Course reviews of the 175th and 177th Minigolf course visits on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour have been published on The Putting Penguin minigolf course review website, links below:
#175 King Putt (North West Las Vegas, USA) - Indoor Mini Golf - Review at The Putting Penguin here
#177 King Putt (Henderson, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA) - Indoor Mini Golf - Review at The Putting Penguin here
They join my reviews of the two 18-hole Miniature Golf courses at the Boondocks Fun Center in Northglenn, Denver, Colorado, and the 18-hole Splash Point Mini Golf course in Worthing, on The Putting Penguin website.
Links:
The Putting Penguin - http://www.theputtingpenguin.com/
King Putt Las Vegas - http://www.kingputtlv.com/
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Two Las Vegas Minigolf Course Reviews on The Putting Penguin Website
I’m a Champion Miniature Golfer on a tour of the UK’s minigolf and crazy golf courses. Coeliac living a gluten free life. Train nerd. Retro gamer. Urban explorer.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Minigolf Report – Gottfried’s End of Season Review
20th December 2010
Press Information
For Immediate Release
Minigolf Report – Gottfried’s End of Season Review
Luton Minigolfers Richard & Emily Gottfried’s 2010 minigolf season came to an end on Saturday 18th December at the Green Indoor Mini Golf course in Hither Green, Lewisham which hosted the final tournament of the 2010 BMGA Tour.
The British Minigolf Association’s Tour Calendar boasted 19 tournaments running from January to December, and Richard competed in 16 events, while Emily took part in three tournaments.
2010 was Richard’s fourth year as a BMGA Tour player.
In the 2009-2010 BMGA Order of Merit Rankings Richard finished the year in a career-high end of season ranking of 11th of 98 players with a total of 3,885 points. This was up on last year when he finished in 16th spot of 74 players. Between July and August Richard was ranked as high as 7th in Great Britain. With Emily playing fewer tournaments than last year she slipped three places to 41st in the rankings with 816 points.
In the 16 full BMGA Tour events Richard entered he achieved nine top ten finishes, including two runners-up spots and a third place. His best finish of the year was as the runner-up in the BMGA British Matchplay Championships at the new Splash Point Mini Golf course in Worthing in July, narrowly losing to Kent’s Sean Homer in the final.
In addition to his good finishes on tour Richard also set a new course record at Star City in the BMGA National Open as he hit his first sub-30 round of minigolf, scoring a 28(-8) on the Lost Hut Trail course. The record-breaking round included a total of ten holes-in-one, and a run of six aces in a row. He just lost out on the Aces Championship at the event, losing to Brighton’s Peter Emmerson at the third hole of their sudden-death play-off.
In April Richard put in strong performances in the Midland Open, finishing 4th overall and winning the Aces Championship, and at the BMGA British Doubles Championships he and doubles partner, Bath’s Kevin Moseley, finished in 3rd place.
Emily also put in a good performance in the BMGA British Doubles Championships, where she and doubles partner, Welsh Ladies Number One Cindy Kukielka, finished in 4th place. In the Lost World Classic Doubles Competition in Hemsby Emily also picked up 3rd place, with Brad Shepherd. Emily’s other tournament finish was at the BMGA Scottish Open in Aberdeen where she was 21st.
In the 2003-2010 Castle Golf World Crazy Golf Rankings list Richard has risen up the table following another good showing in this year’s World Crazy Golf Championships in Hastings. Richard moved up from 31st spot to 26th of 260 players, while Emily dropped slightly to 55th place.
Richard also competed in three of the four non-Ranking BMGA minigolf tournaments which were run prior to regular BMGA Tour events. Along with Doubles Partner, Cwmbran’s Leo Kukielka, he was runner-up in the Codonas Classic Doubles Competition in Aberdeen in May, and at the Kent Open in Sidcup in November, he and team-mates Michael Smith and James Davies won the Kent Open Team Tournament.
In the 31 Independent Minigolf competitions Richard played in 2010 he picked up eight wins and 11 other podium places. The biggest of these non-BMGA Tournament wins came in August when he won the first-ever Green Mini Golf Club (GMGC) Club Tournament.
