Showing posts with label Minigolf. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Minigolf. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Prestatyn Crazy Golf

A revisit to Prestatyn Crazy Golf.

I revisited and replayed the excellent Prestatyn Crazy Golf in Prestatyn, North Wales on Saturday (National Miniature Golf Day).

Prestatyn Crazy Golf course
I managed to capture this shot of the superb course and its classic crazy golf colours during a gap in players on the course during a busy and very warm summer afternoon

The course was originally the 147th played on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour back in 2009.

As one of our local seaside towns we used to head to Prestatyn a few times a year. We went there in December 2021 during the pandemic and before that the last visit was in June 2019! Where's the time gone since then!

The Prestatyn Crazy Golf is one of our favourite courses and is an excellent Arnold Palmer Putting Course.

I very much enjoyed my two rounds on the 18-hole layout and scored a 40 (+4) on each round. Not too bad considering how rusty my putting is!

It's a course that is well worth a visit and I'm very much looking forward to another game there this summer.

Minigolf consultancy

As a marketing professional I use my extensive knowledge and skills in supporting and promoting the game I enjoy as a hobby, a competitive sport and a leisure activity.

My marketing activity sees me work across the minigolf industry, from traditional British seaside crazy golf courses, to new inland adventure golf layouts, competitive socialising venues and within retailtainment.

Since 2006 Emily and I have visited more than 1,000 minigolf courses in the UK and overseas. This has given me an insight into many aspects of minigolf including course operators, pop-ups, competitions, equipment, national associations, international federations, clubs, suppliers, designers, builders and technology providers.

My involvement in the world of minigolf includes blogging, media relations, sponsorship, course design, advice and consultancy, content generation, digital marketing and new technology, event organisation and promotion, and participation in tournaments around the world.

I have consulted on a number of minigolf business concepts in the UK and USA including Princess Parade Crazy Golf in Blackpool; the Filwood Fantastic Mini Golf Club in Knowle West, Bristol; Tea Green Golf in Luton; Burray Crazy Golf in Orkney; Prestwick Putting and Crazy Golf; Portaputt Crazy Golf; Aces Minigolf Gloucester; Southend Pier Crazy Golf; Knaresborough Mini Golf; Glory Holes art-based Crazy Golf in Saltaire; Putting at the Kiosk in Bedford; Visionary Crazy Golf at the London Design Festival, and The Big Mini Golf Tour in Great Yarmouth.

Richard Gottfried - Minigolfer

As a volunteer I served three terms on the Executive Committee of the British Minigolf Association and was a member of the World Minigolf Sport Federation’s Marketing and Media Committee for six years.

My sports, games and travel blog at the Ham & Egger Files contains over 5,500 posts that have attracted 3.3 million page views. Read my posts about the next normal rules of minigolfcompetitive isolationsocial distancing, the boom in minigolf and competitive socialisingartainment, the concept of retailtainment, as well as the increase in shopping mall and garden centre miniature golf courses. You can also sign-up to receive my minigolf enewsletter.

My specialist knowledge and experience in the worlds of minigolf and marketing were demonstrated in InterGame’s discussion of the opportunities and challenges of operating a mini-golf venue amid the Covid-19 pandemic and the Let’s Talk Leisure feature with Briq Bookings.

You can read my top 20 must-do tips for venues in the InterFun Guide for Operators.

As a consultant I contributed to the Guinness World Records 2024.

You can buy my ebook, The Minigolfer’s Guide to Marketing, on Amazon.

Please do get in touch to find out how I can help with your minigolf, crazy golf and adventure golf activities.

Saturday, May 11, 2024

National Windmill Day

Today is National Windmill Day - and National Miniature Golf Day.


The windmill hole on the grass putting miniature golf course at the Palm Bay Café in Cliftonville, Margate back in 2007
The windmill hole on the grass putting miniature golf course at the Palm Bay Café in Cliftonville, Margate back in 2007

As with National Miniature Golf Day, National Windmill Day is celebrated on the second Saturday of May each year.

Playing a windmill hole in Skegness on a previous National Miniature Golf Day
Playing a windmill hole in Skegness on a previous National Miniature Golf Day

Windmills are a familiar sight on minigolf courses around the world. We've played a fair few on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour over the years.

