In the Crazy Golf Museum - minigolf membership cards

A look at minigolf association and club membership cards in the UK.

As a collector of minigolf items and ephemera and Curator of the Crazy Golf Museum it's always nice to look back at things we've picked up along the way during our minigolf adventures.

British Minigolf Association

I joined the British Minigolf Association in 2007 and received my first BMGA membership card entitling me to discount at certain courses and entry into BMGA competitions.

British Minigolf Association membership card 2007

Here are my BMGA Tour Cards from 2008-2015.

British Minigolf Association membership cards 2008-2015

Midlands Minigolf Club

In 2007 I was invited to become a member of the Midlands Minigolf Club and am a member of the club to this day. While we don't have an official membership card the club does have an official Ball of Fame to commemorate the second BMGA British Club Championship title we won in 2015. The MMGC is now a three-time national title winning team.

The Midlands Minigolf Club Ball of Fame

Green Mini Golf Club

During the 2010 and 2011 seasons I was also a member of the Green Mini Golf Club in Hither Green, London. The GMGC was a superb club and the venue was home to the UK's only full-size Swedish Felt Mini Golf course. The GMGC held weekly Tuesday night tournaments and I enjoyed travelling from Luton to Hither Green and back after work each week to compete. I won the club's first-ever weekly tournament in 2010.

The Green Mini Golf Club membership card

European Minigolf Sport Federation and World Minigolf Sport Federation

I have competed in European Minigolf Sport Federation and World Minigolf Sport Federation competitions in Finland, England and Sweden and although a WMF player license is allocated to players a physical document is not issued. We did however have some very nice player cards created for us at the 2008 EMF Nations Cup in Tampere, Finland.

At the 2008 Nations Cup in Tampere, Finland

Are you a member of a minigolf club or association? I'd love to see and share more examples of membership cards from around the world.

Richard Gottfried - Minigolf Player Profile

Richard Gottfried is a minigolf enthusiast and has played the game since he was a child.

A seven-time winner on the UK national minigolf circuit, including two BMGA British Club Championships, he has been a four-time finalist in the World Crazy Golf Championships, and has represented Great Britain in Nations Cup international tournaments in Finland and Sweden.

He was runner-up in American Golf's Adventure Golf Pairs Championship National Final, televised on Sky Sports, and is a winner of several independent Open and Masters titles.

As a global miniature golfer, Richard is currently a member of the American Mini Golf Alliance (AMA) and Putt18 World Pro League. A winner of  The Putt Park Annual Mini-Golf Tournament in Las Vegas, he has also been a member of domestic minigolf clubs including the Midlands Mini Golf Club (MMGC), the Green Mini Golf Club (GMGC), and the Filwood Fantastic Mini Golf Club.

Richard is featured in the 2024 Guinness World Records as the record holder for "Most miniature golf courses visited" (902 at the time of going to press).

His minigolfing exploits have received coverage in online, broadcast and print media including the BBC, ITV, Sky Sports, Channel 5, The Guardian, The Independent, The Daily Telegraph, Metro, The Mirror, The Sun, The Star, The Daily Mail, the Manchester Evening News, Eastern Daily Press, Today's Golfer, GolfPunk Magazine, InterGame, InterFun, In A Pub Magazine, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC local and regional radio, Heart Radio, talkSPORT, and more.

Richard's involvement in the world of minigolf extends beyond competitions, and includes blogging, media relations, sponsorship, course design, advice and consultancy, content generation, digital marketing and new technology, event organisation and promotion.

Miniature Golf Player Profile - Richard Gottfried

Nickname
Squire

Putter
Fun-Sports

Laterality
Right-handed

Favourite Minigolf Balls
Finnish Heavy Gentlemen 100-Year Anniversary (3D)
NIFO 2
Tim 'Ace Man' Davies Legends Ball (M&G)

Tour Memberships
American Mini Golf Alliance (AMA) 2022-present

Putt18 World Pro League 2020-present

British Minigolf Association (BMGA) 2007-2018
American Golf Championship Tour 2017

British Minigolf Association (BMGA) Membership

Member 2016-2018
BMGA Tour Pro 2011-2015
Full member 2007-2010

BMGA Tour Debut
2007 - BMGA British Masters

Minigolf Club Membership

2020-2024 - Filwood Fantastic Mini Golf Club
2007-2020 - Midlands Minigolf Club (MMGC)
2010-2011 - Green Mini Golf Club (GMGC)

BMGA Tour Competition Victories
BMGA British Club Championships (w/ Midlands MGC) 2015
BMGA & Putterfingers Oswestry Games Minigolf Championship 2012
Blackpool Pleasure Beach Open 2009
Manchester Miniature Open 2009
Manchester Mini Masters 2009

Weymouth Open 2008
BMGA British Club Championships (w/ Midlands MGC) 2008

Paradise Island Adventure Golf Open Champion 2018

Other Notable Wins
Winner - Putt18 Battle of the Brits 2021

Winner - Paradise Island Adventure Golf Open Championships 2018
Winner - Low Score of the Week (qualifying for the end of season tournament) at Southwold Putting & Cafe on the Green 2018
Winner - The DinoFalls Masters 2018
Winner - MMGC DinoFalls Invitational Tournament 2018
Winner - The Butler Cup 2017
Winner (w/ P. Jones) - American Golf's Adventure Golf Pairs Championship Regional Qualifier (Wales) at Clays Golf Centre 2017
Winner - Southend Arnold Palmer Classic 2016
Winner - Southend Pier Invitational Tournament 2016
Winner - Hole-In-One Charity Challenge at the BMGA British Championships 2015
Winner - Dunton Hills Invitational 2015
Winner - Hole-In-One Charity Challenge at the BMGA British Championships 2014
Aces Champion - BMGA British Masters 2014
Winner - Chrizy Golf Masters - 2012
Winner - Crazy Golf with Bompas & Parr Championship August Playoff - Final - 2012
Winner - Crazy Golf with Bompas & Parr Championship June Playoff - 2012
Winner - The Putt Park Annual Mini-Golf Tournament (Las Vegas) - 2011
Winner - Cystadleuaeth Minigolff Cymraeg (Welsh Minigolf Tournament) 2011
Winner (w/ C. Harding) - Weymouth Open Team Tournament - 2011
Winner - First edition of the Green Mini Golf Club (GMGC) Club Tournament 2010

