Mini Golf in the Guinness World Records 2024

Have you got the Guinness World Records 2024 book?

There's a whole page dedicated to minigolf (and I have a record in it!).

There's also a crazy golf element on the brilliant cover art challenge!

I'm a Guinness World Record Holder for "Most miniature golf courses visited" (902 at the time of going to press).

A total of 2,638 records were selected, from nearly 30,000 applications, to appear in the Guinness World Records 2024.

Find out more about the 2024 edition of the book on the Guinness World Records website.

You can see the full list of courses Emily and I have visited since the 30th September 2006 on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour page.

Underground Golf at Zip World Llechwedd

A look at the underground minigolf course at Zip World Llechwedd.

Underground Golf at Zip World Llechwedd. Photo by Mark Swain, August 2024

Zip World Llechwedd near Blaenau Ffestiniog in Gwynedd, Wales is home to an underground adventure golf course.

Underground Golf at Zip World Llechwedd. Photo by Mark Swain, August 2024

Many thanks to our friend and minigolf rival Mark Swain for sending over these snaps of the course from his recent visit there.

Underground Golf at Zip World Llechwedd. Photo by Mark Swain, August 2024

We haven't made it to Zip World Llechwedd to have a game on the 18-hole course on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour yet. But's it's on our list.

Underground Golf at Zip World Llechwedd. Photo by Mark Swain, August 2024

Take a look at the Zip World Llechwedd website for more information.

The Rules of Underground Golf at Zip World Llechwedd. Photo by Mark Swain, August 2

Deepest underground miniature golf course in the world

The Underground Golf course at Zip World Llechwedd holds the Guinness World Record for being the "Deepest underground miniature golf course" as it is 152 metres below ground. It's a record I was part of verifying in my role as a Consultant for the Guinness World Records. Check out the Guinness World Records website and the 2024 edition of the book to see more minigolf, crazy golf and adventure golf records.

54 Problems minigolf podcast - miniature golf and Guinness World Records

Have a listen to the latest 54 Problems minigolf podcast about miniature golf and Guinness World Records.

I was a guest on the latest episode of the 54 Problems minigolf podcast.

You can listen to episode 37 of the show on the 54 Problems website.

Miniature Golf in the Guinness World Records 2024

Have you seen the new Guinness World Records 2024 book?

There's a whole page dedicated to minigolf (and I have a record in it!).

There's also a crazy golf element on the cover art challenge!

I'm a record holder for "Most miniature golf courses visited" (902 at the time of going to press).

Moby Golf Adventure Golf in Romford, Essex

A total of 2,638 records were selected, from nearly 30,000 applications, to appear in the Guinness World Records 2024.

Find out more about the 2024 edition of the book on the Guinness World Records website.

You can see the full list of courses Emily and I have visited since the 30th September 2006 on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour page.

Guinness World Records 2024

The new Guinness World Records book is out today.

It was wonderful to buy the new Guinness World Records 2024 book today as I'm in it. Twice!

Guinness World Records 2024

I'm a record holder for "Most miniature golf courses visited" (902 at the time of going to press).

And it was incredible to be a Consultant on the book for the minigolf category.

There are a total of 2,638 records, selected from nearly 30,000 applications, in the Guinness World Records 2024.

Find out more about the 2024 edition of the book on the Guinness World Records website.

You can see the full list of courses Emily and I have visited since the 30th September 2006 on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour page.

I've had a whale of a time on my minigolf adventures over the last 17 years

Guinness World Records Day 2020

Today is Guinness World Records Day!

Have you ever attempted, set or broken a Guinness World Record?

I've been a part of a few mass participation Guinness World Record attempts and tried some individual challenges too.

In 2009 I attempted the Guinness World Record for the 'Most Brussels Sprouts Eaten in a Minute'. That was my favourite so far.

Emily and I actually helped set a Guinness World Record in May of 2009. That was for 'The Largest Picnic across multiple venues'. Over 8,300 people took park in that effort.

We also helped break the Guinness World Record of 'Largest Gathering of People Wearing Boater Hats' while we lived in Luton back in 2014.

Mad Hatters!