Emily playing a windmill hole at the Rhos Fynach Crazy Golf course on Miniature Golf Day in 2017
Emily playing a windmill hole at the Rhos Fynach Crazy Golf course on Miniature Golf Day in 2017

A Dutch-themed hole at Glo-Golf indoor Crazy Golf at the Riverside Bowl in Andover
A Dutch-themed hole at Glo-Golf indoor Crazy Golf at the Riverside Bowl in Andover

Playing the windmill hole on the Crazy Golf course at Penwith Pitch & Putt in Cornwall
Playing the windmill hole on the Crazy Golf course at Penwith Pitch & Putt in Cornwall 

Happy National Miniature Golf Day

There are two 'miniature golf days' each year.


Today is National Miniature Golf Day!

Arnold Palmer Crazy Golf in Skegness on National Miniature Golf Day 2015
Playing the Arnold Palmer Crazy Golf course in Skegness on National Miniature Golf Day 2015

Each year there are two Miniature Golf Days - National Miniature Golf Day on the second Saturday in May and Miniature Golf Day on the 21st September.

Friday, May 10, 2024

Tomorrow is National Miniature Golf Day 2024

Tomorrow is National Miniature Golf Day.


Minigolf courses we've played on Miniature Golf Days
Minigolf courses we've played on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour on previous Miniature Golf Days

National Miniature Golf Day is always marked on the second Saturday in May.

Mini Golf Days

Each year there are two 'minigolf days', the second of which is Miniature Golf Day. It is always on the 21st September. This year that will be a Saturday.

Tuesday, May 07, 2024

Minigolf courses in Manchester & Greater Manchester

A look at minigolf courses in Manchester & Greater Manchester.


A look at minigolf courses in Manchester & Greater Manchester

There are a number of options for minigolfing in Greater Manchester, with a variety of courses to play, ranging from traditional crazy golf to indoor minigolf to new adventure golf layouts. The city centre itself has seen an increase in courses over the last few years and there are more to open in the coming months too!

Here's a list of the minigolf courses in Manchester


  • Paradise Island Adventure Golf at the Trafford Centre - two indoor adventure golf courses
  • Junkyard Golf at First Street - three indoor crazy golf courses.
  • Treetop Adventure Golf at The Printworks in Manchester - two indoor adventure golf courses
  • Dino Falls Adventure Golf at the Trafford Golf Centre - two outdoor adventure golf courses
  • Roxy Ball Room on Deansgate - indoor mini golf course
  • Roxy Ball Room on Withy Grove - indoor crazy pool (think of a cross-between pool and crazy golf)
  • Putters Crazy Golf at the Urban Playground in Manchester Arndale - indoor crazy golf
  • Crazy Golf at Challenge Point Manchester - indoor crazy golf
  • Mini Golf at King Pins at the Manchester Arndale - indoor mini golf

Here's a list of the minigolf courses in Greater Manchester


  • The Lost Valley Adventure Golf at Amazonia, Market Place Shopping Centre, Bolton - an indoor adventure golf course
  • Haigh Woodland Park, Wigan - an outdoor adventure golf course
  • Haigh Woodland Park, Wigan - an outdoor crazy golf course
  • UV Crazy Golf at One Adventure in Droylsden - an indoor crazy golf course
  • Pitch & Putt at Bruntwood Park in Cheadle, Stockport - an outdoor miniature golf course
  • Puttstars at Rochdale Riverside - three indoor minigolf courses
  • Park Square, Cheadle Heath, Stockport - an outdoor Putting Green (for tenants only)
  • Parr Fold Park in Walkden - a Pitch & Putt course
  • Kearsley Golf Range - Pitch & Putt and Putting Greens
  • Victoria Park in Pendlebury, Swinton - an outdoor putting green
  • Buile Hill Park in Salford - a Pitch & Putt course
  • Woodheys Park in Sale - a Pitch & Putt course
  • HUKD Golf in Bury - indoor crazy golf

Minigolfing in Manchester


We've been travelling to play minigolf in Manchester on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour since 2009 when I won the Mini Masters and Mini Open at the Trafford Golf Centre. I also won the Chrizy Golf Masters at Piccadilly Place in 2012. We moved to Stockport in 2016 and have continued to compete in events. Emily won the Paradise Island Adventure Golf Open in 2019, while I won the tournament in 2018. I also won the DinoFalls Masters at the Trafford Golf Centre in 2018.

