My Minigolf rival and fellow Great Britain Minigolf Team member Marion 'Double Trouble' Homer recently started a new photo blog called The Daily Clicker Project.
As Marion says in the blog's first post, the project "will challenge and develop my photographic skills and hopefully be of interest to others!".
So far the photographic subjects have been pencils, flowers and a pair of trainers!
Marion is a keen photographer and has been snapping away at Minigolf events for a number of years.
Please do check out The Daily Clicker Project.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
A new photo blog that's NOT about Minigolf, by a fellow Minigolfer!
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, July 18, 2011
Minigolf Report – Richard Gottfried wins the 2011 Cystadleuaeth Minigolff Cymraeg (Welsh Minigolf Tournament)
18th July 2011
Press Information
For Immediate Release
Minigolf Report – Richard Gottfried wins the 2011 Cystadleuaeth Minigolff Cymraeg (Welsh Minigolf Tournament)
Luton Minigolfer Richard Gottfried won the third-annual Cystadleuaeth Minigolff Cymraeg (Welsh Minigolf Tournament) on Saturday 16th July.
The eight-player invitational tournament was held over five nine-hole rounds at three courses in Newport, Wales. Richard won the competition with a total of 114.
At the 9-hole Tredegar Park Minigolf course Richard scored rounds of 24, 20 and a course record of 18, to head to the Celtic Manor Adventure Golf courses trailing Cwmbran’s Seve Kukielka by three shots. At Celtic Manor’s Celtic Challenge course Richard hit a round of 21 to set another course record and followed this up with a 31 on the Kingdom of Legends course to finish four-shots clear of Seve Kukielka.
Seve Kukielka was runner-up for the second year running with a score of 118, with 2009 Cystadleuaeth Minigolff Cymraeg champion Jas Kukielka picking up the bronze medal with a score of 121.
Emily Gottfried was also in action at the event and finished in fourth-place with a score of 131, ten shots off third-placed Jas Kukielka.
Richard said “I am very pleased to have won such a great title against some great opponents. The Cystadleuaeth Minigolff Cymraeg is one of my favourite events of the year and the format of playing a mix of such different Minigolf courses in the competition makes it very interesting. Hard luck to Seve though, who played incredible well in the morning’s three rounds at Tredegar Park. I’m looking forward defending the title in what will be another highly competitive tournament next year.”
Ends
Press Information
For Immediate Release
Minigolf Report – Richard Gottfried wins the 2011 Cystadleuaeth Minigolff Cymraeg (Welsh Minigolf Tournament)
Luton Minigolfer Richard Gottfried won the third-annual Cystadleuaeth Minigolff Cymraeg (Welsh Minigolf Tournament) on Saturday 16th July.
The eight-player invitational tournament was held over five nine-hole rounds at three courses in Newport, Wales. Richard won the competition with a total of 114.
At the 9-hole Tredegar Park Minigolf course Richard scored rounds of 24, 20 and a course record of 18, to head to the Celtic Manor Adventure Golf courses trailing Cwmbran’s Seve Kukielka by three shots. At Celtic Manor’s Celtic Challenge course Richard hit a round of 21 to set another course record and followed this up with a 31 on the Kingdom of Legends course to finish four-shots clear of Seve Kukielka.
Seve Kukielka was runner-up for the second year running with a score of 118, with 2009 Cystadleuaeth Minigolff Cymraeg champion Jas Kukielka picking up the bronze medal with a score of 121.
Emily Gottfried was also in action at the event and finished in fourth-place with a score of 131, ten shots off third-placed Jas Kukielka.
Richard said “I am very pleased to have won such a great title against some great opponents. The Cystadleuaeth Minigolff Cymraeg is one of my favourite events of the year and the format of playing a mix of such different Minigolf courses in the competition makes it very interesting. Hard luck to Seve though, who played incredible well in the morning’s three rounds at Tredegar Park. I’m looking forward defending the title in what will be another highly competitive tournament next year.”
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.
