Minigolf Report - The Brewmaster’s Open Mini Golf Tournament at the Camden Town Brewery

10th August 2012

Press Information

For Immediate Release

Minigolf Report from The Brewmaster’s Open in Camden

On Saturday 4th August Minigolfers Richard and Emily Gottfried were joined by fellow Lutonian Simon Hall in competing in The Brewmaster’s Open Minigolf Competition at the Camden Town Brewery in London.

The 'Pro' and 'Semi-Pro' Minigolfers at the entrance to The Brewmaster’s Open Mini Golf course. from l-r 'Squire' Richard Gottfried, Christopher 'Beya' Gottfried, Alan 'Stormin' Norman (seated on barrell), Emily 'Lemony' Gottfried, Seth 'Clockwork Orange' Thomas, Simon 'Practice' Hall

The Brewmaster’s Open tournament was played on an UrbanCrazy Miniature Golf course that had been built inside the Camden Town Brewery. Players had to putt around Beer Keg obstacles placed over the 5-hole layout.

Over 200 players competed during the event, with the best score of the day being a round of 8(-2) by London’s Alan Norman to take the first prize of “A lot of Camden Town Brewery’s Beer!” Richard Gottfried finished in tied second place with London’s Seth Thomas after both players had scored a round of 9(-1).



Richard Gottfried lines-up a Putt on hole 1 at The Brewmaster's Open - he would 'Ace' the hole in each round



As well as the overall leaderboard competition six British Minigolf Association (BMGA) Tour Pro players competed in a three-round contest. Alan Norman stormed to victory with a total of 28(-2), with Seth Thomas runner-up with 30(par). Richard Gottfried took third place with a total of 31(+1) following rounds of 10, 9 and 12.



The top-3 'Pro' players at The Brewmaster's Open - from l-r 'Squire' Richard Gottfried (3rd), Alan 'Stormin' Norman (1st), Seth 'Clockwork Orange' Thomas (2nd)

Richard Gottfried said “The Brewmaster’s Open was one of the strangest Minigolf events I’ve played in. The course was really nice to play and the hospitality of the organisers at the Camden Town Brewery was top notch. My third round was a bit shaky which put paid to my chances of winning, but I had a great time at the competition.”

The 'Pro' & 'Semi-Pro' Minigolfers during a rest break at the Camden Town Brewery Brewmaster's Open tournament

Simon Hall was making his Minigolf competition debut and finished in tied third place on the overall leaderboard with his best round of 10(par). In the ‘Pro’ contest he was tied for fifth with Emily Gottfried. Southsea’s Christopher Gottfried was fourth with a score of 35(+5).



Christopher Gottfried plays hole 5 at The Brewmaster’s Open



Simon Hall said “What a crazy introduction to a Minigolf competition! Who knew you could organise a Minigolf Competition in a Brewery.”

Ends

Links:

- Camden Town Brewery
- Camden Town Brewery - Photos of The Brewmaster's Open on Facebook

- This weekend at the Brewery!

- The Brewmaster's Open

Related Blog Posts:

- Mini Golf at the Camden Town Brewery in London

- Minigolf and Crazy Golf courses in Pub Beer Gardens

- Minigolf and Crazy Golf courses in and around London

- Pub Games

- Crazy World of Minigolf Tour

Mini Golf at the Camden Town Brewery in London

Playing the 302nd course on the Crazy World of Minigolf Tour - Mini Golf in a Brewery!

On Saturday 4th August 2012 we headed along to the Camden Town Brewery in London as we'd been told about a Minigolf competition taking place there!

My Minigolf rival and sometimes team mate Kevin Moseley had tweeted me to let me know about the event and so we made sure to add the date to the diary. We've played a few Crazy Golf courses in pub beer gardens on our travels, but never heard of a Miniature Golf course being set-up in a brewery!

A lot of beer kegs and the tee-off area of hole 1 at Camden Town Brewery's Mini Golf course

From 12pm to 8pm on the 4th August the team at the Camden Town Brewery were running "The Brewmaster's Open" Mini Golf competition on a five-hole Minigolf course supplied by UrbanCrazy.

