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Minigolf Report – Richard Gottfried wins the Blackpool Pleasure Beach Open minigolf tournament
Luton’s Richard Gottfried won his third minigolf tournament of the season at the 2009 Blackpool Pleasure Beach Open on Saturday evening (5th September).
Held at the Pleasure Beach’s 12-hole Adventure Golf course, Richard and Emily Gottfried were invited to compete in the second Blackpool Pleasure Beach Open minigolf tournament along with other members of the British Minigolf Association, as part of the 2009 Blackpool Illuminations weekend.
In the field of eight players, which included five Great Britain Internationals, Richard won the three round 36-hole competition with scores of 24 (par), 26 (+2) and 31 (+7) for a total of 81 (+9), eight shots ahead of Newcastle’s John Moore in second place, and 17 shots ahead of Guildford’s Steve Gow in third.
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Richard’s first round score of 24 (par) set a new BMGA and all-time Course Record, beating Emily’s record by three shots, and the all-time record by two shots.Richard said “I am very pleased to have won the Blackpool Pleasure Beach Open, and by quite a margin. My first round of 24 was probably the best round of minigolf I have ever played and that set the pace for the rest of my tournament. Heading into round three I had a 13 stroke lead and that is an excellent position to be in.”
“It’s really good to have picked up my third win of the season, and to win with such a low score and get a course record is a great achievement too. The Pleasure Beach is a fantastic tournament venue and the event had a great atmosphere with the Illuminations celebrations. It’ll be great to return to defend my title next year.”
Last year Emily set the official BMGA Competition Course Record with a round of 27 (+3), which helped her to sixth place. However, this year she had to settle for rounds of 39 (+15), 46 (+22) and 33 (+9) for a total of 118 (+46) and seventh place.
Emily said “I am disappointed not to be able to retain my course record, but I am pleased that Richard was the one to take it from me. He was on fire and really deserved to win the tournament and smash the course record. I played poorly, but I am already looking forward to going back next year and trying to get my record back!”
The Blackpool Pleasure Beach Open is Richard’s sixth tournament win since his British Minigolf Association debut in April 2007; he is also the Manchester Miniature Open Champion, Manchester Mini Masters Champion, Weymouth Open Champion, Adventure Island/Heart FM Open Champion, and one-quarter of the reigning BMGA British Club Champions.Ends
.JPG "Richard Gottfried playing the Blackpool Pleasure Beach Adventure Golf course in 2008")