Winner (w/ M. Smith & J. Davies) - Kent Open Team Tournament 2010

Aces Champion - Midland Open 2010
Five-time Scrap Iron Cup Champion

Other Notable Results

Runner-up (w/ S. Kukielka) - Welsh Mini Golf Club Doubles Championship 2019
Runner-up (w/ P. Jones) - American Golf's Adventure Golf Pairs Championship National Final 2017
Runner-up - Great Northern Minigolf Open - 2017
Runner-up - National Miniature Golf Day Tournament 2016 & 2019
Runner-up - Surrey Invitational Tournament 2014 & 2016
Runner-up (w/ Midlands Minigolf Club 1st team - M.Smith, C.Harding, R.Gottfried & C.Smith) - BMGA British Open Team Championship 2014
Runner-up - Category 2 BMGA British Minigolf Championships 2012
Runner-up - The Brewmaster's Open 2012
Runner-up - Birdies Pop Up Golf Official Launch Night Competition 2011
Runner-up - Putterfingers Micro Putt Mini Golf Competition 2011
Runner-up - 1st Annual Putter King Miniature Golf Scavenger Hunt 2011
Runner-up (w/ W. Collins) - Lost World Adventure Golf Pro-Am Classic 2011
Runner-up - London Invitational Tournament 2011
Runner-up - BMGA British Matchplay Championships 2010

Runner-up - Midlands Invitational Tournament 2010

Runner-up (w/ Leo Kukielka) - Codonas Classic 2010

Runner-up - Spring Classic 2010

Runner-up - Weymouth Open 2009
Runner-up - London Open 2009
Runner-up - Cystadleuaeth Minigolff Cymraeg (Welsh Minigolf Tournament) 2009
Runner-up - Adventure Island Mini Golf League 2008
3rd - Paradise Island Adventure Golf Open Championships 2019
3rd - Surrey Invitational Tournament 2019
3rd - The Butler Cup 2018
3rd - Midlands Invitational Tournament 2015
3rd - Midlands Open 2015
3rd (w/ Midlands Minigolf Club) - BMGA British Club Championships 2011, 2012 & 2013

3rd (w/ John Moore & Ed Odametey) BMGA Oswestry Games Pro-Am Minigolf Classic 2012

3rd (w/ Kevin Moseley) - BMGA British Doubles Championships 2010

3rd - Midlands Invitational Tournament 2008
4th (w/ B. Shepherd, E. Gottfried & J. Trubridge) - Caddyshackers Open 2019
4th - BMGA British Masters 2013
4th - Midlands Open 2010

4th - London Invitational Tournament 2010

4th - BMGA English Open 2008

4th - Midlands Invitational Tournament 2007
5th - BMGA Players Championships 2007
7th - BMGA British Minigolf Championships 2012
9th - BMGA British Masters 2011

10th - BMGA British Adventure Golf Open 2013

Par-3 Miniature Golf events
T13th - MiniLinks Mini US Open 2017 (Par-3 Miniature Golf tournament debut)
15th - MiniLinks Mini Open 2017
T24th - MiniLinks PGA Championship 2017

Richard Gottfried playing hole 2 in the 2014 World Crazy Golf Championships in Hastings

International Tournaments
16th - Putt18 World Pro League 2021

18th - Putt18 World Pro League 2020

4th - Putt18 4 Nations Cup 2020

20th - World Crazy Golf Championships 2015
32nd - World Crazy Golf Championships 2014
21st - Castle Golf World Crazy Golf Championships 2013
5th - Great Britain Team at the WMF World Adventure Golf Masters 2013
12th - WMF World Adventure Golf Masters (Male Category) 2013
20th - WMF World Adventure Golf Masters 2013
17th (Finalist) - Castle Golf World Crazy Golf Championships 2012
4th - Great Britain Team at the WMF World Adventure Golf Masters 2012
11th - WMF World Adventure Golf Masters (Male Category) 2012
14th - WMF World Adventure Golf Masters 2012
25th - Castle Golf World Crazy Golf Championships 2011
34th - Great Britain Player at the WMF Nations Cup (Male Category), Stockholm, Sweden 2011
41st - Great Britain Player at the WMF Nations Cup, Stockholm, Sweden 2011
10th - Great Britain Team at the WMF Nations Cup, Stockholm, Sweden 2011
11th - WMF World Adventure Golf Masters (Male Category) 2011
18th (Finalist) - WMF World Adventure Golf Masters 2011
17th  (Finalist) - Castle Golf World Crazy Golf Championships 2010

17th  (Finalist) - Castle Golf World Crazy Golf Championships 2009
17th  (Finalist) - Castle Golf World Crazy Golf Championships 2008
51st - Great Britain Player at the WMF Nations Cup, Tampere, Finland 2008
13th - Great Britain Team at the WMF Nations Cup, Tampere, Finland 2008
39th - Virgin Money World Crazy Golf Championships 2007

Personal Best Competition Rounds (18-holes)
MOS (Adventure, Crazy, Mini-Golf) = 27(-9)
Miniaturegolf (Eternit) = 28(-8)
Concrete (Beton) = 33(-3)
Feltgolf (Swedish Felt) = 34(-2)

Course Records (Current)
Blackpool Pleasure Beach Adventure Golf (12-holes) - 24(par)

Course Records (Previous)
2010 Birmingham Adventure Island Mini Golf at Star City (18-holes) - 28(-8) - Joint Record
2009 Weymouth Pirates Adventure Golf at Lodmoor Country Park (18-holes) - 41(+5) - Joint Record
2008 Wroxham Barns Minigolf (18-holes) - 34(-2)
2007 Hastings Seafront Arnold Palmer Crazy Golf (18-holes) - 32(-4) - Joint Record

Highest BMGA Rankings Position
BMGA Strokeplay Order of Merit Rankings - 5th - 14/04/2013 - 12/05/2013

BMGA Season Only Ranking - 5th - 15/07/2012 - 23/09/2012 & 14/10/2012 - 11/11/2012 (End of Season)
BMGA Order of Merit Ranking - 7th - 04/07/2010 - 19/09/2010