A view of the 'Brewmaster's' ingenious Minigolf course layout

The unique venue and course layout was a real attraction and the price of a round of Minigolf also including a pint at the end. "Lots of free beer" was the prize on offer to the winner at the end of the day, with a free case of beer to any player managing a perfect round of five holes-in-one!

Southsea's Number One Minigolfer Christopher Gottfried is impressed with the Mini Golf course

Our group of six arrived at 2pm to find the course record had been set at 10. As well as competing in the overall Brewmaster's Open we had decided to play a three-round 'Pro / Semi-Pro' event amongst our group to make a day of it. The Camden Town Brewery had a great atmosphere, with a busy bar, plenty of seating inside & out, and the Olympics on a big screen TV. It was a nice setting for a few hours of Minigolfing and Drinking.

The group of Crazy Golfing 'Pro' Players. From l-r Richard Gottfried, Christopher Gottfried, Alan Norman (seated on keg), Emily Gottfried, Seth Thomas, Simon Hall

Our group split into three groups of two for the first two-rounds, with the final round to be played in reverse leaderboard order in two groups of three players.



I play hole 5 at The Brewmaster's Open Minigolf Tournament

Having scored an 8(-2) in round one Alan 'Stormin' Norman set the new course record and had gained a two-shot lead over me and three-shots over Seth 'Clockwork Orange' Thomas. He followed up the 8 with a 9(-1) to retain his lead heading into round three.

I celebrate yet another hole-in-one on hole 1 at The Brewmaster's Open

Following a 'refreshment break' in the bar of the brewery we headed back onto the course to complete the 'Pro' contest and also see if Alan was still at the top of the leaderboard in the overall day-long contest. Indeed he was.

The 'Pro' & 'Semi-Pro' Minigolfers take a 'refreshment break' at the Camden Town Brewery during The Brewmaster's Open tournament

The final round saw Alan score an 11(+1) to take the victory in our contest, I scored a disappointing 12(+2) and slipped to third place, with Seth Thomas shooting a 10(par) to move up one place to second.

Alan 'Stormin' Norman plays hole 2

My brother Christopher finished in fourth place, scoring rounds of 13, 11 and 11 for a total of 35(+5) and showing the experience he gained in the one and only BMGA Tour event he ever played in - the 2008 Brighton Open.

Christopher Gottfried playing hole 5 at The Brewmaster's Open

Emily and Simon 'Practice' Hall tied for fifth place with a score of 36(+6). Simon, playing in his first tournament, did manage a best round of 10(par) to earn a place on the Brewmaster's Open Leaderboard in tied third place!

The Brewmaster's Open course and competition had one of the best scorecards produced for it - a Beermat advertising the event along with a scorecard on the reverse! A really great piece of Miniature Golf ephemera.

Some pints and a beermat advertising The Brewmaster's Open

After the final round we headed back to the bar for some celebratory drinks and food. As we were leaving we had to grab a final look at the leaderboard and saw that Alan had been joined at the top of the leaderboard with another player who had scored an 8! Over 200 people played the course during the day and luckily for Alan no-one managed to better the 8 during the day, so he became the Champion of the first-ever Brewmaster's Open!

I was happy with my best round of 9 to tie for the runner-up spot along with Seth Thomas and a few other players.

Seth 'Clockwork Orange' Thomas plays hole 3 while Luton's third best Minigolfer Simon 'Practice' Hall looks on

The Camden Town Brewery is well worth a visit and you can find it located under the railway arches of Kentish Town West Overground Station.

Links:

- Camden Town Brewery

- Camden Town Brewery - Photos of The Brewmaster's Open on Facebook

Related Minigolf and Beer Blog Posts:

- Minigolf and Crazy Golf courses in Pub Beer Gardens

- Minigolf and Crazy Golf courses in and around London

- A New Minigolf Beer - The '19th Hole' from Uncle Stuart's Brewery at Wroxham Barns, Norfolk

- Pub Games

- Crazy World of Minigolf Tour
- Ephemera

Minigolf Report - Crazy Golf Pro Championship at Selfridges London

8th July 2012

Press Information

For Immediate Release

Minigolf Report from the Crazy Golf Pro Championship, hosted by Bompas & Parr and UrbanCrazy

On Saturday 7th July Luton Minigolfers Richard and Emily Gottfried were invited to compete in the Crazy Golf Pro Championship, hosted by Bompas & Parr and UrbanCrazy, on the rooftop Crazy Golf course at Selfridges London.