Guinness World Record Attempts to date:

• 2014 - 'Largest Gathering of People Wearing Boater Hats' - Achieved
• 2012 - 'Fastest 400m Relay Hop' - Unsuccessful
• 2012 - 'Largest Group Hop' - Unsuccessful
• 2011 - 'The most people to ‘High Five’ simultaneously' - Unsuccessful
• 2010 - 'The UK's longest Conga line' - Unsuccessful
• 2009 - 'Most Brussels Sprouts Eaten in a Minute' - Unsuccessful
• 2009 - 'The Largest Picnic across multiple venues' - Achieved

It's been a few years since our last Guinness World Record attempt. What shall we try for next?

Links:

• Guinness World Records
• Guinness World Records Day

Relation Blog Posts:

• Guinness World Records

Happy National Picnic Day

Today is National Picnic Day.

To mark the occasion I might eat a miniature Scotch Egg in the garden washed down with a glass of fizzy orange before getting stang off of a bee and then going indoors.

Back in May 2009 Emily and I actually helped set a Guinness World Record for the Largest Picnic ever in the UK. Over 8,300 people took park in that effort.

The previous holder of the Guinness World Record for "The Largest Picnic across multiple venues" was Tenerife, Spain which set the record with 8,000 picnickers in 1999.

Looking at other picnicking records the Largest Picnic ever was held in June 2009 when 22,232 people gathered in Lisbon, Portugal.

Remember social gatherings?

Guinness World Record Attempt for the 'Most Brussels Sprouts Eaten in a Minute'

A look back at the 2009 Guinness World Record Attempt for the 'Most Brussels Sprouts Eaten in a Minute'.

I can't believe it's been ten years since I attempted to break the Guinness World Record for the 'Most Brussels Sprouts Eaten in a Minute' at Luton Indoor Market!

A star studded line-up of talent assembled to take part in the charity record attempt

What an event that was.

Check out the other Guinness World Records I've attempted over the years.

Me and Brad Shepherd with our certificates from the event

Happy National Mad Hatter Day

Today, 6th October, is National Mad Hatter Day.

A lot of hats in Luton

The occurrence reminded me of the time Emily and I helped break the Guinness World Record of 'Largest Gathering of People Wearing Boater Hats' while we lived in Luton back in 2014.

The event was organised by the Museum Makers team and saw 797 people turn out for the record attempt and SMASH the previous record of 250 boater wearers.

A pair of mad hatters

Luton is famous for it's hat industry. As is our new home town of Stockport!

Both football clubs are known as The Hatters and both towns have hat musuems.

The similarities don't end there as both towns are also under flight paths. You could call Stockport 'The Luton of the North', or Luton 'The Stockport of the South'. Though I can't imagine anyone would.

In fact it was the growth of the hat trade in Luton that contributed to the decline of the hat industry in Stockport.

Video from the official Guinness World Record attempt for the 'Largest Gathering of People Wearing Boater Hats' held at Wardown Park in Luton on Saturday 16th August 2014.

Lutonians break Guinness World Record!

Luton Museum Makers organise successful Guinness World Record Attempt!

Hooray we've done it!

The people of Luton turned out for an official Guinness World Record for the 'Largest Gathering of People Wearing Boater Hats' - and smashed the previous record of 250 people!

A sea of straw boaters in Luton's Wardown Park

A grand total of 797 people - mostly Lutonians, with a smattering of people travelling to the town for the event - stood in Wardown Park with straw boater hats firmly fixed on their heads for five minutes as the stewards and official adjudicator made the count.

Record breakers #166 & #167 - Richard & Emily Gottfried

Great planning and presentation of the event from the organising team of Luton's Museum Makers.

The 'Love Luton' branded Arriva bus went past Wardown Park just before the official count. I wonder what all the people driving along Old Bedford Road thought of the massed ranks of be-hatted people assembled in the park!

Luton has a long tradition of millinery and Wardown Park Musuem houses a collection related to hatmaking, with over 700 hats and materials from the trade.

It was a great event, with entertainment on-stage throughout by Joe Corrigan's Signature Swing Band. It's a brilliant record for the town to hold. Nice weather too.