BMGA Matchplay Order of Merit Rankings - 9th - 25/04/2012 - 22/07/2012

Highest BMGA Rankings (as at End of Season)
BMGA Strokeplay Order of Merit - 11th - 2013
BMGA Strokeplay Order of Merit - 15th - 2012
BMGA Season Only Rankings - 5th - 2012
BMGA Order of Merit Rankings - 11th - 2009/10
BMGA Strokeplay Order of Merit Rankings - 15th - 2012
BMGA Matchplay Order of Merit Rankings - 15th - 2012

Castle Golf World Crazy Golf Rankings
October 2010 - 26th

October 2009 - 31st
June 2009 - 45th

WMF World Minigolf Men's Rankings (General Class)
March 2016 - 408th
December 2015 - 387th
March 2015 - 409th
December 2014 - 383rd
March 2014 - 397th
December 2013 - 372nd
March 2013 - 406th
November 2012 - 391st
March 2012 - 345th
November 2011 - 406th
March 2011 - Unranked
November 2010 - 413th

March 2010 - 358th

November 2009 - 418th
March 2009 - 352nd
November 2008 - 425th

Sports and Minigolf Awards
Guinness World Record Holder for "Most miniature golf courses visited" 2024

Named 'The nation's 'craziest' putting couple' w/ Emily Gottfried by Today's Golfer magazine, March 2021

Named 'UK's Biggest Adventure Golf Enthusiasts' w/ Emily Gottfried by ITV Granada Reports, 2017
Named 'Mini-golf's iron man' by the Eastern Daily Press, 2017
Named 'Britain's Barmiest Golfers' w/ Emily Gottfried by Today's Golfer magazine, November 2016
Named 'Officially Britain’s Craziest Golfer' by Today's Golfer magazine, October 2015
3rd place - Oswestry Games Oslympics Open Quiz - 2012
Genius Gluten Free Christmas Hero - 3rd Dec 2012
#Minigolf Internet Champion - 2012
Runner-up - "Best Bow Tie" Award - 2011 - ALT-LSN Awards
"Best Bow Tie" Award - 2008, 2009 & 2010 - ALT-LSN Awards
"Sports Man of the Year" - 4th (tied) - The Luton Sports Network Luton Sports Awards for 2010
"Sports Man of the Year" - Top 6 - The Luton Sports Network Luton Sports Awards for 2009
"Sports Man of the Year" - 4th - The Luton Sports Network Luton Sports Awards for 2008
"Most improved player on the BMGA Tour" - Winner - MiniatureGolfer.com Awards 2008

Other Honours

2013 Great Britain Minigolf Sport Squad Member
2012 Great Britain Minigolf Sport Squad Member
2011 Captain of the Great Britain (B) Team at the WMF Nations Cup
2011 Great Britain Minigolf Sport Squad Member
2009 & 2013 Captain of the Midlands Minigolf Club 'A Team' in the BMGA British Club Championships
2008 Great Britain Minigolf Sport Squad Member

Richard Gottfried teeing-off in the final of the 2009 'Castle Golf' World Crazy Golf Championships in Hastings

Give the Crazy World of Minigolf Tour a Like on Facebook, watch our YouTube channel and follow Richard on Twitter. You can also now sign-up to receive our miniature golf newsletter.

Minigolf News - "Emily 'Lemony' Gottfried signs for the Cambridgeshire Mini Golf Club!"

In the latest Minigolf Transfer News Emily 'Coach' Gottfried has signed for the newest Minigolf Club in the UK - the Cambridgeshire Mini Golf Club.

Emily, a former member of the Midlands Minigolf Club and the reigning WMF Women's World Adventure Golf Masters Champion, sealed the deal through a series of texts with CMGC Captain James 'Ruthers' Rutherford while seated at the 'Sheen Sisters Table' during a meal out at PJ's Restaurant in Covent Garden, London.

The CMGC was formed in August 2011 by former Green Mini Golf Club member James 'TheRocket' Rutherford. Surrey-based players Oliver 'The Machine' Florence and Richard 'Gentle Touch' Skeggs are the other two current club members.

Details of how to join the Cambridgeshire Mini Golf Club can be found on the CMGC website.

Me and My Many Minigolf Doubles Partners

On the 17th of May 2008 I teamed with Emily Gottfried in my first-ever Minigolf Doubles Match at the 2008 BMGA British Doubles Championships at Warwick. In that contest we lost the 18-hole matchplay match 2&1 to the duo of Sean Homer and Marion Homer, aka Casual Force.

Since that event I have teamed with 15 other players, using a total of 19 different team names. Some of these partnerships have lasted little more than one match, while others such as my pairing with Kevin 'Max' Moseley have lasted for two BMGA Tour Doubles Contests and were the third-placed team at the 2010 BMGA British Doubles Championships.

In official competitions this season I have teamed with Oliver 'The Machine' Florence as 'Go With The Flo' at the Green Doubles Championships (7th of 14 teams), Will 'Power' Collins at the Lost World Adventure Golf Pro-Am Classic (2nd of 12 teams) and with Scott 'Donkey Gringo' Lancley as 'Team Sqonkey' at the BMGA British Doubles Championships (7th of 14 teams).

To date I've teamed up for Minigolf Doubles Matches with the following players:
1 Emily Gottfried
2 Matt Smith
3 Andy Gonsalves
4 Owen Johnson
5 Paul Johnson
6 Kevin Moseley
7 Chris Harding
8 Simon Hall
9 Leo Kukielka
10 Christopher Gottfried
11 Alan Norman
12 Oliver Florence
13 Julio Kent
14 Richard Skeggs
15 William Collins
16 Scott Lancley

My Pairings have competed under the following 19 Team Names!
1 Die fantastische Gottfried Brüder
2 Go With The Flo
3 Gottfried & Collins
4 Great Britain Internationals
5 Kent-Squire
6 Luton Wanderers Minigolf Club
7 Midlands Minigolf Club
8 Parts Unknown Minigolfers
9 Squire Trelawney
10 Team Sqonkey
11 Team Squire
12 The Champs
13 The Nar-Wich Union
14 The Pineapple Bits
15 The Prospectors
16 The Richards
17 The Rudi Specials
18 The Thumbmasters
19 The Vagrants

My Minigolf Doubles Matchplay Win/Loss Record currently stands at:
Played 62
Won 31
Drawn 5
Lost 26

My Minigolf Doubles Record (Click to Enlarge)

Scrap Iron Cup #10 - Owen Johnson becomes a two-time Scrap Iron Cup Minigolf Champion

Tenth Scrap Iron Cup Minigolf Competition - Results and Report

Owen Johnson becomes a two-time Scrap Iron Cup Minigolf Champion

Owen ‘Jackpot' Johnson became a two-time Scrap Iron Cup minigolf champion on Saturday 4th June 2011 with a one-hole victory over three-time champion Seth ‘Clockwork Orange’ Thomas at the 18-hole Miniature Golf course at Wroxham Barns, Norfolk.