Richard said “Heading into the 2010 BMGA Tour I set myself the objective of finishing in the top ten in every event and I managed nine top tens of 16, not too bad really as I also had two 11th places and two 12th places. My hard work on the courses around the UK has paid off as I have achieved my highest year-end National Ranking of 11th place. I was also ranked 7th in the UK during the summer, which was another minigolf career objective achieved.”
Emily said “I have had a great time this season, especially as I played very well in the three tournaments in which I took part. I attended the vast majority of the seasons’ events as a non-player and greatly enjoyed being there as a spectator and as part of the BMGA. We visited some great new towns, cities and seaside locations, so I am very much looking forward to the 2011 season.”
In the close-season Richard and Emily will be practicing on the Crazy Golf course at Tea Green Golf at Wandon End, Luton. In 2011 they will be back in action, first of all competing in the Star City Open at Adventure Island Mini Golf in Birmingham, followed by around 20 further events.
Ends
Link to the Gottfried's 2009 End of Season Review
Press Information
For Immediate Release
Minigolf Report – Gottfried’s End of Season Review
Luton Minigolfers Richard & Emily Gottfried’s 2010 minigolf season came to an end on Saturday 18th December at the Green Indoor Mini Golf course in Hither Green, Lewisham which hosted the final tournament of the 2010 BMGA Tour.
The British Minigolf Association’s Tour Calendar boasted 19 tournaments running from January to December, and Richard competed in 16 events, while Emily took part in three tournaments.
2010 was Richard’s fourth year as a BMGA Tour player.
In the 2009-2010 BMGA Order of Merit Rankings Richard finished the year in a career-high end of season ranking of 11th of 98 players with a total of 3,885 points. This was up on last year when he finished in 16th spot of 74 players. Between July and August Richard was ranked as high as 7th in Great Britain. With Emily playing fewer tournaments than last year she slipped three places to 41st in the rankings with 816 points.
In the 16 full BMGA Tour events Richard entered he achieved nine top ten finishes, including two runners-up spots and a third place. His best finish of the year was as the runner-up in the BMGA British Matchplay Championships at the new Splash Point Mini Golf course in Worthing in July, narrowly losing to Kent’s Sean Homer in the final.
In addition to his good finishes on tour Richard also set a new course record at Star City in the BMGA National Open as he hit his first sub-30 round of minigolf, scoring a 28(-8) on the Lost Hut Trail course. The record-breaking round included a total of ten holes-in-one, and a run of six aces in a row. He just lost out on the Aces Championship at the event, losing to Brighton’s Peter Emmerson at the third hole of their sudden-death play-off.
In April Richard put in strong performances in the Midland Open, finishing 4th overall and winning the Aces Championship, and at the BMGA British Doubles Championships he and doubles partner, Bath’s Kevin Moseley, finished in 3rd place.
Emily also put in a good performance in the BMGA British Doubles Championships, where she and doubles partner, Welsh Ladies Number One Cindy Kukielka, finished in 4th place. In the Lost World Classic Doubles Competition in Hemsby Emily also picked up 3rd place, with Brad Shepherd. Emily’s other tournament finish was at the BMGA Scottish Open in Aberdeen where she was 21st.
In the 2003-2010 Castle Golf World Crazy Golf Rankings list Richard has risen up the table following another good showing in this year’s World Crazy Golf Championships in Hastings. Richard moved up from 31st spot to 26th of 260 players, while Emily dropped slightly to 55th place.
Richard also competed in three of the four non-Ranking BMGA minigolf tournaments which were run prior to regular BMGA Tour events. Along with Doubles Partner, Cwmbran’s Leo Kukielka, he was runner-up in the Codonas Classic Doubles Competition in Aberdeen in May, and at the Kent Open in Sidcup in November, he and team-mates Michael Smith and James Davies won the Kent Open Team Tournament.
