Monday, November 06, 2017

Cycle Speedway in Stockport

Finding out about the Cycle Speedway track in Stockport.

Our friend and minigolf rival John Moore is a big fan of Cycle Speedway. Back in 2011 he took us to see some races in Edinburgh at the British Veterans over 50s and over 60s Individual Championships in Redbraes Park (home of the Edinburgh Falcons). What a sport it is!

Cycle Speedway at the British Veterans over 50s and over 60s Individual Championships in Redbraes Park, Edinburgh
Cycle Speedway action in Edinburgh

We were having a cycle around Stockport on Sunday and found ourselves at St Thomas' Recreation Ground - a bit of the town we hadn't explored before. Riding through the park we spotted a Cycle Speedway track! It's home to Stockport 2006 Cycle Speedway Club.

Cycle Speedway track at St Thomas' Recreation Ground in Stockport

Visit the Stockport 2006 Cycle Speedway Club website for more information about the sport and upcoming fixtures (the season runs from March to October).

Cycle Speedway track at St Thomas' Recreation Ground in Stockport

Looking at the results from this year Stockport and Edinburgh are local rivals!

Cycle Speedway track at St Thomas' Recreation Ground in Stockport

At the start of the year The Friends of Alexandra Park in Edgeley set a challenge to its members to get and about to visit as many Green Spaces in and around Stockport, based on a list from Stockport Nature Watch. The Green Spaces list showed 33 places to visit - of which we've so far made it to eleven. On our travels around the borough we've also been to another eight parks and green spaces! You can see the list on The Friends of Alexandra Park's Facebook Page.

St Thomas' Recreation Ground has two styles of sign - one looks really old. It's a pretty big park too

Krazy Golf Lydney in the Forest of Dean

Playing the Crazy Golf course at Krazy Golf Lydney.


Krazy Golf Lydney in the Forest of Dean

On our Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire road-trip we visited Krazy Golf Lydney in the Forest of Dean.

Krazy Golf Lydney in the Forest of Dean
Krazy Golf Lydney is in a nice spot in the Forest of Dean and can be found just off the A48 next to Taurus Crafts

We received a very nice welcome and it was great to chat to Roger and Georgina about Krazy Golf Lydney and it's history.

Krazy Golf Lydney in the Forest of Dean
There's plenty to do at Krazy Golf Lydney

The course is an interesting 15-hole layout, with a unique setting. We had a feeling the site was previously something else and this was confirmed by Roger who told us the area was once a miniature railway and model village!

Krazy Golf Lydney in the Forest of Dean
This wavy wooden ramp was a tricky hole to play

Each of the 15-holes on the themed Krazy Golf Lydney course is based on tourism in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. You can see the full list of attractions on the Krazy Golf Lydney website.

Krazy Golf Lydney in the Forest of Dean
Hole 1 has a Paintball Combat theme!

Interestingly one of the holes at Lydney is based on the Wye Valle Mini Golf course at Symonds Yat West! That Roman-themed course was the 193rd we played back in August 2010.

Krazy Golf Lydney in the Forest of Dean
Another look at the wavy wooden hole

Krazy Golf Lydney became the 468th played and 787th visited on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.

Krazy Golf Lydney in the Forest of Dean
We had a hoot playing at Krazy Golf Lydney

Krazy Golf Lydney in the Forest of Dean
A railway hole!

Krazy Golf Lydney in the Forest of Dean
This hole was interesting as the rules state that you must play your ball through at least four of the 'gates' before you could hole out

Krazy Golf Lydney in the Forest of Dean
I got past the four gates in one go. The second putt was a longish one though

Krazy Golf Lydney in the Forest of Dean
Through a maze

Krazy Golf Lydney in the Forest of Dean
Emily's shots were on target

Krazy Golf Lydney in the Forest of Dean
There wasn't much room to manouevre for your second shots on this hole

In our match-up on the 15-hole course we tied on 38. However, as Emily scored a hole-in-one she picked up the win.

Emily was the champion at Krazy Golf Lydney in the Forest of Dean
Emily was the Lydney Krazy Golf Champion - what a nice touch to get a certificate. It's proudly displayed on our trophy shelf

As well as the Crazy Golf course you can play Foot Pool, Air Hockey, Pool, Table Tennis and Table Football, and a selection of garden games.