Round one was a 9-hole Strokeplay qualifier, with Seth ‘Clockwork Orange’ Thomas setting the pace with a score of 15. Owen 'Jackpot' Johnson shot a 17.

In the 9-hole Matchplay second round Seth took an early lead, and went two-up at the 3rd hole (the 12th). However, Owen fought back and brought the game back to level pegging at the 8th hole and forced a sudden-death play-off that would begin at hole one.

Both Thomas and Johnson scored twos on the first and second holes, but it was at the short but tricky third hole that Owen, the youngest ever Scrap Iron Cup Champion, stepped up and hit a hole-in-one. Seth was unable to score the much needed Ace and so Owen 'Jackpot' Johnson won the title and the bragging rights.

Defending champion Paul 'The Overtaker' Johnson was unable to retain the Scrap Iron Cup in the event and finished tied third alongside four-time champion 'Squire' Richard Gottfried.

New Scrap Iron Cup Champion Owen Johnson has now won the title twice, from a total of three final appearances.

Emily 'Coach' Gottfried was the other competitor at the tournament.

Scrap Iron Cup #10
04/06/2011
Venue: Wroxham Barns, Hoveton, Norfolk

Round One – Strokeplay
Rank Player
1. Seth Thomas – 15
2. Owen Johnson – 17
3T. Richard Gottfried – 19
3T. Paul Johnson – 19
5. Emily Gottfried – 20

Round Two – Matchplay

Seth Thomas vs. Owen Johnson

Result – Owen Johnson wins 1up at the third extra-hole of the sudden-death play-off

Photos from the 10th Scrap Iron Cup tournament.

Scrap Iron Cup - Hall of Fame
2011 - #10 - Owen Johnson beat Seth Thomas - Wroxham Barns
2011 - #9 - Paul Johnson beat Seth Thomas - Margate
2011 - #8 - Richard Gottfried beat Peter Jones - Liverpool
2011 - #7 - Seth Thomas beat Paul Johnson - Liverpool
2011 - #6 - Seth Thomas beat Owen Johnson - Hither Green
2011 - #5 - Seth Thomas beat Richard Gottfried - Bristol
2011 - #4 - Richard Gottfried beat Cindy Kukielka - Birmingham
2010 - #3 - Owen Johnson beat Richard Gottfried - Birmingham
2010 - #2 - Richard Gottfried beat Paul Johnson - Weymouth
2010 - #1 - Richard Gottfried beat Paul Johnson - Sandbanks

Rules of the Scrap Iron Cup
• Played between members of the Midlands Minigolf Club
• Played in either groups of two, or one group, in round one
• Groups are drawn at random (often using the 'balls in a hat' technique)
• Round one is a strokeplay match played over 7, 9, 11, 12 or 18 holes
• The two players with the top scores after round one qualify for the second round/final
• Round two is a matchplay match played over 7, 9, 12 or 18 holes
• The winner of the matchplay match becomes the Scrap Iron Cup* Champion**

* The Johnson's Scrap Iron Cup (aka the 'NABBA ENGLAND 95 CLASS TWO WINNER' Trophy) remains the property of Owen and Paul Johnson
** The Reigning Scrap Iron Champion retains the cup until the next defence whereupon it is given up until the next Scrap Iron Cup tournament has been completed

Minigolf Report - Emily Gottfried fourth in the latest GMGC Club Tournament

2nd May 2011

Press Information

For Immediate Release

Emily Gottfried fourth in the latest GMGC Club Tournament

On Thursday 28^th April Richard and Emily were in action at the latest Green Mini Golf Club Thursday night tournament at the 18-hole Indoor Minigolf Course in Hither Green, Lewisham.

Emily was making her debut in a GMGC tournament and in the eight player field finished in fourth place with a score of 77 with the handicapped scoring system. In the unhandicapped ranks Emily was seventh.

In the two-round GMGC tournament Richard Gottfried recorded scores of 47(+11) and 46(+10) for a total of 93(+22), 81 with his +6 GMGC Handicap, and finished in tied sixth place with Hither Green’s Danyal Andrews in the handicap event, and fifth in the unhandicapped ranks.

Cambridge’s Adam Kelly won the competition, with his father Tony Kelly runner-up and Hither Green’s Nick Sandqvist in third place.

Ends

Richard Gottfried’s GMGC Club Minigolf Tournament Record 2010/11
• GMGC Club Tournament - 1st of 11
o GMGC Club Tournament (without Handicap) - 3rd of 11
• GMGC Club Tournament - 9th of 13
o GMGC Club Tournament (without Handicap) - 8th of 13
• GMGC Club Tournament - Tied 6th of 9
o GMGC Club Tournament (without Handicap) - 7th of 9
• GMGC Club Tournament - Tied 7th of 13
o GMGC Club Tournament (without Handicap) - 7th of 13
• GMGC Club Tournament - 2nd of 6
o GMGC Club Tournament (without Handicap) - 2nd of 6
• GMGC Club Tournament - 3rd of 10
o GMGC Club Tournament (without Handicap) - 6th of 10
• GMGC Club Tournament - 4th of 11
o GMGC Club Tournament (without Handicap) - 5th of 11

• GMGC Club Tournament - Tied 6th of 8
o GMGC Club Tournament (without Handicap) - 5th of 8

The GMGC are based at the Green Indoor Mini Golf course in Hither Green, Lewisham, London, and the course is well worth a visit. The Course/Club now have a presence on Facebook and you can check out the Club and Course website at http://www.thegreenminigolf.co.uk/

Each Thursday night from 7pm the Green Mini Golf Club holds GMGC Club Championship minigolf competitions, played out over two 18-hole rounds.