Former courses


  • Championship Miniature Golf at the Trafford Golf Centre - an outdoor miniature golf course
  • Chrizy Golf at Piccadilly Place - pop-up Christmas-themed crazy golf course
  • Tea Party Mini Golf at Spinningfields, Manchester - a pop-up mini golf course
  • Junkyard Golf at the Great Northern Warehouse and at Piccadilly Place - indoor crazy golf courses
  • Alexandra Park in Edgeley, Stockport - an outdoor crazy golf course
  • Walkden Town Centre - pop-up crazy golf course

Derelict and abandoned courses


  • Stamford Park, Stamford Street, Stalybridge, Tameside - an outdoor crazy golf course
  • Wythenshawe Park, Wythenshawe - an outdoor crazy golf course


Please do get in touch and let us know of any other minigolf, crazy golf, adventure golf, pitch & putt, or putting layouts we don't yet know about in the area.

Saturday, May 04, 2024

One week until National Miniature Golf Day

There are two 'miniature golf days' each year.


Next Saturday is National Miniature Golf Day.

Arnold Palmer Crazy Golf in Skegness on National Miniature Golf Day 2015
Playing the Arnold Palmer Crazy Golf course in Skegness on National Miniature Golf Day 2015

Each year there are two Miniature Golf Days - National Miniature Golf Day on the second Saturday in May and Miniature Golf Day on the 21st September.

Jabba the Putt

Happy Star Wars Day.


Jabba the Putt at Trailer Trash Jim's Crazy Golf at Level Preston in May 2018
Jabba the Putt at Trailer Trash Jim's Crazy Golf at Level Preston in May 2018

Wednesday, May 01, 2024

The Minigolfer's Guide to Marketing ebook

I published my minigolf marketing ebook seven years ago today.


The Minigolfer's Guide to Marketing ebook

My ebook to help minigolf players better market themselves, their clubs, tournaments and courses is available to purchase from Amazon.

Don't worry if you don't have a Kindle as you can download the Kindle App on iOS, Android, Mac & PC.


Minigolf Marketing

As a minigolfer with over a decade of experience as a tournament competitor and years of experience in marketing and communications I designed the guide so that anyone interested or involved in minigolf could help promote the game. It's a niche title, but an audience and subject I know a lot about.

Writing the book was brilliant and enabled me to bring two areas of my life together. I've worked in marketing since 2003 and have played minigolf since I was a child. Stepping up to compete on the national minigolf tour circuit and in international tournaments opened my eyes to the potential of the game. I’ve also had the honour of serving on the committees of the British Minigolf Association (BMGA) and the World Minigolf Sport Federation (WMF).

Minigolf is a sport for all. People of all ages, sexes, backgrounds and abilities can pick up a putter and play the game.

The Crazy World of Minigolf Tour

Emily and I have visited 1,045 courses in the UK and overseas on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour. When our travels began in 2006 there were around 600 courses in the UK. We've got 40 from that original list left to visit. However, they've been joined by hundreds more new courses opening up across the UK!

The minigolf boom

The game is really booming and new courses are being announced all the time.

There are a huge amount of interesting and fun stories to tell and positive aspects to highlight to potential players, the media, sponsors and the wider sporting community. The Minigolfer's Guide to Marketing should give federations, associations, courses, clubs and our fellow players ideas, inspiration and support in their marketing efforts.

Much of the guidance could also be applied to a number of other sports clubs and organisations to help raise their profile and boost memberships.

Buy The Minigolfer’s Guide to Marketing ebook on Amazon.

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Minigolf at Leopoldpark in Blankenberge, Belgium

A visit to Leopoldpark in Blankenberge, Belgium.


Emily visited three courses and a new country on the Crazy World of Minigolf Tour when she went to Blankenberge, Belgium back in 2016

Minigolf course at Leopoldpark in Blankenberge
What a sight for minigolf fans

The seaside resort is home to a Minigolf course, a Crazy Golf and a Snookergolf layout. The three 18-hole courses at Leopoldpark became the 710th, 711th and 712th visited on the tour.

Since 2006 Emily and I have visited 1,045 miniature golf courses around the UK and overseas on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour. As well as playing minigolf in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Jersey and the Isle of Man we’ve travelled to minigolf courses in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Finland, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Poland, Singapore, Spain (Lanzarote and Majorca), Sweden and the USA.

The Minigolf course (left) and Crazy Golf course (right) at Leopoldpark in Blankenberge, Belgium
The Minigolf course (left) and Crazy Golf course (right) at Leopoldpark

Photos of the Minigolf course at Leopoldpark, Blankenberge.