Minigolf Report from the 2011 Cystadleuaeth Minigolff Cymraeg (Welsh Minigolf Tournament)
Minigolf Report
2011 Cystadleuaeth Minigolff Cymraeg (Welsh Minigolf Tournament)
Luton’s Richard Gottfried wins the 2011 Cystadleuaeth Minigolff Cymraeg in Newport
The 2011 Cystadleuaeth Minigolff Cymraeg (Welsh Minigolf Tournament) was played out over five rounds and 45-holes, on three minigolf courses, on Saturday 16th July 2011.
Luton’s Richard Gottfried won the title in the eight player field with a total score of 114(+24), four shots clear of 2010 Runner-up Cwmbran’s Seve Kukielka on 118(+28) and seven clear of bronze medallist, the 2009 Champion, Europe’s Jas Kukielka on 121(+31).
The Top Three, from l-r Seve Kukielka, Richard Gottfried, Jas Kukielka
The defending champion, Leo Kukielka was unable to retain the title and finished in a disappointing tied sixth place with 2010 British Women’s Number One Cindy Kukielka, with Leo and the perennial Welsh Ladies Number One both scoring 135(+45).
On the morning of the tournament a draw was held to decide the groups and order of play for the first round, with the groups reorganised based on scores after each round. With heavy rain forecast, and delivered, the tournament teed-off at a revised time of 11.30am
With North Wales’ finest, Peter Jones unable to commit to the invitation to play, and fellow invitees Paul and Owen Johnson competing in a Crazy Golf Tournament in the Midlands, eight players would contest the third edition of the Cystadleuaeth Minigolff Cymraeg.
Rounds one to three were played at the 9-hole Crazy Golf course at Tredegar Park in Newport, Wales, with rounds four and five played at the two new Celtic Manor Adventure Golf courses.
At the 9-hole Tredegar Park Minigolf course Seve held the lead for rounds one to three, scoring consistently low scores of 20, 20 and 19. Jas Kukielka and Richard Gottfried were both scrapping for second place, with Seve taking a three-shot lead into the final two rounds.
Competitive Minigolf newcomers Maria and Chris Thomas made their debuts at the 2011 Cystadleuaeth Minigolff Cymraeg, with the Welsh duo putting in some good rounds on a difficult Tredegar Park course, with Chris setting the clubhouse course record at 19(+1), prior to Richard scoring an 18(par). After Maria’s first round of 40, she settled into the action and carded two rounds of 28(+10), with both players continuing to put in competitive scores at the Celtic Manor courses.
At Celtic Manor’s 9-hole Celtic Challenge course Richard hit a round of 21, to Seve’s 29, to set a course record, and followed this up with a 31 on the 9-hole Kingdom of Legends course to finish four-shots clear of Seve.
Round by Round scores from the Tournament
New Cystadleuaeth Minigolff Cymraeg champion Richard Gottfried said “I am very pleased to have won such a great title against some great opponents. The Cystadleuaeth Minigolff Cymraeg is one of my favourite events of the year and the format of playing a mix of such different Minigolf courses in the competition makes it very interesting. Hard luck to Seve though, who played incredible well in the morning’s three rounds at Tredegar Park. I’m looking forward defending the title in what will be another highly competitive tournament next year.”
Final Tournament Rankings
The Aces Champions for 2011 were Seve Kukielka and Jas Kukielka who tied on four Holes-in-One apiece.
The cumulative scores for the Welsh & English players as 'Teams' saw England beat Wales 2, with Wales 1 in third place.
Photos from the 2011 Event
The 2011 Field. From l-r Emily Gottfried, Leo Kukielka, Cindy Kukielka, Seve Kukielka, Jas Kukielka, Chris Thomas, Maria Thomas, Richard Gottfried
Emily Gottfried plays the first-hole at Tredegar Park
Chris Thomas plays the first-hole at Tredegar Park
Chris shows off the broken Putter after playing the first-hole at Tredegar Park
Richard Gottfried plays hole 6 at Tredegar Park
Chris playing hole seven at Tredegar Park
Maria Thomas plays hole 8 at Tredegar Park
Jas Kukielka plays hole 9 at Tredegar Park
Seve Kukielka plays hole 9 at Tredegar Park
Cindy Kukielka plays out of a bunker at Celtic Manor
Seve Kukielka plays over a water hazard at Celtic Manor
Jas Kukielka plays over another water hazard at Celtic Manor
The 2011 Cystadleuaeth Minigolff Cymraeg Champion - Richard Gottfried
Cystadleuaeth Minigolff Cymraeg Roll of Honour
2011 - Richard Gottfried (ENG)
2010 - Leo Kukielka (WAL)
2009 - Jas Kukielka (EUR)
Previous Results and Reports:
2010 Cystadleuaeth Minigolff Cymraeg (Welsh Minigolf Tournament)
2011 Cystadleuaeth Minigolff Cymraeg (Welsh Minigolf Tournament)
Luton’s Richard Gottfried wins the 2011 Cystadleuaeth Minigolff Cymraeg in Newport
The 2011 Cystadleuaeth Minigolff Cymraeg (Welsh Minigolf Tournament) was played out over five rounds and 45-holes, on three minigolf courses, on Saturday 16th July 2011.