In the 31 Independent Minigolf competitions Richard played in 2010 he picked up eight wins and 11 other podium places. The biggest of these non-BMGA Tournament wins came in August when he won the first-ever Green Mini Golf Club (GMGC) Club Tournament.
Richard said “Heading into the 2010 BMGA Tour I set myself the objective of finishing in the top ten in every event and I managed nine top tens of 16, not too bad really as I also had two 11th places and two 12th places. My hard work on the courses around the UK has paid off as I have achieved my highest year-end National Ranking of 11th place. I was also ranked 7th in the UK during the summer, which was another minigolf career objective achieved.”
Emily said “I have had a great time this season, especially as I played very well in the three tournaments in which I took part. I attended the vast majority of the seasons’ events as a non-player and greatly enjoyed being there as a spectator and as part of the BMGA. We visited some great new towns, cities and seaside locations, so I am very much looking forward to the 2011 season.”
In the close-season Richard and Emily will be practicing on the Crazy Golf course at Tea Green Golf at Wandon End, Luton. In 2011 they will be back in action, first of all competing in the Star City Open at Adventure Island Mini Golf in Birmingham, followed by around 20 further events.
Ends
Link to the Gottfried's 2009 End of Season Review
I’m a Champion Miniature Golfer on a tour of the UK’s minigolf and crazy golf courses. Coeliac living a gluten free life. Train nerd. Retro gamer. Urban explorer.
Minigolf Report - The Green Open - Richard Gottfried ends the BMGA Season with a 12th Place Finish
20th December 2010
Press Information
For Immediate Release
Minigolf Report – The Green Open
On Saturday 18th December Luton Minigolfer Richard Gottfried travelled to the Green Indoor Mini Golf course in Hither Green to compete in a 24-player field facing off for the inaugural Green Open title.
Following rounds of 44, 42, 40 and 37 for a total of 163(+19) Richard ended the contest in 12th place.
The four-round tournament was won by Hither Green’s James Rutherford. Margate’s Scott Lancley was runner-up, and Oxford’s Michael Smith was 3rd.
In the 2009-2010 BMGA Order of Merit Rankings Richard finished the year in a career-high end of season ranking of 11th of 98 players with a total of 3,885 points. This was up on last year when he finished in 16th spot of 74 players. Between July and August Richard was ranked as high as 7th in Great Britain.
After the event Richard said “Unfortunately I didn’t end the season with a win or a top ten finish, but 12th place on possibly the toughest course in the UK isn’t too bad. It’s been a long season and I’m pleased with the effort I’ve put in, which has paid off with the rankings I’ve achieved.”
Photo: Richard Putting on the 12th hole at Hither Green's Indoor Mini Golf course
Ends
Press Information
For Immediate Release
Minigolf Report – The Green Open
On Saturday 18th December Luton Minigolfer Richard Gottfried travelled to the Green Indoor Mini Golf course in Hither Green to compete in a 24-player field facing off for the inaugural Green Open title.
Following rounds of 44, 42, 40 and 37 for a total of 163(+19) Richard ended the contest in 12th place.
The four-round tournament was won by Hither Green’s James Rutherford. Margate’s Scott Lancley was runner-up, and Oxford’s Michael Smith was 3rd.
In the 2009-2010 BMGA Order of Merit Rankings Richard finished the year in a career-high end of season ranking of 11th of 98 players with a total of 3,885 points. This was up on last year when he finished in 16th spot of 74 players. Between July and August Richard was ranked as high as 7th in Great Britain.
After the event Richard said “Unfortunately I didn’t end the season with a win or a top ten finish, but 12th place on possibly the toughest course in the UK isn’t too bad. It’s been a long season and I’m pleased with the effort I’ve put in, which has paid off with the rankings I’ve achieved.”
Photo: Richard Putting on the 12th hole at Hither Green's Indoor Mini Golf course
Ends
I’m a Champion Miniature Golfer on a tour of the UK’s minigolf and crazy golf courses. Coeliac living a gluten free life. Train nerd. Retro gamer. Urban explorer.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Minigolf Match Result - 'Squire' Richard Gottfried vs. Alan 'Stormin' Norman
Prior to the Green Open minigolf tournament teeing-off on Saturday 18th December 2010, I battled fellow Great Britain International Alan 'Stormin' Norman in an 18-hole Challenge Match.