Richard Gottfried playing the third hole of the Bompas & Parr Crazy Golf course at Selfridges London

A total of 30 players were in action on the London-landmark and cake-themed Miniature Golf course and Richard finished in 6th place after two 9-hole rounds of 17(-1) for a tournament total of 34(-2). Emily scored rounds of 22(+4) and 20(+2) to finish in 20th place. In the ladies’ competition Emily finished 1st of six players.

Richard said “I’m pleased with my 6th place in the Crazy Golf Pro Championship. After Alan Norman stormed to an opening round of just 12 the field had its work cut out in getting close to really challenge for the title. But my consistent two rounds of 17 were good enough to see me gain another top-ten tournament finish. I’m looking forward to more rounds on Bompas & Parr’s very crazy Minigolf course over the next two months.”

Emily said “The course on Selfridges’ roof is very unique as well as great fun. The tournament was fantastic, with a lot of joviality and banter among all the players. It was great to see so many players, old and new, taking part. I really enjoyed the evening and although I would’ve liked to have scored better, I think it was brilliant tournament and would definitely play there again!”

The Crazy Golf Pro Championship winner was Oxford’s Michael Smith who defeated London’s Nick Sandqvist at the fourth extra-hole of a sudden-death play-off. Alan Norman finished in third place having also scored 28(-8) in regulation play, but lost out at the third hole of the play-off.

'Squire' Richard Gottfried and a comedy character at the Crazy Golf Pro Championship at Selfridges London

The course opened at the end of May for the The Big Rooftop Tea & Golf Party. The course has been installed on the roof of Selfridges London as part of their Big British Bang celebration that is taking place during the summer of 2012. Last month Richard became the first champion at the course when he won the Crazy Golf with Bompas & Parr Championship June Playoff.

Emily 'Lemony' Gottfried, Alan 'Stormin' Norman and 'Squire' Richard Gottfried at the Crazy Golf Pro Championship at Selfridges London

In the latest British Minigolf Association Tour Rankings Richard has moved up to 6th place of 53 players in the BMGA Season Only Rankings for 2012, Emily is in 40th place. In the BMGA Strokeplay Order of Merit Richard is up from 22nd place to 13th of 87 players, Emily is in 41st spot. In the BMGA Matchplay Order of Merit Richard is in 9th place of 55 players, with Emily in 37th position.

Ends

A London Pub & Jumble Sale Crawl

Post-Hopathon shenanigans in London

Following the Guinness World Record attempts at the Ripping Yarns Hopathon on Hampstead Heath we headed to the first stop on what would become a bit of a Pub & Jumble Sale Crawl!

The first stop after a ramble through Hampstead Heath was The Freemasons Arms pub on Downshire Hill. This pub is the home of the Hampstead Lawn Billiard and Skittle Club.

The Freemasons Arms pub in Hampstead

The club meets every Tuesday and Saturday evening, but we were too early to watch the Pros in action. Unfortunately we found out that bookings to play are only taken in advance – you can’t just turn up to play. The alley is available for hire on weekday evenings and weekends when the pub is open.

This way to the Skittle Alley

The Skittle Alley at The Freemasons Arms

The club is known as the Hampstead Lawn Billiard and Skittle Club and The Freemasons Arms was home to the only known pitch for the extinct game of Lawn Billiards! However, the pub extended its beer garden in the 1970’s and the Lawn Billiards court was covered. You can view the game in action in a film from 1933 at British Pathé.

The Beer Garden that was once home to the game of Lawn Billiards

While wandering through Hampstead on our way to Kentish Town we spotted a stall on the street with a huge banner advertising the NomNom Gluten & Egg Free Bakery! I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get some Gluten Free cakes.

Walking through Gospel Oak Brad ‘Frugal’ Shepherd spotted a line of people outside the school there – it was a queue for a jumble sale. Not one to pass up a chance to look for a bargain we decided to head to the nearest pub to wait the 15 minutes until the 2pm opening time. 45 minutes later we left the Old Oak pub refreshed and ready for the next stage of the crawl.