Another feather in his straw boater, helping to set a Guinness World Record in Luton

Over the years Emily and I have been a part of some other Guinness World Record Attempts including Hopping, Brussels Sprouts eating, most people to ‘High Five’ simultaneously, the UK's longest Conga line and the Largest picnic ever in the UK.

The record for most straw boaters on the bonce of a Lutonian after the main-event was four

The Museum Makers are a new team consisting of members of the community who are dedicated to saving, cherishing, running and recreating Wardown Park Museum in Luton.

Links:
- Museum Makers website
- Museum Makers on Twitter
- Museum Makers on Facebook
- Guinness World Records
- Video: Luton's Straw Boater Guinness World Record Attempt 2014

Related blog posts:
- Luton Museum Makers Aiming To Break World Record
- Guinness World Records
- Luton

Luton Museum Makers Aiming To Break World Record

Luton Museum Makers targeting a Guinness World Record for the "Largest Gathering of People Wearing Boater Hats"!

On Saturday 16th of August 2014 Museum Makers and Wardown Park Museum in Luton will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the "Largest Gathering of People Wearing Boater Hats".

The current world record is 250 people, but the team behind the attempt are aiming to get 2,000 people involved!

Luton has a long tradition of millinery and Wardown Park Musuem houses a collection related to hatmaking, with over 700 hats and materials from the trade.

For more information and to register as a participant visit the Museum Makers website.

The Guinness World Record Attempt will take place at 11.30am on Saturday 16th of August.

If you don't own your own straw boater there will be some available on the day.

The event sounds fun and a little less extreme than some of the other Guinness World Record Attempts I've undertaken, such as Hopping and Brussels Sprouts eating. I've also taken part in record attempts for the most people to ‘High Five’ simultaneously, the UK's longest Conga line and the Largest picnic ever in the UK.

The Museum Makers are a new team, consisting of members of the community, who are dedicated to saving, cherishing, running and recreating Wardown Park Museum in Luton.

Links:
- Museum Makers website
- Museum Makers on Twitter
- Museum Makers on Facebook
- Guinness World Record related blog posts

Pitch & Butt - Naked Minigolf Guinness World Record Attempt

A Minigolf Guinness World Record Attempt in Southend-on-Sea that I will NOT be participating in!

The Putting Penguin Minigolf Team alerted me to a news item about a very crazy miniature golf event taking place in Southend-on-Sea this weekend - the ‘Most Naked People to play a Miniature Golf Course in One Hour’ Guinness World Record Attempt!!!

Now, I am a big fan of Crazy Golf AND someone who likes attempting to set/break Guinness World Records, but I will NOT be taking part in the naked Minigolf attempt, but I do wish the brave people who are going to have a crack at the challenge all the very best. Fingers crossed for the warm weather to continue too!

The fundraising event is taking place at the 18-hole Aztec & Inca Adventure Golf course at the Adventure Island Theme Park and will tee-off at 9am on Sunday 25th March. The nominated good cause is the Prostate Cancer Charity.

Adventure Island was also host to a successful Guinness World Record Attempt for the most naked people riding a rollercoaster, which was achieved when 102 people rode the Green Scream ride in Southend in 2010!

Links:

- Just Giving page for the "Naked Golf Guinness World Record"

- The Prostate Cancer Charity

- Adventure Island

- News story: "Pitch and butt"

Southend-on-Sea related blog posts on The Ham & Egger Files:

- Adventure Island's Aztec & Inca Adventure Golf in Southend-on-Sea (re-visit Dec 11)

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

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

Taking part in a Guinness World Record attempt for "The most people to ‘High Five’ simultaneously"

Attempting a Guinness World Record in Luton.

On Monday 10th of October 2011 I headed to St Georges Square, Luton to take part in the Guinness World Record attempt for the most people to ‘High Five’ simultaneously. The event was held to mark World Mental Health Day and was organised by the Make A Difference (MAD) group.

The previous/current record stands at 1,790 people simultaneously High Fiving, but the MAD attempt counted over 2,100 people taking part.

