Saturday, October 19, 2013

Putt in the Park Minigolf at Wandsworth Park, London

Visit to the new Putt in the Park Miniature Golf course at Wandsworth Park, Putney, London.

Putt in the Park Minigolf Course in Wandsworth Park, London
A view of the Putt in the Park Minigolf course in Wandsworth Park, London

On Friday 18th October I headed to the new 12-hole Putt in the Park Minigolf course at Wandsworth Park in London for a ‘friendly’ round of Crazy Golf against some of my friends and Minigolf rivals Gareth, Alan and Paul.

Putt in the Park Crazy Golf Course in Wandsworth Park, London
Alan playing the long and tricky 10th hole at Wandsworth Park's Putt in the Park Minigolf course

The course was the 538th visited overall on the Crazy World of Minigolf Tour, the 323rd played and the 321st course I’ve played since September 2006.

Putt in the Park Mini Golf Course in Wandsworth Park, London
Another course visit on the Crazy World of Minigolf Tour

In the Putney Putting Invitational I faced off against BMGA Tour rivals and London Minigolf Club members Alan ‘Stormin’ Norman and Gareth ‘The Owl’ Holmes, and fan of ludicrous photos Paul ‘Flip Flops’ O’Connor.

Putt in the Park Mini-Golf Course in Wandsworth Park, London
The competitors line-up at the Putt in the Park Minigolf course at Wandsworth Park in London

The match-up started well for Alan who shot a magnificent hole-in-one on the first hole! His form (luck!) continued through the match and it was clear early on that the rest of us were playing for second/not to be last!

Putt in the Park Miniature Golf Course in Wandsworth Park, London
Alan 'Stormin' Norman plays his first shot and lands an ace on hole one

Paul also managed a hole-in-one on the course, scoring a brilliant ace on the 11th hole (or as I kept calling it - "The 17th").

Putt in the Park Minigolf Course in Wandsworth Park, London
Paul signalling an Ace is in his sights! Like the Babe Ruth of Miniature Golf!

The course looks great and has some very long and winding holes. The water features are both pleasant to look at as well as being integrated as obstacles on some of the holes. Especially on the 7th hole where I found the water twice, and the 9th where Gareth almost helped Alan into the water while he was retrieving his ball while stood on a stepping stone.

Putt in the Park Crazy Golf Course at Wandsworth Park, London
Gareth lends Alan a helping hand

Putt in the Park Crazy Golf Course at Wandsworth Park in London
The unlucky 7th hole for Squire, finding the water twice as Alan looks on

The course has a par of 27, with holes 6, 7 and 8 par-3 and the others par-2. In our contest Alan had a storming 31(+7 on a BMGA par rating), Gareth was runner-up with a score of 36(+12) and I was the bronze medallist on 38(+14). Paul, the novice of the group and a player with a very strong swing, shot a 48(+24).

Putt in the Park Mini Golf Course at Wandsworth Park in London
Gareth holes out on the 12th for an almost ace two

Results:
1. Alan ‘Stormin’ Norman = 31(+7)
2. Gareth ‘The Owl’ Holmes = 36(+12)
3. ‘Squire’ Richard Gottfried = 38(+14)
4. Paul ‘Flip Flops’ O’Connor = 48(+24)

Putt in the Park Miniature Golf Course at Wandsworth Park in London
Alan 'Stormin' Norman - Champion Minigolfer

The 12-hole layout opened four months ago and has been a popular attraction in the nice setting of Wandsworth Park. We received a fine welcome by Jack at the course who told us the area used to be a disused Bowling Green. The renovation is a brilliant use of the space and the Putt in the Park course has its own clubhouse with bar and cafe. 

Putt in the Park Mini Golf Course at Wandsworth Park in London
Putt in the Park at Wandsworth Park serves "Putney's Finest Bacon or Sausage Sandwiches" - the clubhouse pavilion also has a bar and we enjoyed an alcholic beverage after our round

There’s plenty of seating too for players to rest between rounds and enjoy a drink and a bite to eat, and a great vantage point for spectators.

Putt in the Park Miniature Golf Course at Wandsworth Park, London
The Putt in the Park Minigolf course is open until dusk 

I look forward to returning for more Minigolf match-ups on the course, and hopefully get close to, or beat the course record of 25 shots!