Luton’s Richard Gottfried won the title in the eight player field with a total score of 114(+24), four shots clear of 2010 Runner-up Cwmbran’s Seve Kukielka on 118(+28) and seven clear of bronze medallist, the 2009 Champion, Europe’s Jas Kukielka on 121(+31).
The defending champion, Leo Kukielka was unable to retain the title and finished in a disappointing tied sixth place with 2010 British Women’s Number One Cindy Kukielka, with Leo and the perennial Welsh Ladies Number One both scoring 135(+45).
On the morning of the tournament a draw was held to decide the groups and order of play for the first round, with the groups reorganised based on scores after each round. With heavy rain forecast, and delivered, the tournament teed-off at a revised time of 11.30am
With North Wales’ finest, Peter Jones unable to commit to the invitation to play, and fellow invitees Paul and Owen Johnson competing in a Crazy Golf Tournament in the Midlands, eight players would contest the third edition of the Cystadleuaeth Minigolff Cymraeg.
Rounds one to three were played at the 9-hole Crazy Golf course at Tredegar Park in Newport, Wales, with rounds four and five played at the two new Celtic Manor Adventure Golf courses.
At the 9-hole Tredegar Park Minigolf course Seve held the lead for rounds one to three, scoring consistently low scores of 20, 20 and 19. Jas Kukielka and Richard Gottfried were both scrapping for second place, with Seve taking a three-shot lead into the final two rounds.
Competitive Minigolf newcomers Maria and Chris Thomas made their debuts at the 2011 Cystadleuaeth Minigolff Cymraeg, with the Welsh duo putting in some good rounds on a difficult Tredegar Park course, with Chris setting the clubhouse course record at 19(+1), prior to Richard scoring an 18(par). After Maria’s first round of 40, she settled into the action and carded two rounds of 28(+10), with both players continuing to put in competitive scores at the Celtic Manor courses.
At Celtic Manor’s 9-hole Celtic Challenge course Richard hit a round of 21, to Seve’s 29, to set a course record, and followed this up with a 31 on the 9-hole Kingdom of Legends course to finish four-shots clear of Seve.
Round by Round scores from the Tournament
New Cystadleuaeth Minigolff Cymraeg champion Richard Gottfried said “I am very pleased to have won such a great title against some great opponents. The Cystadleuaeth Minigolff Cymraeg is one of my favourite events of the year and the format of playing a mix of such different Minigolf courses in the competition makes it very interesting. Hard luck to Seve though, who played incredible well in the morning’s three rounds at Tredegar Park. I’m looking forward defending the title in what will be another highly competitive tournament next year.”
Final Tournament Rankings
The Aces Champions for 2011 were Seve Kukielka and Jas Kukielka who tied on four Holes-in-One apiece.
The cumulative scores for the Welsh & English players as 'Teams' saw England beat Wales 2, with Wales 1 in third place.
Photos from the 2011 Event
2011 - Richard Gottfried (ENG)
2010 - Leo Kukielka (WAL)
2009 - Jas Kukielka (EUR)
Previous Results and Reports:
2010 Cystadleuaeth Minigolff Cymraeg (Welsh Minigolf Tournament)
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.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Course Played #43 Hastings (White Rock Gardens) - Minigolf - Crazy World of Minigolf Tour Archive
We first visited the 18-hole Adventure Golf course at White Rock Gardens (aka Planet Hastings, aka Clambers) in Hastings, East Sussex on the 14th March 2008 when it became the 43rd course played on the Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.