Foot Pool at Krazy Golf Lydney in the Forest of Dean
This was the second version of Foot Pool we'd seen on our recent travels. The first was at Pontins Prestatyn Sands

Krazy Golf Lydney also has a Crazy Golf Pool table game! We hadn't seen or played one on our travels before!

Crazy Golf Pool at Krazy Golf Lydney in the Forest of Dean
Crazy Golf Pool - another new game played on our adventures

Check out Krazy Golf Lydney's website, Facebook and Twitter for more information, opening times and prices.

Related blog posts:
- Crazy World of Minigolf Tour
- Gloucestershire

Link:
- Krazy Golf Lydney website

Videos:
- Video 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Set your tapes! Adventure Golf to be shown on Sky Sports Golf

A quick reminder that the American Golf National Adventure Golf Championships will be shown on Sky Sports Golf tomorrow (Tuesday 7th November).

The Adventure Golf tournament will be shown along with the Family Golf and Par-3 Championships events which were also held at The Belfry in September.

Me and Peter Jones being interviewed prior to the final at The Belfry

You can watch the show on Sky Sports Golf at 7pm, with a repeat at 11pm.

The American Golf Championship Tour invited players from all parts of the golfing spectrum to compete in its range of events. This year more than 7,500 players competed in a total of 17 tournament categories at 168 venues.

Along with Peter Jones I competed in the grand final of the American Golf Adventure Golf Championships after winning the Welsh Regional Qualifier back in April.

Winners of the American Golf Adventure Golf Welsh Regional Qualifier

I've had a good season in 2017 - topped and tailed by wins in Wales!

Inflatable advertising at Toyota in Stockport

One of my favourite things to see while out and about is inflatable advertising - whether it's a wacky waving inflatable arm flailing tube man promoting an antiques shop, to a more static inflatable directing you to an amusement arcade - they're always fun to see. So, you can imagine my reaction when I spotted this BIG inflatable piece of signage advertising a MASSIVE SALE at the Toyota car dealership on St Mary's Way in Stockport!

Inflatable advertising at Toyota in Stockport
We were heading home from a bit of a bike ride round the borough when I saw the inflatable thing in the distance

Inflatable advertising at Toyota in Stockport
What a sight!

It's the third piece of inflatable advertising I've seen since moving to Stockport last year. The first was a wacky waving inflatable arm flailing tube man Father Christmas advertising Terry's Fabrics in Cheadle Heath. The second was a 'static' inflatable promoting beds at United Carpets and Beds in Hazel Grove.

Related blog posts:
- Wacky waving inflatable arm flailing tube men 
- Inflatable advertising
Advertising
- Marketing
- Stockport

Friday, November 03, 2017

Minigolf tournament results for 2017

Minigolf competition results for the 2017 season.

This year I've competed in nine minigolf tournaments on a wide-range of courses.

Richard Gottfried playing the Championship Adventure Golf course in New Brighton on National Miniature Golf Day
Playing the Championship Adventure Golf course in New Brighton on National Miniature Golf Day

My season started and finished with wins in Wales. In April I teamed-up with my friend and minigolf rival Peter Jones to compete in the American Golf Adventure Golf Pairs Championship.

Richard Gottfried and Peter Jones celebrating their big minigolf win at Clays Golf Centre in Wrexham
Me and Peter celebrating our big minigolf win at Clays Golf Centre in Wrexham

We won the Welsh Regional Qualifier in Wrexham to gain access to the Grand Final at The Belfry in September where we were runners-up.

Peter Jones making a crucial putt - as I look on - during our semi-final match in the American Golf Adventure Golf National Pairs Grand Final at The Belfry. The tournament will be televised on Sky Sports Golf on Tuesday 7th November
Peter Jones making a crucial putt - as I look on - during our semi-final match in the American Golf Adventure Golf National Pairs Grand Final at The Belfry. The tournament will be televised on Sky Sports Golf on Tuesday 7th November

The On the Buses Fan-club tournament - The Butler Cup - was also held in September and I won that event held at the Arnold Palmer Crazy Golf course in Prestatyn.