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Friday, October 18, 2013

A re-visit to the Dinosaur Safari Adventure Golf course in Arkley

Five-player ‘friendly’ Minigolf tournament played at the 18-hole Dinosaur Safari Adventure Golf course in Arkley, Hertfordshire.

On Tuesday 1st of October we headed to Arkley in Hertfordshire (near Elstree & Borehamwood) for an evening round of Minigolf on the 18-hole Dinosaur Safari Adventure Golf course at the A1 Golf Centre.

Lining up to compete in the international affair were:
- Liezl ‘The Big Easy’ Van Zyl (RSA)
- Lucy ‘Whacker’ Wallace (GBR)
-  James 'Big Jim/Lucky Jim/Flukester/Not Amy' Specker (GBR)

Tee-ing off in dry, light and cool weather conditions the round of golf concluded in the dark and with the onset of quite autumnal weather.

Hole one saw each player, apart from Emily, score a two. James 'Big Jim/Lucky Jim/Flukester/Not Amy' Specker earned his nickname on this hole with an incredibly recovery shot to save par after what can only be described as a horrendous tee-shot.

James 'Big Jim/Lucky Jim/Flukester/Not Amy' Specker with a slightly wayward tee-shot on the first hole

Hole two saw South African superstar Putt Putter Liezl ‘The Big Easy’ Van Zyl make her mark on the event with an awesome hole-in-one to take the lead.

Liezl 'The Big Easy' Van Ziel on the way to scoring a great hole-in-one at Arkley

The remaining seven holes of the front-nine saw steady play from most of the player, barring a few threes and a four apiece for Lemony and Lucy ‘Whacker’ Wallace.

Lucy 'Whacker' Wallace steps up to take on the Dinosaur Safari Adventure Golf course

At the half-way stage of the contest the scores were:
- Liezl ‘The Big Easy’ Van Zyl – 19
- ‘Squire’ Richard Gottfried – 20
- James 'Big Jim/Lucky Jim/Flukester/Not Amy' Specker – 21
- Emily ‘Lemony’ Gottfried – 22
- Lucy ‘Whacker’ Wallace – 25

The back-nine started badly for Mr Specker who scored an unfortunate five to put a mild dent in his championship hopes.

Emily 'Lemony' Gottfried in Minigolf action at Dinosaur Safari Adventure Golf in Arkley

It was at the 12th hole that the match got even more exciting. After Squire had scored a two that was almost an ace with a clever and sneaky line to the hole, Emily and Liezl followed-up up by getting ever closer to the hole and Lucy ‘Whacker’ Wallace scored an incredibly hole-in-one to huge delight from her opponents.

An interesting view of the Minigolf contest during play

Attempts to recreate this piece of minigolf magic were unsuccessful, but long will the moment be remembered in the scrapbooks of her opponent’s minds.

With the win available to any with six holes remaining and the dreaded volcano obstacle to face on the penultimate hole it was Squire, The Big Easy and Lemony in with a shot at the title.

Unfortunately for Lemony the wheels would come off at the 17th with a dreadful maximum score of seven. Squire had hit a safe two and Liezl also scored a par. Whacker put away a nice three, while Flukester couldn’t conjure up any of his earlier magic and also carded a seven.

Squire tackles the Volcano 17th hole at Arkley's Adventure Golf course as keen rival, The Big Easy, looks on

With only the final long downhill hole to play the title was being battled for between Great Britain and South Africa. Squire stepped up first and scored a two, with Liezl also shooting a par. All that was left to do was add up the scores to find out who won...

Final results
- ‘Squire’ Richard Gottfried – 20 + 20 = 39(+3)
- Liezl ‘The Big Easy’ Van Zyl – 19 + 23 = 42(+6)
- Emily ‘Lemony’ Gottfried – 22 + 27 = 49(+13)
- James 'Big Jim/Lucky Jim/Flukester/Not Amy' Specker – 21 + 30 = 51(+15)
- Lucy ‘Whacker’ Wallace – 25 + 27 = 52(+16)

The course was in great condition, with some interesting dino-facts dotted around the course. Some of the water hazards are really good too – with most of the field finding the water on the sixth hole!?

The warning/advice on this sign was not heeded on hole six where four out of the five of us went in the drink!

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A1 Golf Centre

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Friday, October 11, 2013

Playing an UrbanCrazy Minigolf Course at Regent's Place in London

Playing the 537th course on the Crazy World of Minigolf Tour at Regent's Place in London.