We were in town preparing to compete in the 2008 Planet Hastings Crazy Golf Club Open, which takes place on each of Hastings' minigolf courses in one day!
On the 14th Emily and I had a practice on each of the courses, with Emily scoring a 62 at the course, with me hitting a 48. In our Irregular Mini Golf Tour Match-ups in Hastings that weekend I defeated Emily 311-332 in the Irregular Mini Golf Tour Hastings Challenge (over seven rounds) and I won the four round Irregular Mini Golf Tour Hastings Open 185-196.
In the 2008 Planet Hastings Crazy Golf Club Open I finished in 25th spot of 32 players, with Emily only one-shot back in 26th place.
The course was the setting for many BMGA Tour competitions over the years, the last of which was the BMGA British Open 2010. This was the final competitive tournament to be held on the course as it was turned into an outdoor laser tag arena in early 2011! A real shame as it was a brilliant miniature golf course.
On Sunday 19th September 2010 the course was also the location of "The Minigolf Welly Boot Swamp Ball Incident in Hastings."
Update - May 2011 - White Rock Gardens - From Minigolf to Laser Tag!
Photos of the new Battle Zone arena (4th May 2011)
Photos of Clambers Adventure Golf (as it was) at MiniatureGolfer.com
Crazy World of Minigolf Tour
We were in town preparing to compete in the 2008 Planet Hastings Crazy Golf Club Open, which takes place on each of Hastings' minigolf courses in one day!
On the 14th Emily and I had a practice on each of the courses, with Emily scoring a 62 at the course, with me hitting a 48. In our Irregular Mini Golf Tour Match-ups in Hastings that weekend I defeated Emily 311-332 in the Irregular Mini Golf Tour Hastings Challenge (over seven rounds) and I won the four round Irregular Mini Golf Tour Hastings Open 185-196.
In the 2008 Planet Hastings Crazy Golf Club Open I finished in 25th spot of 32 players, with Emily only one-shot back in 26th place.
The course was the setting for many BMGA Tour competitions over the years, the last of which was the BMGA British Open 2010. This was the final competitive tournament to be held on the course as it was turned into an outdoor laser tag arena in early 2011! A real shame as it was a brilliant miniature golf course.
On Sunday 19th September 2010 the course was also the location of "The Minigolf Welly Boot Swamp Ball Incident in Hastings."
Update - May 2011 - White Rock Gardens - From Minigolf to Laser Tag!
Photos of the new Battle Zone arena (4th May 2011)
Photos of Clambers Adventure Golf (as it was) at MiniatureGolfer.com
Crazy World of Minigolf Tour
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.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
New Las Vegas Mini Golf Course Opening at 'The Swingers Club' at the The Plaza Hotel & Casino
A tweet from my fellow Minigolf aficionados at the excellent Putting Penguin website yesterday alerted me to the fact that there will be a brand new Minigolf course opening in Las Vegas next month. What's even better is that we're heading back to Las Vegas in September so we will definitely be giving it a go when we visit.
The new Minigolf course is part of the Swingers Club that is opening at the brand new Plaza Hotel and Casino in downtown Las Vegas, and will be a 9-hole set-up with Las Vegas theming. What's great is the course will be open from 11am until 4am, 7 days a week.
The rather risqué name for the new Music and Mini Golf venue doesn't refer to anything that the double-entendre may suggest (I don't think!).
The Minigolf course will also have a special added attraction that in the early hours, as the DJ starts to play, the course will become a Glow In The Dark Disco Golf course! During the day and evening the Swingers Club will feature music by Dueling Pianos!
We're really looking forward to making a visit, or two, to play the course and also check out the newly updated Plaza Hotel and Casino.
You can read the Press Release which has more information about the new Mini Golf course, and the Plaza Hotel and Casino at Swingers Club to debut at the Plaza Hotel and Casino
Last June we played at the four Minigolf courses that Las Vegas had to offer at the time, these were courses visited and played 175, 176, 177 and 178 on the Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.