Minigolf course at Leopoldpark in Blankenberge

Minigolf course at Leopoldpark in Blankenberge

Minigolf course at Leopoldpark in Blankenberge

Minigolf course at Leopoldpark in Blankenberge

Minigolf course at Leopoldpark in Blankenberge

Photos of the Crazy Golf course at Leopoldpark, Blankenberge.


Crazy Golf course at Leopoldpark in Blankenberge

Crazy Golf course at Leopoldpark in Blankenberge

Crazy Golf course at Leopoldpark in Blankenberge

Crazy Golf course at Leopoldpark in Blankenberge

Crazy Golf course at Leopoldpark in Blankenberge

Crazy Golf course at Leopoldpark in Blankenberge

Crazy Golf course at Leopoldpark in Blankenberge

Photos of the Snookergolf Billiards course at Leopoldpark, Blankenberge.


Snookergolf at Leopoldpark in Blankenberge

Snookergolf at Leopoldpark in Blankenberge

Snookergolf at Leopoldpark in Blankenberge

Snookergolf at Leopoldpark in Blankenberge

We've got some great old postcards from Blankenberge that show the miniature golf courses which used to be at Leopoldpark. It's great to know there are still courses on the same spot today.

The whole place looks marvelously bright and colourful.

The Petanque terrain at Leopoldpark in Blankenberge, Belgium
The Petanque terrain at Leopoldpark in Blankenberge

Visit the Leopoldpark website for more information.

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Minigolf around the world - Bali Mini Golf in Indonesia

A look at the Bali Mini Golf course at Luwak Coffee Garden in Indonesia.


Bali Mini Golf at Luwak Coffee Garden in Indonesia. Photo by Christopher Gottfried, October 2018
Bali Mini Golf at Luwak Coffee Garden in Indonesia. Photo by Christopher Gottfried, October 2018


My brother Christopher, a charter member of the Crazy World of Minigolf Tour swung by the Bali Mini Golf course at Luwak Coffee Garden in Bali, Indonesia while on holiday in 2018.

Bali Mini Golf at Luwak Coffee Garden in Indonesia. Photo by Christopher Gottfried, October 2018
Bali Mini Golf at Luwak Coffee Garden in Indonesia. Photo by Christopher Gottfried, October 2018

Bali Mini Golf at Luwak Coffee Garden in Indonesia. Photo by Christopher Gottfried, October 2018
Bali Mini Golf at Luwak Coffee Garden in Indonesia. Photo by Christopher Gottfried, October 2018

Bali Mini Golf at Luwak Coffee Garden in Indonesia. Photo by Christopher Gottfried, October 2018
Bali Mini Golf at Luwak Coffee Garden in Indonesia. Photo by Christopher Gottfried, October 2018

You can find minigolf courses - and interesting business combinations - around the world!

The Crazy World of Minigolf Tour

Since 2006 Emily and I have visited 1,044 miniature golf courses around the UK and overseas on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour. As well as playing minigolf in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Jersey and the Isle of Man we’ve travelled to minigolf courses in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Finland, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Poland, Singapore, Spain (including Lanzarote and Majorca), Sweden and the USA.

When added to the courses Christopher and his family have visited around the British Isles and Turkey, Spain (Majorca), Italy, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, France, Indonesia, Croatia and the USA, the Crazy World of Minigolf Tour stands at a combined 1,091 courses visited!

The Mini Masters miniature golf tournament in Manchester

Looking back at the 'Mini Masters' miniature golf tournament in Manchester.


I won the Mini Masters miniature golf tournament in Manchester back on the 11th April 2009. Time certainly flies!

The 'Mini Masters' minigolf tournament in Manchester
Mini Master

The Mini Masters was the first of two tournaments I won on the 9-hole Championship Miniature Golf course at what was then Playgolf Manchester. The second event being the Miniature Open in July 2009.

The 'Mini Open' minigolf tournament in Manchester
Lining up a big minigolf win

I won the Mini Masters with a three round total of 81 (-24) after scoring 26, 27, and 28.

Championship Miniature Golf at the Trafford Golf Centre in Manchester
A long tee-shot over and past several obstacles!

The course was the 84th played on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour. Back then the course wasn't one of our local layouts as we still lived in Luton, Bedfordshire and travelled up for the events.