Up to 15th spot of 40 players in the GMGC Minigolf Ranking List

Following my fourth place finish in last week's GMGC Club Tournament I have now moved up to 15th (from 19th) in the 40 player Green Mini Golf Club Ranking List.

My GMGC Minigolf Handicap has reduced from +8 to +6.

Wandsworth's Seth Thomas, Oxford's Michael Smith and Lewisham's James Rutherford remain at the top of the GMGC Rankings.

Gottfried fourth in the latest GMGC Club Minigolf Tournament

23rd April 2011

Press Information

For Immediate Release

Minigolf Report - Gottfried fourth in the latest GMGC Club Tournament

On Thursday 21^st April Luton Minigolfer Richard Gottfried competed in the latest Green Mini Golf Club Thursday night tournament at the 18-hole Indoor Minigolf Course in Hither Green, Lewisham.

Eleven players took part in the two-round GMGC tournament and Gottfried recorded scores of 34 (-2) and 50(+14) for a total of 84(+12), 68 with his +8 GMGC Handicap, and finished in fourth place in the handicap event, and fifth in the unhandicapped ranks.

The score of 34 was a new personal best in competition-play for Richard; however the next round score of 50 was a new personal worst score in a GMGC Tournament.

After the competition Richard said “I was very pleased with my opening 34 which included seven holes-in-one and put me in the lead. However the next round was a nightmare, with my round punctuated with threes, fours, fives and a six. So to finish in fourth/fifth place is a fair result from the event.”

Hither Green’s Giuseppe Ruggiero won the event, with Nick Sandqvist, also of Hither Green, runner-up, and Cambridge’s Tony Kelly in third place.

Richard is currently ranked 19^th of 40 players in the GMGC Rankings List. Wandsworth’s Seth Thomas, Oxford’s Michael Smith and Lewisham’s James Rutherford are all currently tied at the top of the list.

Richard Gottfried’s GMGC Club Minigolf Tournament Record 2010/11
• GMGC Club Tournament - 1st of 11
o GMGC Club Tournament (without Handicap) - 3rd of 11
• GMGC Club Tournament - 9th of 13
o GMGC Club Tournament (without Handicap) - 8th of 13
• GMGC Club Tournament - Tied 6th of 9
o GMGC Club Tournament (without Handicap) - 7th of 9
• GMGC Club Tournament - Tied 7th of 13
o GMGC Club Tournament (without Handicap) - 7th of 13
• GMGC Club Tournament - 2nd of 6
o GMGC Club Tournament (without Handicap) - 2nd of 6
• GMGC Club Tournament - 3rd of 10
o GMGC Club Tournament (without Handicap) - 6th of 10
• GMGC Club Tournament - 4th of 11
o GMGC Club Tournament (without Handicap) - 5th of 11

The GMGC are based at the Green Indoor Mini Golf course in Hither Green, Lewisham, London, and the course is well worth a visit. The Course/Club now have a presence on Facebook and you can check out the Club and Course website at http://www.thegreenminigolf.co.uk/

Each Thursday night from 7pm the Green Mini Golf Club holds GMGC Club Championship minigolf competitions, played out over two 18-hole rounds.

Results of the "SF Classic" Minigolf Doubles Match - Gottfried/Kent vs. Kelly/Kelly

On Thursday 21st April 2011 I teamed up with Hither Green's Julio Kent to take on Cambridgeshire Duo Tony Kelly and Adam Kelly in an 18-hole Doubles Strokeplay Minigolf Match - The SF Classic.

Player-Score
Richard Gottfried - 45(+9)
Julio Kent - 36(par)
Tony Kelly - 44(+8)
Adam Kelly - 41(+5)

Team Scores:
1st - "Kent-Squire" = 81(+9)
2nd - "The WAGS" = 85(+13)

Minigolf Rankings Update for Richard & Emily Gottfried following the BMGA British Masters 2011

Following the latest BMGA Tour event - the BMGA British Masters at Strokes Adventure Golf Course in Margate, Kent - the latest minigolf ranking lists have been published.

BMGA Order of Merit Rankings for 2010-11:
Richard Gottfried - 14th of 86 players
Emily Gottfried - 43rd of 86 players

BMGA Season Only Rankings 2011:
Richard Gottfried - 12th of 50 players
Emily Gottfried - 24th of 50 players

In the Green Mini Golf Club Rankings for 2011 I have moved up one place to 19th place of 40 players and now hold a +8 minigolf handicap.

Scrap Iron Cup #9 - Paul Johnson claims his first-ever Scrap Iron Cup Victory

Ninth Scrap Iron Cup Minigolf Competition - Results and Report
Paul Johnson claims his first-ever Scrap Iron Cup Victory

Paul ‘The Overtaker’ Johnson was in the pink on Saturday 9th April 2011 as he landed his first-ever minigolf Scrap Iron Cup win, with a 2&1 victory over Seth ‘Clockwork Orange’ Thomas at the 18-hole Strokes Adventure Golf course in Margate, Kent.

'Squire' Richard Gottfried was unable to retain the Scrap Iron Cup, and was defeated by Johnson at the first hole of the sudden-death play-off, after both players had scored 29(+5) in the 12-hole Strokeplay first-round. Seth ‘Clockwork Orange’ Thomas qualified for the final with a round of 28(+4).

New Scrap Iron Cup Champion Paul Johnson was understandably tickled pink by his victory, which comes at the ninth attempt, and after three previous appearances in the final.

Former Scrap Iron Cup champion Owen 'Jackpot' Johnson, Leo ‘Bosman’ Kukielka and previous Scrap Iron Cup finalists Cindy Kukielka and Peter ‘TCAA’ Jones were the other competitors at the tournament.

Scrap Iron Cup
09/04/2011
Venue: Strokes Adventure Golf, Margate

Round One – Strokeplay
Rank Player
1. Seth Thomas – 28
2. Paul Johnson – 29 (won a play-off to qualify for the final)
3. Richard Gottfried – 29
4. Owen Johnson – 36
5. Leo Kukielka – 34
6. Cindy Kukielka – 37

A play-off was required between Paul Johnson & Richard Gottfried to decide the second finalist. This was played on the 13th hole of the Strokes Adventure Golf layout, and was decided on the first extra-hole as Gottfried hit a three while Johnson scored a two.