At course #537 on the Crazy World of Minigolf Tour

On Tuesday 1st of October I headed along to Regent's Place in London where the team at UrbanCrazy had set-up their Signature Minigolf course between 11am and 1pm.

The free-play event saw visitors to Regent's Place have a go on the tricky 9-hole layout*. When I arrived UrbanCrazy's Richard Linden let me know that the best score had been set at 20!

Last November I'd played the UrbanCrazy Signature Minigolf course when it made its debut at the London Golf Show at Earl's Court. Since then there have been some changes and additions to the course - including the addition of a Casino hole.

Playing the new Casino hole

The visit was the first on the next leg of the Crazy World of Minigolf Tour as the 30th of September had marked the seventh year of our travels around many and varied Miniature Golf courses. The Regent’s Place layout was the 537th Minigolf course visited, 322nd played by either me or Emily, and my 320th course since 2006!

Targeting a hole-in-one on the UrbanCrazy Minigolf course at Regent's Place

For my round on the course I was challenged by UrbanCrazy's Marcin Roszczyk.

Neither Marcin or I could Ace the Brown Sign

In a closely fought match-up I scored a 21(+3) to just defeat him as he shot a 24(+6). My ace on the third may have been the difference maker in the match.

About to drop an Ace on hole 3


Marcin Putts on hole 7 - the course's toughest hole

The late morning and early afternoon of fun and games at Regent's Place also saw the team from Gastro Circus making Mocktails. I enjoyed the Nohito, very refreshing it was after a round of Crazy Golf. I did get some odd looks while drinking it as I made my return journey on the tube!

The course in Regent's Place

Regent's Place is a large mixed use campus in London's West End, you can find out more about what's there and what's on at the Regent's Place website. Earlier this year they held a Bathtub Race event there!!!???

Find RegentsPlace on Facebook

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Another unplayed Minigolf course, but not visited by me

Christopher Gottfried celebrates seven years of the Crazy World of Minigolf Tour by not playing Minigolf in Newquay, Cornwall.

One of the greens at Newquay's 18-hole Mini Golf course

My brother, and founder member of the Crazy World of Minigolf Tour, was recently in Newquay for a surfing holiday and spotted a sign for an 18-hole Mini Golf course.

18-hole Mini Golf just 150 yards away...

He followed it but was unable to play it as the course was closed.

A view of the 18-hole Minigolf course in Newquay

When sending through the photos Christopher commented “Newquay mini golf... Closed! Oh and an exclusive mini golf 'only' portaloo!

The 'exclusive' Minigolf lavvy

One for me and Emily to add to our ‘to play’ list for when we eventually make it to the south west of England for a holiday roadtrip!

18-hole Minigolf and Breakfast Cafe in Newquay

From the photos it appears the course is a felted 'Beton' (or 'Concrete') version of Miniature Golf, more often found in continental Europe than here in the UK.

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My first gluten free Mince Pie of the festive season

Seeing in Christmas a bit too early with a new Gluten Free Mince Pie from Udi’s.

While shopping at our local Tesco last night Emily and I spotted the new range of food from Udi’s Gluten Free. We hadn’t heard of them before and so bought some of the items to give them a try.

The new Udi's Gluten Free Mince Pies - one product in the brand's new range of gluten and wheat free food for Coeliacs

One of the range is Udi’s Rich n’ Fruity Mince Pie and they are the first Gluten and Wheat Free Mince Pies I’ve seen on sale yet.

One of the four Rich n' Fruity Mince Pies

Although it is a bit later than the first Mince Pie of the season I had last year – that was on the 5th of October!

The Udi's Mince Pie is opened up with a pastry fork (my nephew thinks it's hilarious to use a fork to eat dessert)

The Udi’s Mince Pie was rich and fruity and of the more ‘flatter and home-made’ look type of mince pies, rather than the more identikit look. At first glance it didn’t look too full of filling, but it was full of flavour and the icing dusted pastry did hold up well – always a good sign with gluten and wheat free pastry.

I’d recommend them to fellow Coeliacs.

May I take this opportunity to wish all the readers of the Ham & Egger Files a very Merry Christmas.

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Where skateboards (and skater’s shoes) go to die

While in London for a day out on Wednesday Emily and I wandered over the Hungerford Bridge and spotted this odd sight!