The only notable purchase was of a pre-decimal 'A-Z Atlas of London' by Alan ‘Stormin’ Norman, who also bought a chocolate fairy cake.

The A-Z Atlas of London (circa 1900)

After arriving in Kentish Town we spent some time in a couple of pubs including the Assembly House and the George IV before heading towards Camden to show Alan and Chris ‘Stretch’ Jones the random Crazy Golf course in Clarence Way.

Alan 'Stormin' Norman refuels with the meal of champions

En route Brad pointed out his favourite off-license – Drinkers Paradise on Prince of Wales Road. He had lied and said that they stocked Gluten Free Beer and was laughing about it until we actually spotted a bottle of Glebe Farm Gluten Free Ale in the window!

Drinkers Paradise - just call for details...

Brad, me and a bottle of Gluten Free beer at Drinkers Paradise

Alan also made his second wise purchase of the day and picked up a bottle of Monty Python themed Holy Grail ale!

Alan and the Holy Grail

The day out of shenanigans that began with me riding a fake camel before the Ripping Yarns Hopathon ended at the Clarence Way Crazy Golf Course in Camden. Talks of the 2012 London Invitational Minigolf Tournament taking place there are underway...

The Clarence Way Crazy Golf course by night

The Minigolfers at the Crazy Golf course in Camden

The First Ever Ripping Yarns Hopathon

Taking part in two Guinness World Record "Hopping" Events!

The Hoppers with Michael Palin and Terry Jones

As we are always keen to try out new sports, games and activities we jumped at the chance to take part in the first ever and possibly only, Ripping Yarns Hopathon!

Brad ‘The Fist’ Shepherd had heard word of the event through the Network DVD eNewsletter and so we set about putting a team together for the Guinness World Record attempt for the ‘Fastest 400m Relay Hop’. We would also be competing in the ‘Largest Group Hop’ Guinness World Record attempt.

The Hoppers before the off! From l-r Emily, me, Brad, David

We'd regiestered in advance so on Saturday 3rd of March 2012 we headed to Hampstead Heath Athletics Track in London to sign-in for our chance to enter the record books. The event was organised to promote the release of the “Ripping Yarns: The Complete Series” DVD on Monday 5th of March. In the Ripping Yarns episode ‘Tomkinson’s School Days’ two schools compete in a 30-mile Hop, and it was this great sporting feat we were sort of recreating on the Hampstead Heath Athletics Track!

The Ripping Yarns Hopathon Poster

Video: A trailer for the Ripping Yarns episode 'Tomkinson's School Days'

Prior to competing, all of the registered ‘athletes’ were required to put on their ‘school colours’ to represent either Graybridge or St Anthony’s.

Bedecked in the colours of Tomkinson’s school Graybridge we had a chance to speak with comedy legends Michael Palin and Terry Jones who were on hand to welcome the participants and pass on advice and wisdom in the sport of Hopping!

Best foot forward - from l-r me, Brad, David, Emily

Before the first of the two Hopping contest could begin we were taken through a thorough warm-up by a member of the Highgate Harriers Athletics Club. This was a great start to the event.

Alan 'Stormin' Norman (leather jacket) takes us through his own unofficial warm-up regimen, David, far right, almost suffered an injury during this!

The advert for the Largest Group Hop stated that you ‘only’ had to hop on the same leg for 400m! Many of the competitors found that after 100m it was going to be a really gruelling struggle! We were allowed to stop and rest as often as we liked, but had to continue on the same leg.

Michael Palin and Terry Jones check the competitors on the start line before sounding the Klaxon

In the race David Moore finished first out of our group, with me coming in second place*, Emily in third and Brad way back in fourth place. After completing the race ourselves we were all able to wait on the finishing line to welcome home the late finishers who were pushing themselves through the pain barrier to get to the end, all the while being encouraged by Michael Palin and Terry Jones!

*Emily would of easily beaten me, but we decided to ‘cross the finishing line together’ after chatting on the home straight. However by one-hop’s length and the fact that I put my chest forward across the line I took the ‘tape’ first to win by a hair’s breadth.