175 King Putt (North West Las Vegas, USA) - Indoor Mini Golf - Review at The Putting Penguin here
176 Pike's Pass (Circus Circus, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA) - Miniature Golf
177 King Putt (Henderson, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA) - Indoor Mini Golf - Review at The Putting Penguin here
178 The Putt Park (Las Vegas, Nevada, USA) - Miniature Golf - Review at The Putting Penguin here
Results of the 2010 Las Vegas Minigolf Desert Classic competition between me and Emily.
On our last holiday in the UK we headed to Lincolnshire and North Norfolk, the very last Crazy Golf course we played on this roadtrip was in Hunstanton, at the Vegas Amusement Arcade. This year we also spotted a "Little Las Vegas" at a funfair in Wallingford, Oxfordshire.
On our 2012 holiday to Las Vegas there will be another Minigolf course for us to play, as a KISS-themed Mini Golf course is opening there in November 2011!
Links:
- Crazy World of Minigolf Tour
- The Putting Penguin website
The new Minigolf course is part of the Swingers Club that is opening at the brand new Plaza Hotel and Casino in downtown Las Vegas, and will be a 9-hole set-up with Las Vegas theming. What's great is the course will be open from 11am until 4am, 7 days a week.
The rather risqué name for the new Music and Mini Golf venue doesn't refer to anything that the double-entendre may suggest (I don't think!).
The Minigolf course will also have a special added attraction that in the early hours, as the DJ starts to play, the course will become a Glow In The Dark Disco Golf course! During the day and evening the Swingers Club will feature music by Dueling Pianos!
We're really looking forward to making a visit, or two, to play the course and also check out the newly updated Plaza Hotel and Casino.
You can read the Press Release which has more information about the new Mini Golf course, and the Plaza Hotel and Casino at Swingers Club to debut at the Plaza Hotel and Casino
Last June we played at the four Minigolf courses that Las Vegas had to offer at the time, these were courses visited and played 175, 176, 177 and 178 on the Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.
175 King Putt (North West Las Vegas, USA) - Indoor Mini Golf - Review at The Putting Penguin here
176 Pike's Pass (Circus Circus, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA) - Miniature Golf
177 King Putt (Henderson, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA) - Indoor Mini Golf - Review at The Putting Penguin here
178 The Putt Park (Las Vegas, Nevada, USA) - Miniature Golf - Review at The Putting Penguin here
Emily and me in Fabulous Las Vegas last summer
On our last holiday in the UK we headed to Lincolnshire and North Norfolk, the very last Crazy Golf course we played on this roadtrip was in Hunstanton, at the Vegas Amusement Arcade. This year we also spotted a "Little Las Vegas" at a funfair in Wallingford, Oxfordshire.
On our 2012 holiday to Las Vegas there will be another Minigolf course for us to play, as a KISS-themed Mini Golf course is opening there in November 2011!
Links:
- Crazy World of Minigolf Tour
- 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.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Minigolf Doubles Teams - Gottfried & Lancley / Gottfried & Shepherd - Sponsorship Opportunities Available
A new Minigolf Doubles Team will be created at the upcoming 2011 BMGA British Doubles Championships to be held at the Four Ashes Golf Centre, Dorridge, West Midlands, as Luton's 'Squire' Richard Gottfried teams up with Great Britain team-mate Scott 'Donkey Gringo' Lancley, who hails from Margate. In last year's tournament Richard's team (with Kevin Moseley) were on the podium in 3rd place, losing only one-match during the event. Scott's team (with Nick Chitty) finished in 13th place.
Emily 'Coach' Gottfried will also be in action at the BMGA British Doubles Championships, once again teaming with London's Brad 'The Fist' Shepherd. Last year the duo were 3rd in the Lost World Classic in Hemsby, Norfolk. In the 2010 BMGA British Doubles Championships Emily and her partner Cindy Kukielka finished in 4th place, while Brad and his team-mate Chris Jones finished in 7th spot.
All four players are Great Britain International Team Members.
Both Minigolf Partnerships are seeking Sponsorship for the one-day tournament, with opportunities for player sponsorship also available for the Midlands Open minigolf competition to be held the day before the BMGA British Doubles Championships at the end of July.
To sponsor the teams, and/or Richard and Emily Gottfried in future Minigolf tournaments please get in touch.