Round Two – Matchplay

Seth Thomas vs. Paul Johnson

Result – Paul Johnson wins 2&1

Scrap Iron Cup - Hall of Fame
2011 - #9 - Paul Johnson beat Seth Thomas - Margate
2011 - #8 - Richard Gottfried beat Peter Jones - Liverpool
2011 - #7 - Seth Thomas beat Paul Johnson - Liverpool
2011 - #6 - Seth Thomas beat Owen Johnson - Hither Green
2011 - #5 - Seth Thomas beat Richard Gottfried - Bristol
2011 - #4 - Richard Gottfried beat Cindy Kukielka - Birmingham
2010 - #3 - Owen Johnson beat Richard Gottfried - Birmingham
2010 - #2 - Richard Gottfried beat Paul Johnson - Weymouth
2010 - #1 - Richard Gottfried beat Paul Johnson - Sandbanks

Rules of the Scrap Iron Cup
• Played between members of the Midlands Minigolf Club
• Played in either groups of two, or one group, in round one
• Groups are drawn at random (often using the 'balls in a hat' technique)
• Round one is a strokeplay match played over 7, 9, 11, 12 or 18 holes
• The two players with the top scores after round one qualify for the second round/final
• Round two is a matchplay match played over 7, 9, 12 or 18 holes
• The winner of the matchplay match becomes the Scrap Iron Cup* Champion**

* The Johnson's Scrap Iron Cup (aka the 'NABBA ENGLAND 95 CLASS TWO WINNER' Trophy) remains the property of Owen and Paul Johnson

** The Reigning Scrap Iron Champion retains the cup until the next defence whereupon it is given up until the next Scrap Iron Cup tournament has been completed

Scrap Iron Cup #7 - Seth Thomas Retains Title in Liverpool

Seventh Scrap Iron Cup Minigolf Competition - Results and Report

Seth ‘Clockwork Orange’ Thomas retained the Scrap Iron Cup to become a three-time SCI Minigolf Champion as he defeated Dudley’s Paul 'The Overtaker' Johnson 2&1 in the final of the seventh Scrap Iron Cup minigolf tournament at the Jungle Rumble Adventure Golf course in Liverpool on Saturday 19th March.


In the three-player field Owen 'Jackpot' Johnson was the bronze medallist.

Scrap Iron Cup
19/03/2011
Venue: Jungle Rumble Adventure Golf, Liverpool

Round One - Strokeplay
Rank Player
1. Seth Thomas
2. Paul Johnson
3. Owen Johnson

Round Two – Matchplay

Seth Thomas vs. Paul Johnson

Result - Seth Thomas wins 2&1

Scrap Iron Cup - Hall of Fame
2011 - #7 - Seth Thomas beat Paul Johnson - Liverpool
2011 - #6 - Seth Thomas beat Owen Johnson - Hither Green
2011 - #5 - Seth Thomas beat Richard Gottfried - Bristol
2011 - #4 - Richard Gottfried beat Cindy Kukielka - Birmingham
2010 - #3 - Owen Johnson beat Richard Gottfried - Birmingham
2010 - #2 - Richard Gottfried beat Paul Johnson - Weymouth
2010 - #1 - Richard Gottfried beat Paul Johnson - Sandbanks

Rules of the Scrap Iron Cup
• Played between members of the Midlands Minigolf Club
• Played in either groups of two, or one group, in round one
• Groups are drawn at random (often using the 'balls in a hat' technique)
• Round one is a strokeplay match played over 7, 9, 11, 12 or 18 holes
• The two players with the top scores after round one qualify for the second round/final
• Round two is a matchplay match played over 7, 9, 12 or 18 holes
• The winner of the matchplay match becomes the Scrap Iron Cup* Champion**

* The Johnson's Scrap Iron Cup (aka the 'NABBA ENGLAND 95 CLASS TWO WINNER' Trophy) remains the property of Owen and Paul Johnson
** The Reigning Scrap Iron Champion retains the cup until the next defence whereupon it is given up until the next Scrap Iron Cup tournament has been completed

"Go With The Flo" Minigolf Doubles Team finish 7th of 14 at the GMGC Green Doubles Minigolf Championship

28th February 2011
Press Information
For Immediate Release

Minigolf Report - "Go With The Flo" Minigolf Doubles Team finish 7th of 14 at the GMGC Green Doubles Minigolf Championship

Luton Minigolfer Richard Gottfried competed in the GMGC Green Doubles Championship at the 18-hole Minigolf course in Hither Green on Sunday 27th February. Richard teamed with Walton-on-Thames’ Oliver Florence in the six-round event and finished in 7th spot of 14 teams.

Photo: Co-Captain Oliver 'The Machine' Florence (l) and Vice-Captain 'Squire' Richard Gottfried

The tournament was played in a matchplay format over 18-holes and was split into two stages, with a draw for the round robin qualifying stage, and knockout play-offs for positions 1-8 and 9-14.

The pair finished with a win/loss record of played six, won two, drew two, lost two.

The tournament was won by Hither Green's Nick Sandqvist and James Rutherford.

Results for the "Go With The Flo" Minigolf Doubles Team - 27/02/2011
Match 1 - beat Gareth Holmes & Terry Exall 2up
Match 2 - drew with Nick Chitty & John 'Ted' McIver
Match 3 - drew with Seth Thomas & Chris Smith
Match 4 - lost to Seth Thomas & Chris Smith 4&2
Match 5 - lost to David Donnelly & William Donnelly by one-hole in a sudden-death play-off
Match 6 - beat Alan Norman & Marion Homer 2&1

Richard said “I’m very pleased with our team performance today. This was the first time we’ve competed as a pair and I thought we worked well together. It was great to be undefeated after three rounds, and we won the important 7th/8th place play-off to round off an intense day of competition at one of the toughest Miniature Golf courses in the UK.”

Ends

Photos from the event:

The GMGC Green Doubles Trophy - won by Nick Sandvist & James Rutherford

John 'Big Top Ted' McIver shares Richard and Oliver's good fortunes at the GMGC Green Doubles tourney today!?