I edged out London Minigolf Club member Alan with a 47-50 victory.
Despite the fact that Alan and I both made our debuts at the same tournament (the BMGA British Masters in 2007), and have competed in many BMGA Tour events over the last four years, this was the first time we had ever faced each other in a one-on-one match-up!
Alan and I have both also been victorious in the Thursday night Green Mini Golf Club (GMGC) Club Championship events.
I edged out London Minigolf Club member Alan with a 47-50 victory.
Despite the fact that Alan and I both made our debuts at the same tournament (the BMGA British Masters in 2007), and have competed in many BMGA Tour events over the last four years, this was the first time we had ever faced each other in a one-on-one match-up!
Alan and I have both also been victorious in the Thursday night Green Mini Golf Club (GMGC) Club Championship events.
I’m a Champion Miniature Golfer on a tour of the UK’s minigolf and crazy golf courses. Coeliac living a gluten free life. Train nerd. Retro gamer. Urban explorer.
Minigolf Results - "The Jobber Classic" at Hither Green
Prior to the 2010 Green Open Full-BMGA Tour Minigolf Tournament at The Green Indoor Mini Golf course in Hither Green, some of the grizzled veteran BMGA Tour Professionals and a BMGA Rookie with a full years worth of experience decided to play for a 'winner-takes-all' prize fund with a 50p entry fee.
They were 'SHARKED'.
Six players had put their money in, when GMGC Star Julio Kent chipped his 50p into the pot. Not realising he had won the most recent GMGC Club event and would be a hot-favourite Julio's entry fee was accepted into the prize purse.
Oddly, the final total up for grabs reached £3.54 after 'Johnson' Paul Johnson paid £1.04 for his and Owen's entry fee!?
Final Rankings of "The Jobber Classic":
Rank Player
1 Julio 'The Shark' Kent
2 Richard Gottfried
3 Alan Norman
4 Oliver Florence
5 Lionel Bender
6 Paul Johnson
7 Owen Johnson
They were 'SHARKED'.
Six players had put their money in, when GMGC Star Julio Kent chipped his 50p into the pot. Not realising he had won the most recent GMGC Club event and would be a hot-favourite Julio's entry fee was accepted into the prize purse.
Oddly, the final total up for grabs reached £3.54 after 'Johnson' Paul Johnson paid £1.04 for his and Owen's entry fee!?
Final Rankings of "The Jobber Classic":
Rank Player
1 Julio 'The Shark' Kent
2 Richard Gottfried
3 Alan Norman
4 Oliver Florence
5 Lionel Bender
6 Paul Johnson
7 Owen Johnson
I’m a Champion Miniature Golfer on a tour of the UK’s minigolf and crazy golf courses. Coeliac living a gluten free life. Train nerd. Retro gamer. Urban explorer.
Christmas Theming and Course Updates at The Green Indoor Mini Golf in Hither Green
Back in February 2010 the Green Indoor Mini Golf course in Hither Green, Lewisham, London became the 160th course played on the Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.
Since then Emily and I have made a number of re-visits for friendlies, independent tournaments, GMGC Club Championships, and as of yesterday a full BMGA Tour Event.
With it being Christmas-time the team at the course have put up some festive decorations, and have also made some more permanent changes to the course and decor.
The newly painted wall looks particularly good, and the addition of sofas is a nice idea.
One of the holes has also had a new element added to the obstacle to stop 'cheeky' shots being played over the top of the obstacle - a narrow gap/passage - which took some of the difficulty out of the shot.
Since then Emily and I have made a number of re-visits for friendlies, independent tournaments, GMGC Club Championships, and as of yesterday a full BMGA Tour Event.
With it being Christmas-time the team at the course have put up some festive decorations, and have also made some more permanent changes to the course and decor.