Link to the British Minigolf Association.
Emily 'Coach' Gottfried will also be in action at the BMGA British Doubles Championships, once again teaming with London's Brad 'The Fist' Shepherd. Last year the duo were 3rd in the Lost World Classic in Hemsby, Norfolk. In the 2010 BMGA British Doubles Championships Emily and her partner Cindy Kukielka finished in 4th place, while Brad and his team-mate Chris Jones finished in 7th spot.
All four players are Great Britain International Team Members.
Both Minigolf Partnerships are seeking Sponsorship for the one-day tournament, with opportunities for player sponsorship also available for the Midlands Open minigolf competition to be held the day before the BMGA British Doubles Championships at the end of July.
To sponsor the teams, and/or Richard and Emily Gottfried in future Minigolf tournaments please get in touch.
Link to the British Minigolf Association.
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, July 11, 2011
EcoStyle Tenpin Bowling Team Runners-up in Namco Luton Business Bowling Tournament
On Thursday 7th July 2011 the EcoStyle Tenpin Bowling Team entered the third heat of the Luton Business Bowling Tournament at Namco in Luton.
The team of five were up against two other teams and finished as runners-up to Luton's G Casino.
In May the EcoStyle-CEuk Team entered the second qualifying heat to attempt to qualify for the Ultimate Championship Final in November. In that event the team finished 4th. They will next be in action at the fourth heat in August.
From l-r Emily ‘Slow Hand’ Gottfried, Simon ‘Bowling Ball’ Hall, Clémentine ‘Striker’ Facque, James ‘Blaster’ Cunliffe, Richard ‘High Swing’ Gottfried
EcoStyle promotes awareness and understanding of renewable energy technologies. They design and manufacture demonstration models to teach renewable energy in schools and colleges, or for use as marketing tools within industry.
The team of five were up against two other teams and finished as runners-up to Luton's G Casino.
In May the EcoStyle-CEuk Team entered the second qualifying heat to attempt to qualify for the Ultimate Championship Final in November. In that event the team finished 4th. They will next be in action at the fourth heat in August.
The EcoStyle Tenpin Bowling Team
EcoStyle promotes awareness and understanding of renewable energy technologies. They design and manufacture demonstration models to teach renewable energy in schools and colleges, or for use as marketing tools within industry.
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, July 10, 2011
Crazy Golf and Adventure Golf in Southend-on-Sea - Crazy World of Minigolf Tour
The 14th, 15th and 16th courses we visited and played on the Crazy World of Minigolf Tour were in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, on Saturday 31st of March 2007. We were in town to enjoy the seaside and also get in a bit of practice ahead of my debut in a British Minigolf Association tournament.
A year ago today we headed back to Southend for a family event, and made another revisit to the great Minigolf courses at the resort, of which there are three.
In the Adventure Island Theme Park itself there is an 18-hole Adventure Golf layout, divided into two separate 9-hole courses - the Inca Challenge and the Aztec Adventure. Just down the esplanade next to the Sea Life Centre is an 18-hole Arnold Palmer Crazy Golf course. When we first visited in 2007 (and for a couple of years after) there was a second 18-hole course that was in a 'derelict' state.
Photos from our visit in March 2007
Back in 2007 I made my Professional Minigolf Debut in the BMGA British Masters tournament in Southend-on-Sea, where I finished in 24th spot of 28 players. I've since played in a further 66 BMGA Tour Events, and a number of other Minigolf Competitions in the UK and Overseas.
Other courses in Essex visited on the road to Southend-on-Sea a year ago today included Brentwood, Billericay and Wickford and we visited Upminster, Hornchurch, Romford and Havering in Essex on the way home on Sunday 11th July 2010.
Ham & Egger Files Blog Posts about Southend-on-Sea:
- Minigolf Report from the BMGA British Masters 2008
- Arnold Palmer in Southend...
- Derelict Crazy Golf in Southend...
- Minigolf Friendly Match - 24/04/09 - Squire vs. His Excellency
- Minigolf Report from the BMGA British Masters & British Matchplay Championships 2009
- Then & Now – Southend Arnold Palmer ‘West’ Course
- Crazy World of Minigolf Tour heads 'South'!