Richard & Oliver with their winnings - and playing round one of an impromptu Rock Paper Scissors Match! Ollie goes one-up with Paper.

Richard draws level with Paper.

The duo tie on Rock.

Richard wins with Rock!

A fourth game sees Oliver win with Rock.

Oliver holds aloft the scoring table following the team's seventh place finish.

Richard Gottfried's Minigolf Doubles Career Record - at 28/02/2011 (last match 27/02/2011).

Minigolf Doubles Win/Loss Record (in all friendlies & full BMGA Tour events)
Played - 51
Won - 24
Lost - 22
Drawn - 5

Minigolf Doubles Win/Loss Record (in BMGA Tour events)
Played - 25
Won - 13
Lost - 7
Drawn - 5

Minigolf Doubles Record (in BMGA Warm-up Doubles events)
Played - 2
First - 0
Second - 1
Third - 0
Other - 1

Other Minigolf Doubles Information
12 playing partners (regular BMGA competition team mate is Kevin Moseley)
25 competitive matches
26 friendlies
35 matchplay matches
12 strokeplay format matches
1 point-play-system match
1 match decided by Coin Toss
2 BMGA Warm-up Doubles events

Minigolf Doubles Playing Partners To Date:
1 - Emily Gottfried
2 - Matt Smith
3 - Andy Gonsalves
4 - Owen Johnson
5 - Paul Johnson
6 - Kevin Moseley
7 - Chris Harding
8 - Simon Hall
9 - Leo Kukielka
10 - Christopher Gottfried
11 - Alan Norman
12 - Oliver Florence

Full Minigolf Doubles Record for Richard Gottfried - Click to Enlarge

Gottfried & Norman Team-Up, and Minigolf Doubles Record Update

Minigolf Report - Scrap Iron Cup 6 - Hither Green

Sixth Scrap Iron Cup Minigolf Competition - Results and Report

Seth ‘Clockwork Orange’ Thomas became a two-time Scrap Iron Cup Minigolf Champion as he defeated Dudley’s Owen ‘Jackpot’ Johnson, himself a former Scrap Iron Cup Champion, in the final of the sixth Scrap Iron Cup minigolf tournament in Hither Green, Lewisham on Saturday 26th February.


In the three-player field Paul ‘Rango’ Johnson was the bronze medallist.

Scrap Iron Cup
26/02/2011
Venue: The Green Indoor Mini Golf, Hither Green

Round One - Strokeplay
Rank Player Score
1. Seth Thomas - 42
2. Owen Johnson - 54
3. Paul Johnson - 58

Round Two – Matchplay

Seth Thomas vs. Owen Johnson


Result - Seth Thomas wins

Scrap Iron Cup - Hall of Fame
2011 - #6 - Seth Thomas beat Owen Johnson - Hither Green
2011 - #5 - Seth Thomas beat Richard Gottfried - Bristol
2011 - #4 - Richard Gottfried beat Cindy Kukielka - Birmingham
2010 - #3 - Owen Johnson beat Richard Gottfried - Birmingham
2010 - #2 - Richard Gottfried beat Paul Johnson - Weymouth
2010 - #1 - Richard Gottfried beat Paul Johnson - Sandbanks

Rules of the Scrap Iron Cup
• Played between members of the Midlands Minigolf Club
• Played in either groups of two, or one group, in round one
• Groups are drawn at random (often using the 'balls in a hat' technique)
• Round one is a strokeplay match played over 7, 9, 11, 12 or 18 holes
• The two players with the top scores after round one qualify for the second round/final
• Round two is a matchplay match played over 7, 9, 12 or 18 holes
• The winner of the matchplay match becomes the Scrap Iron Cup* Champion**

* The Scrap Iron Cup (aka the 'NABBA ENGLAND 95 CLASS TWO WINNER' Trophy) remains the property of Owen and Paul Johnson
** The Reigning Scrap Iron Champion retains the cup until the next defence whereupon it is given up until the next Scrap Iron Cup tournament has been completed

Gottfried third in the latest GMGC Club Tournament

25th February 2011
Press Information
For Immediate Release

Minigolf Report – Gottfried third in the latest GMGC Club Tournament

Following the Green Doubles Warm-up Doubles Matches at Hither Green on Thursday 24th February, Luton Minigolfer Richard Gottfried competed in the latest GMGC Thursday night Club Tournament at the 18-hole Indoor Mini Golf.

Ten players competed in the two-round tournament and Gottfried recorded scores of 41(+5) and 49(+13) for a total of 90(+18), 74 with his +8 GMGC Handicap, and finished on the podium in third place in the handicap event, and sixth in the unhandicapped ranks. Both rounds were played on the 'hard' difficulty setting.

Chris Smith won the handicap event, with Michael Smith runner-up, and Chris and Michael tied for the lead in the unhandicapped scoring.

Each Thursday night from 7pm the Green Mini Golf Club holds GMGC Club Championship minigolf competitions, played out over two 18-hole rounds.

Richard Gottfried’s GMGC Club Tournament Record 2010/11
• GMGC Club Tournament - 1st of 11
o GMGC Club Tournament (without Handicap) - 3rd of 11
• GMGC Club Tournament - 9th of 13
o GMGC Club Tournament (without Handicap) - 8th of 13
• GMGC Club Tournament - Tied 6th of 9
o GMGC Club Tournament (without Handicap) - 7th of 9
• GMGC Club Tournament - Tied 7th of 13
o GMGC Club Tournament (without Handicap) - 7th of 13
• GMGC Club Tournament - 2nd of 6
o GMGC Club Tournament (without Handicap) - 2nd of 6
• GMGC Club Tournament - 3rd of 10
o GMGC Club Tournament (without Handicap) - 6th of 10

The GMGC are based at the Green Indoor Mini Golf course in Hither Green, Lewisham, London, and the course is well worth a visit. The Course/Club now have a presence on Facebook and you can check out the Club and Course website at http://www.thegreenminigolf.co.uk/

Gottfried & Florence to compete in The Green Doubles Minigolf Tournament

A new minigolf team will be created this weekend, as Luton's 'Squire' Richard Gottfried and Walton-on-Thames' Oliver 'The Machine' Florence will be teaming-up for the first time at The Green Doubles Minigolf Tournament, in Hither Green on Sunday.