The newly painted wall looks particularly good, and the addition of sofas is a nice idea.
One of the holes has also had a new element added to the obstacle to stop 'cheeky' shots being played over the top of the obstacle - a narrow gap/passage - which took some of the difficulty out of the shot.
The course is well worth a visit, and the Course/Club now have a presence on Facebook.
Each Thursday night from 7pm the Green Mini Golf Club (GMGC) holds GMGC Club Championship minigolf competitions. Visit their website for contact details etc. In August I won the first-ever GMGC Club Championship.
I’m a Champion Miniature Golfer on a tour of the UK’s minigolf and crazy golf courses. Coeliac living a gluten free life. Train nerd. Retro gamer. Urban explorer.
A Great Snowman at The Green Indoor Minigolf Course
Luckily the tournament was played indoors as the conditions outside were quite inhospitable.
I’m a Champion Miniature Golfer on a tour of the UK’s minigolf and crazy golf courses. Coeliac living a gluten free life. Train nerd. Retro gamer. Urban explorer.
Caption Competition* - Minigolf Bloggers in Odd Photo!
Minigolf Bloggers 'Squire' Richard Gottfried and Oliver 'The Machine' Florence were snapped in an odd pose by fellow player Alan 'Stormin' Norman at the season-ending Green Open in Hither Green yesterday - please submit your Captions for our photo-competition below!
* Exact 'Prize' to be confirmed!?
Blog Links:
- The Ham & Egger Files - Richard Gottfried's Adventures on the Crazy World of Minigolf Tour (and in other sports and games)
- The Minigolfer - Oliver Florence's Adventures in the world of Mini Golf
I’m a Champion Miniature Golfer on a tour of the UK’s minigolf and crazy golf courses. Coeliac living a gluten free life. Train nerd. Retro gamer. Urban explorer.
2010 BMGA Minigolf Tour Season Comes to a Close in Hither Green
The 2010 British Minigolf Association (BMGA) Tour Season came to an end yesterday, as The Green Indoor Minigolf Club hosted the inaugural Green Open minigolf tournament at the 18-hole course.
I finished in 12th place of 24 players.
A full report from the competition, and the final BMGA Tour Order of Merit Rankings, and Season Only Rankings is to follow.
I finished in 12th place of 24 players.
A full report from the competition, and the final BMGA Tour Order of Merit Rankings, and Season Only Rankings is to follow.
I’m a Champion Miniature Golfer on a tour of the UK’s minigolf and crazy golf courses. Coeliac living a gluten free life. Train nerd. Retro gamer. Urban explorer.
Friday, December 17, 2010
The Minigolfers Christmas 'Do' 2010
Nine of the UK's top minigolfers headed to the Urban Golf BIG Golf centre in High Street Kensington on Thursday 16th December 2010 to compete in two Christmas 'Golf' Competitions.
First up was the "Sim BIG Golf Par-3's of the World Doubles Challenge" followed by the "Christmas Minigolf 9-Hole Putting Green Sudden Death Challenge".
In the Sim BIG Golf Par-3's of the World Doubles Challenge a total of 7-holes were played before the two-hour time limit on our bay expired and we were booted off. Therefore the 'par' for the event was 21-shots.
The team of former World Crazy Golf Champion Keith Kellard and 2010 London Invitational Minigolf Champion Jon Angel were the winners by one-shot, with a total of 35(+14). The team or Trevor and Martin Robertson were able to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, having led after 3 holes!
The best score on any of the holes, was a 2, hit by Alan 'Stormin' Norman on the 5th hole, which he left just half a yard short of the hole with his tee-shot!