- Minigolf in Southend on Sea - The Southend Classic 2010
- Minigolf in Southend on Sea - Arnold Palmer West Course
- Minigolf in Southend on Sea - The Southend Masters
- Minehead & Southend on Sea - pre-Crazy World of Minigolf Tour course visits
A year ago today we headed back to Southend for a family event, and made another revisit to the great Minigolf courses at the resort, of which there are three.
In the Adventure Island Theme Park itself there is an 18-hole Adventure Golf layout, divided into two separate 9-hole courses - the Inca Challenge and the Aztec Adventure. Just down the esplanade next to the Sea Life Centre is an 18-hole Arnold Palmer Crazy Golf course. When we first visited in 2007 (and for a couple of years after) there was a second 18-hole course that was in a 'derelict' state.
Photos from our visit in March 2007
Back in 2007 I made my Professional Minigolf Debut in the BMGA British Masters tournament in Southend-on-Sea, where I finished in 24th spot of 28 players. I've since played in a further 66 BMGA Tour Events, and a number of other Minigolf Competitions in the UK and Overseas.
Other courses in Essex visited on the road to Southend-on-Sea a year ago today included Brentwood, Billericay and Wickford and we visited Upminster, Hornchurch, Romford and Havering in Essex on the way home on Sunday 11th July 2010.
Ham & Egger Files Blog Posts about Southend-on-Sea:
- Minigolf Report from the BMGA British Masters 2008
- Arnold Palmer in Southend...
- Derelict Crazy Golf in Southend...
- Minigolf Friendly Match - 24/04/09 - Squire vs. His Excellency
- Minigolf Report from the BMGA British Masters & British Matchplay Championships 2009
- Then & Now – Southend Arnold Palmer ‘West’ Course
- Crazy World of Minigolf Tour heads 'South'!
- Minigolf in Southend on Sea - The Southend Classic 2010
- Minigolf in Southend on Sea - Arnold Palmer West Course
- Minigolf in Southend on Sea - The Southend Masters
- Minehead & Southend on Sea - pre-Crazy World of Minigolf Tour course visits
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.
Crazy Golf at Bedgrove Party in the Park in Aylesbury - course played #252 on the Crazy World of Minigolf Tour
On Saturday 9th July 2011 we headed to Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire and the Bedgrove Party in the Park event as we'd heard the event would have a Crazy Golf course to play!
The 9-hole portable course was the 252nd played on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.
In our Irregular Mini Golf Tour Match-up I defeated Emily by one-shot scoring a 20(+2) to her 21(+3).
We were planning to have a second go on the 9-hole course but the weather took a turn for the worst and there was a torrential downpour which scuppered our chances!
Crazy World of Minigolf Tour
The 9-hole portable course was the 252nd played on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.
In our Irregular Mini Golf Tour Match-up I defeated Emily by one-shot scoring a 20(+2) to her 21(+3).
We were planning to have a second go on the 9-hole course but the weather took a turn for the worst and there was a torrential downpour which scuppered our chances!
Crazy World of Minigolf Tour
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.
Quasar Elite in Hemel Hempstead - 2 Blues vs 1 Red
Last weekend a fierce Laser Tag Battle took place at the Quasar Elite Centre in Hemel Hempstead, Herts. Luckily for our intrepid party of three we were able to have the run of the four-zone arena to ourselves!
The battle saw a classic Boys Against Girls Match take place, with me and our nephew Kallum (The Blues) taking on Emily (The Reds).
The Blues won!
I was first, with Emily 2nd, and Kallum picking up 'Bronze'!
Very good fun indeed.
Blog post from our last visit to the Quasar Elite in Hemel Hempstead in March 2011 (they've had a paint job on the outside and had new signs put up since then).
Laser Tag Rankings - Update
The Laser Tag Rankings have had a slight change, in that Kallum Harper enters the list at number 11.
In the Ongoing Laser Tag War that rages between the forces of the REDS, BLUES, GREENS, and YELLOWS we've all taken part in Laser Battles in 'laser-war-torn' places including Birmingham, Hemel Hempstead, Bristol, London, Peterborough, Crawley, New Brighton, Cannock, Whitstable and Skegness.
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.