The BMGA Tour Professionals are both Great Britain International Minigolfers, and keen minigolf bloggers. However, the GMGC Green Doubles Tournament will be the first-time the pair have teamed together. To date, Richard has teamed with ten other playing partners.

Richard's last minigolf doubles match was on the 1st August 2010, as he and Emily 'Coach' Gottfried faced the Bangor Minigolf Club in a losing effort in the 126-hole Northern Ireland Belfast Bangor Antrim & Larne Invitational Tournament. The Luton Wanderers Minigolf Club were due to meet the Portsmouth & Southsea Crazy Golf (Gold) Club on the 29th December 2010, however the Adventure Golf course was closed, so the result of the Southsea Pirate Masters was decided by a coin-toss.

Richard Gottfried's Minigolf Doubles Career Record - at 22/02/2011 (last match 29/12/2010).

Minigolf Doubles Win/Loss Record (in all friendlies & full BMGA Tour events)
Played - 42
Won - 21
Lost - 18
Drawn - 3

Minigolf Doubles Win/Loss Record (in BMGA Tour events)
Played - 19
Won - 11
Lost - 5
Drawn - 3

Minigolf Doubles Record (in BMGA Warm-up Doubles events)
Played - 2
First - 0
Second - 1
Third - 0
Other - 1

10 playing partners (regular BMGA competition team mate is Kevin Moseley)
19 competitive matches
23 friendlies
29 matchplay matches
11 strokeplay format matches
1 point-play-system match
1 match decided by Coin Toss
2 BMGA Warm-up Doubles events

Full details and results - Click to enlarge image

The Green Indoor Mini Golf Course and Club get a new website

The Green Indoor Mini Golf Course and Club now has a new website. It's well worth a look. Check it out here.

Minigolf Report - Scrap Iron Cup 5 - Bristol - Jungle Rumble

Fifth Scrap Iron Cup Minigolf Competition - Results and Report

On Saturday 12th February four members of the Midlands Minigolf Club (MMGC) and a player from the Green Mini Golf Club took part in the Johnson's Scrap Iron Cup competition played at the 36-hole Jungle Rumble Indoor Adventure Golf course at Cabot Circus in Bristol. The tournament used a two-round mixed strokeplay and matchplay format.

With Richard Gottfried, Paul Johnson and Owen Johnson paying members of the Green Mini Golf Club, as well as being long-time members of the Midlands Minigolf Club, an offer to compete for the Scrap Iron Cup was extended to Seth 'Clockwork Orange' Thomas (who was part-way through a practice round with Richard ahead of the following day's BMGA Rumble in the Jungle tournament). Seth accepted his 'Day-Pass' to the MMGC.

As at the previous staging of the Scrap Iron Cup, last month in Birmingham, five players lined-up, with the field including:

- 'Squire' Richard Gottfried
- Paul 'The Overtaker' Johnson
- Owen 'Jackpot' Johnson
- Peter 'The Crazy Aced Assassin' Jones
- Seth 'Clockwork Orange' Thomas

The top ranked player after round one was up and coming GMGC player Seth Thomas, who scored the only under-par round with a good 17(-1).

Much like the Star City hosted 4th Scrap Iron Cup in Birmingham, a play-off was again needed to decide who would join Seth as the other finalist after Paul Johnson and Richard Gottfried had both tied on 18(par). A sudden-death play-off followed and was won at the third extra-hole by Gottfried. The play off saw Paul and Richard score 2-2, 1-1 and x-2.

In the 9-hole Matchplay Match final-round Seth Thomas won 1-up in a very close match that saw both players trade Aces in the early holes, and Thomas win the match and the Johnson's Scrap Iron Cup at the 18th hole (the 9th of the match).

Full details and results are below:

Scrap Iron Cup
Jungle Rumble Adventure Golf Course, Cabot Circus, Bristol
12/02/2011
Venue: Jungle Course (Strokeplay & Matchplay)

Round One - Strokeplay
Rank Player Score
1. Seth Thomas 17
2. Richard Gottfried 18 – won sudden-death play-off at the 3rd extra hole
3. Paul Johnson 18
4. Peter Jones 20
5. Owen Johnson 21

Round Two – Matchplay

Seth Thomas vs. Richard Gottfried

Seth Thomas wins 1-up

Photo: New Scrap Iron Cup Champion Seth 'Clockwork Orange' Thomas holds aloft some thin air, where the trophy should be, if it were not in the boot of the outgoing champion's car!

The Scrap Iron Cup 'originally' came 'packaged' in a disposable Iceland carrier bag. Somewhere between Scrap Iron Cup competitions 3 and 4 this bag was lost, so ahead of the Bristol event an Iceland Bag For Life was bought to house the prestigious trophy!

The Scrap Iron Cup Minigolf Championship will be contested again at The Green Indoor Mini Golf in February and the Jungle Rumble Course in Liverpool in March.

Scrap Iron Cup - Hall of Fame
2011 - #5 - Seth Thomas beat Richard Gottfried - Bristol
2011 - #4 - Richard Gottfried beat Cindy Kukielka - Birmingham
2010 - #3 - Owen Johnson beat Richard Gottfried - Birmingham
2010 - #2 - Richard Gottfried beat Paul Johnson - Weymouth
2010 - #1 - Richard Gottfried beat Paul Johnson - Sandbanks

Rules of the Scrap Iron Cup
• Played between members of the Midlands Minigolf Club
• Played in either groups of two, or one group, in round one
• Groups are drawn at random (often using the 'balls in a hat' technique)
• Round one is a strokeplay match played over 7, 9, 11, 12 or 18 holes
• The two players with the top scores after round one qualify for the second round/final
• Round two is a matchplay match played over 7, 9, 12 or 18 holes
• The winner of the matchplay match becomes the Scrap Iron Cup* Champion**

* The Scrap Iron Cup (aka the 'NABBA ENGLAND 95 CLASS TWO WINNER' Trophy) remains the property of Owen and Paul Johnson
** The Reigning Scrap Iron Champion retains the cup until the next defence whereupon it is given up until the next Scrap Iron Cup tournament has been completed