Ad Burton and Richard Gottfried - the Amateur and Pro Crazy Golf champions in Prestatyn
Ad Burton and I were the Amateur and Pro Crazy Golf champions in Prestatyn

I've also hit the links for some Par-3 Miniature Golf competitions at the MiniLinks in St Anne's on the Sea. The 18-hole course hosts a Mini Major tournament each time there's a Major in big Golf.

Putting at the MiniLinks in Lytham St Annes
Putting at the MiniLinks - I've done a fair bit of pitching there this season too!

The course is also holding a Winter Trophy from November through to Febuary, so my season may not be 100% finished just yet.

Another notable result was my runner-up placing in the first Great Northern Minigolf Open held on two courses at Haigh Woodland Park in Wigan.

The top-three players at the Great Northern Minigolf Open
The top-three players at the Great Northern Minigolf Open - me, Scott Lancley and Russ Dent

Emily and I also played in the Paradise Island Adventure Golf Open competition at the brand's Manchester Trafford Centre and Cheshire Oaks courses. Unfortunately neither of us shot a low enough score to win.

Staring into the abyss at Paradise Island Adventure Golf in Cheshire Oaks
Staring into the abyss at Paradise Island Adventure Golf in Cheshire Oaks

My 2017 tournament results:

  • American Golf's Adventure Golf Pairs Championship Regional Qualifier (Wales) at Clays Golf Centre - Winner (w/ P. Jones) 
  • Great Northern Minigolf Open - Runner-up
  • MiniLinks Mini US Open (Par-3 Miniature Golf tournament debut) - T13th
  • MiniLinks Mini Open - 15th
  • Paradise Island Adventure Golf Open (Manchester) - Did not win
  • Paradise Island Adventure Golf Open (Cheshire Oaks) - Did not win
  • MiniLinks PGA Championship - T24
  • American Golf's Adventure Golf Pairs Championship National Final - Runner-up (w/ P. Jones)
  • The Butler Cup Holiday on the Buses Crazy Golf tournament - Winner


As well as competing in tournaments, Emily and I have continued our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour (up to 791 courses) and have contested a number of challenge matches along the way. Check out the great media coverage our minigolf adventures have received this year.

Emily and Richard Gottfried at the Wellholme Park Crazy Golf course in Brighouse, Yorkshire
At the Wellholme Park Crazy Golf course in Brighouse, Yorkshire. The course was the 450th we've played and 762nd visited overall on our travels

Each year there are hundreds of minigolf tournaments held around the world - from those run by world and national governing bodies, to course tournaments to club, local and independent events.

Richard Gottfried playing the Pirates Skull hole at the Rhos Fynach Crazy Golf course in Rhos on Sea on Miniature Golf Day
Playing the Pirates Skull hole at the Rhos Fynach Crazy Golf course in Rhos on Sea on Miniature Golf Day

In the coming months we'll be publishing details of events for 2018. If you know of any upcoming competitions, or are looking to organise and promote a minigolf event do get in touch.

Related blog posts:
- Competition
- Tournament
- Player Profile

Give the Crazy World of Minigolf Tour a Like on Facebook, watch our YouTube channel and follow us on Twitter @putting_gott and @Ems_Lems. Please do sign-up to receive our miniature golf newsletter too.

Thursday, November 02, 2017

Trailer Trash Jim's Crazy Golf inside Level at Preston Guild Hall

New indoor Crazy Golf course opening at Preston Guild Hall.


Part of the redevelopment of Preston Guild Hall includes the opening of a new Crazy Golf course. Trailer Trash Jim's Crazy Golf will be located on Level 1 of Level - Preston's new leisure and entertainment venue.

It sounds like a brilliant place as not only will there be an indoor Crazy Golf course on Level 1, but you can also play Laser Tag and Arcade Games. Level 2 has Ten Pin Bowling and Darts, while Level 3 of the centre is home to a Daredevil Assault Course.

Level at Preston Guild Hall opens on Friday 8th December.

Visit the Preston Guild Hall website and Level Preston on Facebook for more information.

Our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour

Details of our visits to hundreds of miniature golf courses.

Since 2006 Emily and I have visited more than 790 miniature golf courses around the UK and overseas on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.

Southend Pier Crazy Golf course
At Southend Pier Crazy Golf course - 1.3 miles out to sea!

As well as playing minigolf in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Jersey, we’ve travelled to minigolf courses in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Finland, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and the USA.