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Worm Charming Competition at St Mary’s Village Carnival in Edlesborough
Making our debut in a Worm Charming Contest alongside a Worlds Championship Competitor.
On Saturday 2nd July 2011 fellow Minigolfer and Blogger Oliver 'The Machine' Florence invited me to the St Mary's Village Carnival in Edlesborough to compete in their annual Worm Charming Competition. With Florence having competed in last week's World Worm Charming Championships in Cheshire it would have been rude and quite silly to turn down such an offer, so off we headed.
With Emily and I living a mere 11 miles from the village of Edlesborough (which lies in Buckinghamshire, rather than Bedfordshire as I thought), and with our nephew Kallum (a keen bug hunter) staying with us for the weekend, we arrived a good hour or so before the Walton-on-Thames based Ollie, so had a good look around the Fete/Carnival (Fetarnival?) and had a go on a lot of the games and stalls. When the announcements for the Worm Charming were being made we headed straight to the MC - St Mary's Village Carnival chairman Gordon Gray - to nab a Plot. We drew number 68.
It wasn't "the worlds" but the Worm Charming Competition at Edlesborough Carnival was brilliant fun. All 20 minutes of it.
Once Ollie arrived our team of Freebooters posed for a team photograph at our Plot.
Ollie tested the ground using his professional Worm Charming equipment.
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And then after giving the Plot a liberal dousing of water before the off, we got underway with our Worm Charming.
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With the skill and experience of one-third of the 112th Ranked Worm Charming Team in the World we began using a mixture of techniques including 'simulating the movement of a mole' using a Garden Fork, beating the ground using small bits of wood - one of which was the leg off of a small coffee table - and dressing like a Chicken. Fellow Minigolf Pro Richard 'Michael Skaggs' Skeggs, a member of Ollie's team, had dressed like a Fox in the Worlds, and with the thinking that 'the early bird gets the worm' was worth a shot. It didn't work.
Video of the team in action.
Despite our best efforts, professional equipment, enthusiasm and Chicken costume we finished in tied third place in the 12 team competition. The winners were a group of four girls who managed to get two worms. The runners-up were a team of children in Plot 67 who got one worm, which was the biggest of the three worms caught. Everyone else got none.
As an aside, Kallum became possibly the first person injured in a Worm Charming Contest! With the St John Ambulance medics being pressed into service after he either got bit by a Red Ant (we did find loads of them in our plot), or was stang off of a Wasp while fetching some water for us. This meant that for part of the 20 minute competition we were down to two players, as when Kallum returned from the First Aid Tent he decided to play his Catch a Mouse game he had won on a Tombola.
When we got home Kallum managed to 'Charm' loads of worms in our back garden!? A text from Ollie in the evening confirmed that conditions had been less than ideal in Buckinghamshire, as he'd managed to get a worm out of the ground in his garden in under a minute once he'd got home!
The St Mary's Village Carnival has a different theme each year, with 2011 being 'Pirates'. Driving into Edlesborough via Eaton Bray you could see that the villages had gone to great lengths to decorate houses, pubs and shops in the area. The event itself also saw many people dressed up as Pirates. As Freebooters from lands near and far, me, Kallum and Ollie wore Skull & Crossbones Wristbands while we were Worm Charming.
Some examples of the Pirate decorated houses are below, along with some more snaps of the Carnival itself.
A Captain Pugwash Ship
A Pirate Ship with its cannon aimed at passers-by!
One house allowed you to vote for your favourite type of Pirate!
Me and Ollie competed in the 'Chicken in a Basket' Target Game
I didn't dress as a Chicken for this game
The man stands watch over the basket, a dangerous position indeed!
Video of me and Ollie playing the Chicken in a Basket game.
Kallum on the Crockery Shy
Kallum plays Whack a Rat
Kallum lobs a wet sponge at me!
I missed spectating at the Cow Pat Bingo as I was putting the Chicken costume back in the car, but was told the event did not involve a real Cow!?
Unfortunately we all missed the much hyped "sausage eating contest for dogs and their owners" that had been mentioned in the Dunstable Today news story "Hidden treasures at village carnival carnival!" - what a spectator sport that would have been!
A great fun day out. I'm looking forward to the 2012 event!
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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