A story was written in last week’s Herald & Post newspaper (page 21)  and unfortunately for me, just as the photo used was being taken I was in a ‘preparation’ stage of giving a High Five (we had a few dummy runs), so it looks as though I’m doing a Fonz impression!?

Previous Blog Post - Upcoming event in Luton - Guinness World Record Attempt for "The most people to successfully High 5 across multiple locations"

Previous Guinness World Record Blog Posts:
- New Guinness World Record set - Largest Picnic Ever
- 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!
-- Plus a video from The Luton News
- Guinness World Records

Upcoming event in Luton - Guinness World Record Attempt for "The most people to successfully High 5 across multiple locations"

The Make A Difference (MAD) group is organising a Guinness World Record Attempt for "The most people to successfully High 5 across multiple locations" on Monday 10th October 2011 - World Mental Health Day.

The Make A Difference group aims to promote mental wellbeing across the community and challenge the stigma that exists towards mental illness.

The Guinness World Record Attempt for the most High 5s will be taking place in Luton and Bedford (as well as ten other community sites in the two towns) at 1pm on Monday 10th October. Anyone can take part and the current record stands at 1,790 people. Further details can be see on the poster below and on the MAD website.

This will be the first Guinness World Record Attempt I've made in 2011. On the 30th August 2010 Emily and I were part of the failed attempt at the Guinness World Record for the "UK's Largest Conga Line" at Huntingdon Races. On the 19th December 2009, along with fellow minigolfer Brad Shepherd, I attempted to break the Guinness World Record for Most Brussels Sprouts Eaten in a Minute!. Unfortunately I only managed to eat ten in each of my two attempts. On the 25th May 2009 we helped break the Guinness World Record for "The Largest Picnic Across Multiple Venues" by being part of the Luton picnic.

Previous Guinness World Record Blog Posts:
- New Guinness World Record set - Largest Picnic Ever
- 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!
-- Plus a video from The Luton News

Conga dancing on the pages of The Racing Post!

Emily and I are photographed on page 7 of today's Racing Post. We were taking part in the Guinness World Record Attempt for the UK's Longest Conga at Huntingdon Racecourse yesterday!

I'm Conga-er #16, Emily is #15.

Huntingdon Races - a UK Conga Line Guinness World Record Attempt & Crazy Golf course played #195

On Bank Holiday Monday 30th August 2010 we visited Huntingdon Racecourse in Cambridgeshire for their Bank Holiday fun day event. Not only was there some great horse racing action, but there were a number of Guinness World Record attempts taking place - including World’s largest group of jockeys in a car, World’s largest group of John McCririck look-a-likes at a racecourse and the World’s greatest number of faces painted by an individual in one hour.

The Guinness World Record attempt that we were interested in though, was the attempt to break the record for the UK's longest Conga line!

The record is currently held by Manchester, with 1,500 people Conga dancing to the Black Lace Classic song.

Unfortunately, despite there being 4,523 people in attendance at the races, only 183 people bothered to Conga!? I was Conga-er number 16, Emily was number 15. It was still great fun, and the Conga is such a great Party-tune.


The Guinness World Record Attempt was the third that I have attempted and Emily's second. On the 25th May 2009 we helped break the Guinness World Record for "The Largest Picnic Across Multiple Venues". On the 19th December 2009 I, along with fellow minigolfer Brad Shepherd, attempted to break the Guinness World Record for Most Brussels Sprouts Eaten in a Minute!. Unfortunately I only managed to eat ten in each of my two attempts.

Huntingdon Racecourse and the event - in aid of Racing Welfare - was a great day out, at a not too unreasonable price. The event was also great for Emily as she won on the two horses she picked for a flutter in the first two races!


As an added bonus, the Racecourse had also put on a variety of entertainment and activities, one of which was Crazy Golf!!!

The 6-hole portable course was the 195th course played on The Crazy World of Minigolf Tour and was quite good fun, despite it's relatively small size and the type of obstacles. It was free to play and proved to be incredibly popular throughout the day.









In the two matches we played I beat Emily 10(-2) to 16(+4), and Emily then beat me by 13(+1) to 14(+2). I also had one solo round and scored a 14(+2).