Championship Miniature Golf at the Trafford Golf Centre in Manchester
Emily putting on the big miniature golf course

The Championship Miniature Golf course is no longer at the centre, but you can find an expanded Championship Miniature Golf layout with two 18-hole courses in New Brighton. We've played both layouts there.

The location is no longer a Playgolf venue either. It's now known as the Trafford Golf Centre and is home to two 18-hole dinosaur adventure golf courses. I won the Dino Falls Masters Adventure Golf competition there in 2018 too!

Visit the Trafford Golf Centre website for more information.

Cumberland Golf planning a tour of Cumbria

Mini Golf Cumberland Edition will soon close at The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven, Cumbria. But there are plans for it to move to a new location, or locations in the future.


Cumberland Golf planning a tour of Cumbria

The Mini Golf course opened at The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven, Cumbria last October and closes on Sunday 14th April.

Mini Golf Cumberland is a 9-hole layout, with obstacles themed on Cumberland landmarks.

Visit The Beacon Museum website for more information.


As Curators of The Crazy Golf Museum it was nice to see another museum including minigolf as an interactive exhibit to facilitate learning.

We visited Cumbria last year, but didn't have time to visit Whitehaven.

Hopefully we'll get to have a game on the Mini Golf Cumberland Edition course on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour in the future.

New Golf Fang opening in Bristol

A new Golf Fang indoor minigolf venue is planned to open in Bristol in 2024.


Golf Fang

There are plans for three new Golf Fang venues to open in London, Bristol and Nottingham this year.

You can currently find Golf Fang indoor crazy golf venues in Liverpool, Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow, Sheffield and Cardiff.

Visit the Golf Fang and Big Fang Collective websites for more information.

The new locations will be new places to check out on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.

Saturday, April 06, 2024

The Dino Falls Masters Adventure Golf competition in Manchester

Looking back at the Dino Falls Masters Adventure Golf competition at the Trafford Golf Centre in Manchester.


Playing Dino Falls Adventure Golf in Manchester
Playing Dino Falls Adventure Golf in Manchester

I competed in the first-ever Dino Falls Masters Adventure Golf competition at the Trafford Golf Centre in Manchester on the 6th April 2018 - and won it!

Playing Dino Falls Adventure Golf in Manchester
Playing Dino Falls Adventure Golf in Manchester

The event saw hundreds of players compete.

The venue has been a good spot for me and our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour, as I also won the Mini Masters and Mini Open there in 2009, as well as a Midlands Minigolf Club Invitational Tournament, also in April 2008.

At Dino Falls Adventure Golf in Manchester
At Dino Falls Adventure Golf in Manchester

The Trafford Golf Centre is home to two 18-hole adventure golf courses. Check out Trafford Golf Centre and Dino Falls Adventure Golf websites for more information on the courses.

Sunday, March 31, 2024

Teezers Retro Golf in Coventry

A look back at our visit to Teezers Retro Golf in Coventry.


Teezers Retro Crazy Golf course in Coventry

We visited and played a round at Teezers Retro Golf in Coventry on Easter Sunday back in 2019. Those last five years since then have been crazy!

Teezers Retro Crazy Golf course in Coventry

The 18-hole indoor Crazy Golf course at Teezers Retro Golf opened in 2018 and was the 507th course played, and 865th visited on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour at that time.

Teezers Retro Crazy Golf course in Coventry
We were still friends after our minigolf match-up

In our match-up on the intriguing layout I defeated Emily with a score of 48 to 56.

Teezers Retro Crazy Golf course in Coventry
I didn't hit the bulllseye on this hole, scoring a 3 

Teezers Retro Crazy Golf course in Coventry
Playing the 16th hole

Check out the Teezers Retro Golf & Cocktails website for more information, opening times and prices.


Teezers Retro Crazy Golf course in Coventry

Teezers Retro Crazy Golf course in Coventry

Teezers Retro Crazy Golf course in Coventry

Teezers Retro Crazy Golf course in Coventry

Teezers Retro Crazy Golf course in Coventry

Teezers Retro Crazy Golf course in Coventry

Teezers Retro Crazy Golf course in Coventry

Teezers Retro Crazy Golf course in Coventry

Teezers Retro Crazy Golf course in Coventry

Teezers Retro Crazy Golf course in Coventry

Teezers Retro Crazy Golf course in Coventry

Teezers Retro Crazy Golf course in Coventry