The skateboard (and abandoned shoes) graveyard on Hungerford Bridge in London

The bit of the bridge (one of the supporting struts) where the broken skateboards have been thrown is very near to the Southbank LondonSkatepark.

There were an awful lot of abandoned shoes in the ‘graveyard’ too! How many can you spot?

I recently read in the London Evening Standard that the Skatepark will be getting some investment to be redeveloped. A letter writer to the paper had suggested the area be turned into a Crazy golf course – that’d be a nice addition to the area as London has a dearth of permanent Miniature Golfcourses.

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Monday, September 30, 2013

Seven Years on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour!

Visiting 536 Minigolf, Crazy Golf, Adventure Golf and Putting courses on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour since 2006!

Today marks the seventh anniversary of our Miniature Golfing odyssey!

At Quest Krazy Golf in Dudley in April 2013
At Quest Krazy Golf in Dudley in April 2013

It was on Saturday 30th of September 2006 that Emily and I visited the Treasure Island Adventure Golf course in Portsmouth while visiting my brother Christopher in the town.

Since that day we’ve visited a total of 536 courses and played 321 of them.

Adventure Golf at Wookey Hole last November
Adventure Golf at Wookey Hole last November

We’ve also found many unplayable and derelict courses on our travels. These unloved and forgotten courses once again being looked upon by enthusiastic eyes.

In the last year we’ve managed to play at fifteen new courses, revisit a number of courses and visit a further twelve courses we couldn’t play for one reason or another.

Chrizy Golfing in Manchester last November!

Who knows how many more Minigolf courses we’ll play in the coming weeks, months and years. There are some courses in London and St Albans that are on our ‘to play very soon’ list, while other courses in the south west of England (where there are many!) will take some time to explore properly.

Emily playing at Barnard Castle in July

Whatever happens we’ll continue to tour the country and the great British coastline, popping into seaside resorts in the hope of playing a new and exciting course, or rediscovering a long-forgotten remnant of Minigolf history.

Minigolf, Crazy golf, Adventure Golf courses we’ve played since the 18th of October 2012:

Minigolf, Crazy golf, Adventure Golf and Putting courses we’ve visited but not been able to play since the 1st of October 2012:
- Mill Hill (Mill Hill Park) - Crazy Golf - Out of Season
- Wigan (Haigh Country Park) - Himalayan Putting Green - Too snowy and icy to play
- Carshalton, Sutton (The Grove Park) - Crazy Golf - not yet open for the season

With another Humpty at the closed Crazy Golf course in Carshalton
With another Humpty at the closed Crazy Golf course in Carshalton

If you know of any new Minigolf courses then do let us know through a comment below, or via Twitter.

Many thanks to everyone who has tipped us off about a course we hadn't yet played or didn't know about, it's very much appreciated.

We've met some great friends and interesting people on our travels for fun and on the domestic and international Miniature Golf competition circuit. Thank you to each and every one of them.

Please do also check out the links below (and on the right hand side of the blog) for other Minigolf enthusiast websites and sites of interest!

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Saturday, September 28, 2013

A Minigolf Revisit to Stonham Barns

Playing the Mini Putting Crazy Golf course at Stonham Barns, Suffolk.

Having not had the opportunity to play any Minigolf on Miniature Golf Day this year I was pleased to be able to have a round on the 9-hole Mini Putting Crazy Golf course at Stonham Barns Golf Centre in Suffolk on Sunday 22nd of September.

Crazy Golf at Stonham Barns in Suffolk
Playing the very tricky 9th hole at Stonham Barns

Back in August 2007 the Stonham Barns Minigolf course became the 33rd we played on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.

Crazy Golf at Stonham Barns in Suffolk
Holing out on hole 3 of the Mini Putting Crazy Golf course at Stonham Barns

In a match against myself I scored rounds of 24(+6) and 20(+2).

 
 
 
 

After some terrible shots on the 9th hole (the hardest on the course) I did manage to Ace it before we left.


The course is £2 a round and while we were there we saw a few other groups and pairs having some games too. Stonham Barns is a nice spot with shops and attractions (including an Owl sanctuary). As a bonus we picked up a ‘Crazy Golf Machine’ board game for a quid at the on-site weekly Car Boot Sale!

Looking on the Stonham Barns Golf Centre website I noticed that they also run regular Footgolf events! Another crazy type of Golf!

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