championship

As a fan of fun and interesting sports and games it's always nice to see variations of more traditional pursuits.


In miniature golf the World Minigolf Sport Federation is introducing a more fast-paced version of the game at an international tournament to be held as part of the CSIT World Sports Games in Spain. This is a big change to the more standard, slower-paced, long-form version of the game.



In the world of regular (or BIG) golf the game is being tweaked too with the sport Speedgolf uniting two of the largest athletic communities in the world, Golf and Running.

Last years British Speedgolf Pairs Champions George Boxall and Tom Roberts. Photo by British Speedgolf
Last years British Speedgolf Pairs Champions George Boxall and Tom Roberts

Registration is now open for the British Speedgolf Pairs Championship. The event is being held at Sweetwoods Park Golf Club in Edenbridge, Kent on Saturday 8th June 2019.

Check out the British Speedgolf website for more details of the calendar of events and how you can get involved in events as a player, official or volunteer.

Last years British Speedgolf Pairs Champions George Boxall and Tom Roberts. Photo by British Speedgolf
The 2018 British Speedgolf Pairs Champions Tom Roberts and George Boxall

While our main passion is miniature golf, we do enjoy a game of Pitch & Putt and Par-3 Golf and can definitely see the advantages of playing speedgolf, both from a pacing and a fitness point of view.

Speedgolf is a faster, more athletic version of golf. You can find out the Rules of the game and an FAQ on the British Speedgolf website.

Making the game even more accessible, Speedgolf Pairs adds a social dimension to the sport and with the foursome format, team work is essential. An early tournament start will see Speedgolf Pairs complete 18 holes in time for brunch! Pairs may be single gender or mixed and entries are expected to represent a broad range of golf and running abilities.

Action from the 2018 Pairs Championship. Photo by British Speedgolf

Pam Painter Co-Founder of British Speedgolf says “Speedgolf Pairs adds a thrilling social dynamic to the sport. Whilst it is more physically demanding than the traditional golf game, providing a good work out, it is also a lot of fun.”

Action from the 2018 Pairs Championship. Photo by British Speedgolf

Speedgolf also appeals to people who love playing golf but can’t find the time to play with work and family commitments – and who enjoy running and having fun. With this faster format players can complete a full 18 holes in under an hour by jogging between shots. The challenge is balancing pace with the ability to quickly and accurately play shots to get the lowest score possible.

Action from the 2018 Pairs Championship. Photo by British Speedgolf

In October 2018 a global consensus amongst leaders in public health, public policy and sport backed golf in the race to tackle physical inactivity and the prevention of a range of non-communicable diseases. British Speedgolf is thrilled to be making their contribution by presenting a golf format that adds a fitness element to golf.  Another important Health dimension will see the Melanoma Fund Charity at the British Speedgolf Pairs championship offering melanoma mole checks for players and visitors and providing sunscreen.

Paula Edwards, Marketing Manager of Sweetwoods Park added "Sweetwoods Park Golf Club has been keen to support British Speedgolf and run social Speedgolf sessions every Wednesday. We are delighted to be hosting the Speedgolf National Pairs Championship at our stunning parkland course in an area of outstanding natural beauty and hope to see a great turnout."

Action from the 2018 Pairs Championship. Photo by British Speedgolf

Many players are finding that Speedgolf has enhanced their golf performance, mainly due to the fluidity of the sport which eliminates time consuming practice swings and other rituals, particularly those with a tendency to over think their game.

Action from the 2018 Pairs Championship. Photo by British Speedgolf
As in all forms and variations of golf, the proof is still in the putting

For more details about Speedgolf and how to register to compete at this year’s Championship events visit the British Speedgolf website. Registration is now open and with a limited field don’t delay securing your place.

Links:
- British Speedgolf
- British Speedgolf on YouTube
- Sweetwoods Park Golf Club

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

A visit to the Congo Rapids Adventure Golf course at Norwich Family Golf Centre.


Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

In May 2017 we swung by Norwich Family Golf Centre to visit the Congo Rapids Adventure Golf course. Unfortunately on the day of our visit the course was too wet to play.

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

It's a nice looking course and we look forward to having a round there in the future.

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

The Congo Rapids Adventure Golf course was the 732nd visited on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre
The rules 

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

Check out the Norwich Family Golf Centre website for more information, opening times and prices of the Congo Rapids Adventure Golf course.

Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre

The Congo Rapids Adventure Golf course at Norwich Family Golf Centre is the sister course of the one at Ufford Park Hotel in Melton, near Woodbridge in Suffolk.

Visit the Congo Rapids Adventure Golf website for more on the two venues, opening times and prices.

Link:
- Norwich Family Golf Centre

Related blog posts:
- Norfolk
- Norwich
- Adventure Golf
- Crazy World of Minigolf Tour
- Congo Rapids Adventure Golf courses in East Anglia

Video:
- Congo Rapids Adventure Golf at Norwich Family Golf Centre