Sim BIG Golf Par-3's of the World Doubles Challenge - Results
Rank Team Score
1 KJ Choice (Keith Kellard & Jon Angel) - 35(+14)
2 The Lecherous Morons (Brad Shepherd & Richard Gottfried) - 36(+15)
2 Stretch Alan (Chris Jones & Alan Norman) - 36(+15)
4 Robbo (Trevor Robertson & Martin Robertson) - 37(+16)
Hole by hole scores:
KJ Choice 6, 5, 6, 3, 4, 5, 6 - 35(+14)
The Lecherous Morons 6, 5, 6, 5, 4, 4, 6 - 36(+15)
Stretch Alan 6, 5, 6, 6, 2, 6, 5- 36(+15)
Robbo 6, 4, 5, 6, 6, 4, 6 - 37(+16)
Photos from the Competition:
Non-player Emily Gottfried tees-off the competition with a ceremonial first-drive.
In the Christmas Minigolf 9-Hole Putting Green Sudden Death Challenge, the order of play was decided by a random draw, with Trevor 'Trevino' Robertson drawn to play first. Each player had to get a hole-in-one on each of the 9-holes on the Putting Course, but were eliminated if they failed to Ace the hole.
The reigning and defending 2009 Christmas Crazy Golf 'Do' Champion Brad 'The Fist' Shepherd was able to Ace 4 of the 9 Holes and became the only two-time Crimbo Champ, winning a Toy Story 3 Miniature Golf Course Set for his troubles.
Christmas Minigolf 9-Hole Putting Green Sudden Death Challenge - Results
Rank Player Aces/Holes Completed
1 Brad Shepherd - 4
2 Jon Angel - 3
2 Keith Kellard - 3
4 Chris Jones - 2
5 Emily Gottfried - 1
5 Alan Norman - 1
5 Martin Robertson - 1
5 Richard Gottfried - 1
9 Trevor Robertson - 0
Notes:
- 2004 Christmas Minigolf Champion Lionel 'The Spoon' Bender withdrew from the evenings festivities so didn't have a stab at the title he won eons ago.
- Oliver 'The Machine' Florence had to withdraw due to a clash of Christmas 'Do's'
Photos of the Putting Competition:
Both tournaments held Ranking Points for The Irregular Mini Golf Tour Ranking List (to be updated before the year is out - hopefully!).
The 9-hole Putting Green is now the 209th course played on the Crazy World of Minigolf Tour (we had previously visited the centre, but did not play, back in October).
Results of the 2009 Christmas Minigolf 'Do' - The Christmas Crazy Golf Challenge at Devonshire Square.
I’m a Champion Miniature Golfer on a tour of the UK’s minigolf and crazy golf courses. Coeliac living a gluten free life. Train nerd. Retro gamer. Urban explorer.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Gluten Free Meal at The Golden Fleece Pub and Dining Rooms in Braughing, Hertfordshire
On our way back from Ipswich on Sunday night we stopped off for some food at The Golden Fleece Pub and Dining Rooms in Braughing, Hertfordshire.
We'd heard that the pub could cater for Coeliacs (as the owners used to run The George & Dragon Pub in Watton-at-Stone) and that they offer a huge Gluten Free menu.
I opted for the 3-course Christmas Dinner - and very good it was too (even the Brussels Sprouts!).
If I hadn't been driving I would have definitely had a Gluten Free Beer or two too! They sell bottles of Hambleton's GFA and GFL.
The Golden Fleece is located off the A10 between Ware and Buntingford
The Golden Fleece
20 Green End
Braughing
Hertfordshire
SG11 2PG
Well worth a visit (whether you're a Coeliac or not).
We'd heard that the pub could cater for Coeliacs (as the owners used to run The George & Dragon Pub in Watton-at-Stone) and that they offer a huge Gluten Free menu.
I opted for the 3-course Christmas Dinner - and very good it was too (even the Brussels Sprouts!).
If I hadn't been driving I would have definitely had a Gluten Free Beer or two too! They sell bottles of Hambleton's GFA and GFL.
The Golden Fleece is located off the A10 between Ware and Buntingford
The Golden Fleece
20 Green End
Braughing
Hertfordshire
SG11 2PG
Well worth a visit (whether you're a Coeliac or not).
I’m a Champion Miniature Golfer on a tour of the UK’s minigolf and crazy golf courses. Coeliac living a gluten free life. Train nerd. Retro gamer. Urban explorer.
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