Check out the complete list of minigolf courses we've visited on our compilation blog post.

Please do get in touch to find out more about our travels and opportunities for promotion and collaboration. You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and Google+. Please do also sign-up to receive our minigolf newsletter.

The smallest miniature railway?

This train ride at Pensarn Pleasure Beach in Abergele could be a contender for the title of smallest miniature railway!

Miniature railway at the Pensarn Pleasure Beach in Abergele
The train is half the length of the track!

Wednesday, November 01, 2017

The Butler Cup Holiday on the Buses Crazy Golf tournament

Part of the Holiday on the Buses Weekender in Prestatyn is a Crazy Golf tournament organised by the On the Buses Fan-club and held at the Bastion Road Crazy Golf course.

The On the Buses Fan-club at Prestatyn's Crazy Golf course
The characters of the On the Buses Fan-club

The Butler Cup tournament has two categories - Pro and Amateur - as quite a few professional minigolfers are also members of the fan-club! In 2014 Emily won the first edition to feature the Pro category. Brad Shepherd won the 2015 event, while no tournament was held in 2016.

Prestatyn's Crazy Golf course
Playing a very tough plateau obstacle

The 2017 competition took place on Sunday 24th September and saw 23 players compete in one 18-hole round shoot-out.

Prestatyn's Crazy Golf course
Chris Jones leads off the tournament

In the Butler Cup contest for Pro players staying at Pontins for the Fan-club Weekender I scored a round of 35(-1) to take the win - a far-cry from my dismal sixth place finish in 2014. Alan 'Stormin' Norman shot a 37 to take the runner-up spot, with Emily in third on 38.

The Butler Cup Champion for 2017
The Butler Cup Champion for 2017

Also competing in the Pro category were Brad 'The Fist' Shepherd who scored 39, Seth 'Wandsworth' Thomas who hit a 40 and Chris Jones who shot a 43.

The Holiday on the Buses and Prestatyn's Crazy Golf course get the thumbs-up
The Holiday on the Buses and Prestatyn's Crazy Golf course get the thumbs-up

In the Holiday on the Buses Amateur category Ad Burton took the win with a score of 49, with Paul Thompson runner-up with a round of 51.

Ad Burton and Richard Gottfried - Prestatyn's Crazy Golf Champions
Ad Burton and me - Prestatyn's Crazy Golf Champions

Local minigolf professional Peter 'The Crazy Aced Assassin' Jones shot the low score of 33 to take the overall honours on the day.

Prestatyn's Crazy Golf course
Playing hole 2

Prestatyn's Crazy Golf course
Emily on the 1st

Prestatyn's Crazy Golf course
A classic Arnold Palmer Putting Course hole and a good chance of a hole-in-one

Check out the On the Buses Fan-club's website for more information.

Related blog posts:
- Prestatyn
- On the Buses
- Holiday on the Buses
- Crazy Golf in Prestatyn

Link:
- The On the Buses Fan-club

Prestatyn Crazy Golf

A visit to the Crazy Golf course in Prestatyn.


Prestatyn Crazy Golf

On Sunday 24th September we returned to the Crazy Golf course on Bastion Road in Prestatyn.

Prestatyn Crazy Golf
A view of the course from the first tee

It's a superb 18-hole Arnold Palmer Crazy Golf course and is in great condition.

Prestatyn Crazy Golf
The course gets a big thumbs-up

Prestatyn Crazy Golf
One of the best courses in the country

The course was originally the 147th played on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour in 2009. We revisited the course in September 2014.

Prestatyn Crazy Golf
The flat loop on hole 18 has been replaced since our last visit

Prestatyn Crazy Golf
I won another FREE GAME on the lucky last hole

One of the additions to the brilliant venue are some new benches!

Bench at Prestatyn Crazy Golf
Having a nice sit down

Bench at Prestatyn Crazy Golf

Bench at Prestatyn Crazy Golf
  
Bench at Prestatyn Crazy Golf

We were in town and staying at the Pontins Holiday Park as part of a Holiday on the Buses Weekender. Part of the event is the annual Butler Cup Crazy Golf tournament.

Related blog posts:
- Crazy World of Minigolf Tour
- Minigolf Course Visit No. 147 - Arnold Palmer Putting at Prestatyn
- Crazy Golf in Prestatyn
- Prestatyn