Our team on and off the podium. In the individual race David was the first member of our team across the line, I had pipped Emily to the post to take second and Brad lagged behind to take fourth

Here are some photos of Brad bravely pushing on to finish the race!

Brad getting closer to the end

Brad nearing home

Brad edging forward

Brad just before crossing the finishing line!

With one Guinness World Record attempt completed we had a rest, took on some water and watched the prize ceremony for the first race before starting the 4 x 100m relay. The overall winner of the Largest Group Hop 400m race was Ben Langley from Bedford who received the coveted and prestigious School Leopard Trophy, along with £500 for his nominated charity – The Stroke Association.

Brad makes a fashion statement after getting changed

Prior to the second Guinness World Record attempt two things happened. Firstly the fairly nice weather changed to bleak and rainy conditions and secondly we had a briefing from an official who went through the rules of the Relay Race.

We were informed that the race would be using official England Athletics rules. We had to remember to stay within our own lanes and were also told that if the baton was dropped during an exchange we could still continue, but would have to pick up the baton without impeding other competitors.

With the rules briefing over each of the hoppers were taken to their starting positions around the track. David was our opening runner, with Emily taking the second leg, Brad the third section, and I was to finish the race. Our friend Alan ‘Stormin’ Norman who had been coaching and advising us through the morning also took part in the relay race and made up the numbers in Team 5.

The Klaxon sounded and David was off, setting a good pace, but was overtaken by the man dressed as a banana on the first 100m. Following a clean baton exchange Emily took on the next 100m and on passing to Brad our team was looking good for a bronze medal finish. Sadly on the third leg Brad was clearly struggling following the toll the first hopping race had taken on him and was easily overtaken by a man that was hopping almost as fast as any of us could run!

With Brad running in to the encouragement of my shouting “Hurry up you git, you’ve lost us the race” I set off for the finishing line, pausing after around 70m to make sure I wasn’t likely to be overtaken and then continuing to finish our team’s race with a cracking time of 3 minutes 11 seconds and fourth place overall.

All that was left to do following the race was take on more water, try to recover and watch the prize ceremony for the Relay Race. We also got to get our team photos with Michael Palin and Terry Jones who were both really friendly and chatty and had encouraged every competitor to give it their all on the day.

Ahead of the event the organisers, Network DVD, teamed up with London and Partners (Visit London), who are looking to set 20 records in the run-up to the London 2012 Olympic Games. This meant that if either or both records were broken then the Hopathon records would have been added to their records.

Despite over 100 people taking part in the Largest Group Hop and five teams competing in the Relay Race neither of the events broke the existing Guinness World Records. The event was still great fun, utterly ridiculous and enjoyed by all, even with all of the pain and agony!

At least the race wasn’t a full 30-miles!

More photos from the Ripping Yarns Hopathon

In a league of his own - David well out in front!

Me hopping along

Brad gets overtaken by the man in the Banana outfit

Emily in her Team St Anthony's school colours passes a bunch of rivals from Graybridge

Emily and I take a breather

Links:

- Network DVD

- Ripping Yarns: The Complete Series on DVD

- Hampstead Heath Athletics Track

- Highgate Harriers Athletics Team

- The Guinness World Records

Media Links:

- Network DVD on YouTube: Ripping Yarns Hopathon

- Press Association video on MSN Video: Ripping Yarns hopathon

- ZoneOneRadio: Hopping Mad - Victoria Ferran talks to Michael Palin and Terry Jones

Guinness World Record-related Blog Posts:
- Taking part in a Guinness World Record attempt for "The most people to ‘High Five’ simultaneously"
- Huntingdon Races - a UK Conga Line Guinness World Record Attempt & Crazy Golf course played #195
- Guinness World Record Attempt - Most Brussels Sprouts Eaten in a Minute!
- New Guinness World Record set - Largest Picnic Ever
- Guinness World Record attempt - Largest Picnic Ever

An Unplayed Minigolf Course - Clippesby

Unfortunately we were too late to play the Minigolf course at Clippesby Touring Park in Norfolk on Sunday 5th June 2011.

We'd heard about it from our friends and minigolf rivals Brad Shepherd, Chris Jones and Alan Norman, who were staying at the campsite during the BMGA English Open weekend.

Crazy World of Minigolf Tour