Playing the Tidal Bay Adventure Golf course at the Wyevale Garden Centre in Sherfield on Lodden, Hampshire - the 883rd course visited on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.
It was the first time we'd seen this particular obstacle on a course - it made for a nice hole-in-one, if you could hit a straight tee-shot!
A blog about our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour. With a sprinkling of nostalgia and urban exploration for good measure.
Friday, May 10, 2019
Tidal Bay Adventure Golf at the Wyevale Garden Centre in Sherfield on Lodden
Labels:
Crazy Adventure Golf,
Crazy World of Minigolf Tour,
Garden Centre,
Sherfield on Loddon,
Tidal Bay Adventure Golf,
Wyevale
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.
Glo-Golf at the Riverside Bowl in Andover
The Glo-Golf indoor minigolf course at the Riverside Bowl in Andover, Hampshire was the 882nd course visited on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.
Labels:
Andover,
Crazy World of Minigolf Tour,
Glo-Golf,
Indoor Black Light Mini Golf,
Indoor Crazy Golf,
Indoor Mini Golf,
Riverside Bowl,
UV Golf
Location:
22-30 Bridge St, Andover SP10 1BN, UK
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 Putting Challenge at Hamptworth Golf Club
Playing a round on the excellent 9-hole Crazy Putting Challenge course at Hamptworth Golf Club in Wiltshire - the 875th course visited on our 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.
Thursday, May 09, 2019
Crazy World of Minigolf Tour update - 883 courses visited
We're now up to 883 minigolf course visits on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.
Before heading off on our latest minigolf road-trip last Friday morning we'd visited 865 courses overall (827 in the British Isles and 38 overseas) and had played 507 of them.
Our first stop was at Bridgemere Garden World in Nantwich and the Jurassic Golf course there |
Our road-trip to Southampton saw us visit 18 more courses, playing eight of them. We've now visited 883 courses overall and played 515 of them.
Courses visited on our recent trip to Southampton and back:
508 (866) Nantwich (Wyevale Bridgemere Garden Centre) - Jurassic Golf Bridgemere
509 (867) Worcester (Ravenmeadow Golf Centre) - Jungle Safari Adventure Golf
Putting at the jungle-themed course in Worcester |
868 Worcester (Ravenmeadow Golf Centre) - Pitch and Putt
869 Witney (The Leys Recreation Ground) - Adventure Golf
870 Southampton (Southampton City Golf Course) - Putting Green
871 Southampton (Southampton City Golf Course) - Putting Green
872 Southampton (The Outdoor Sports Centre) - Eternit Miniature Golf / Crazy Golf
510 (873) Lymington (Lymington Golf Centre) - New Forest Adventure Golf
Emily in action at the Surrey Invitational Tournament, this year it was held in Hampshire! |
874 Lymington (Macdonald Elmers Court Hotel & Resort) - Putting Course
511 (875) Hamptworth (Hamptworth Golf Club) - Crazy Putting Challenge
The Crazy Putting Challenge at Hamptworth Golf Club was a pleasure to play |
876 Hamptworth Hamptworth Golf Club) - Putting Green
877 Romsey (Romsey Rapids Sports Complex) - Adventure Golf
878 Hedge End, Southampton (Hedge End Golf Centre) - Viking Valley Mighty Adventures Adventure Golf - opens on 18th May 2019
512 (879) Netley, Southampton (Royal Victoria Country Park) - Crazy Golf
We found one Humpty obstacle on this trip |
880 Weston Shore, Southampton - Weston Shore Pitch and Putt at the On the Water Cafe
513 (881) Southampton (East Park) - Mini Golf
The Mini Golf course at East Park in Southampton was very tricky |
514 (882) Andover (Riverside Bowl) - Glo-Golf
The Glo-Golf course in Andover was the only indoor course visited on this trip |
515 (883) Sherfield on Lodden (Wyevale Garden Centre) - Tidal Bay Crazy Adventure Golf
The final course on our BIG minigolf road-trip was a Crazy Adventure Golf layout |
Like our last minigolfing road-trip this one also began with a stop-off at a garden centre in Staffordshire to play minigolf. In fact, this trip saw us top and tail our journey by playing courses at two Wyevale Garden Centres!
This time last year we reached 815 course visits after a Bank Holiday weekend away in Suffolk.
When our travels began in 2006 there were around 600 courses in the UK. We're now nearing the next BIG minigolf milestone of 900 courses visited. Where will it be...?
Labels:
Crazy World of Minigolf Tour
Location:
Southampton, UK
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.
Jurassic Golf at Bridgemere Garden Centre in Nantwich
Playing the Jurassic Golf course at the Wyevale Bridgemere Garden Centre in Nantwich, Cheshire - the 866th course visited on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.
Labels:
Bridgemere,
Bridgemere Garden Centre,
Crazy World of Minigolf Tour,
Dinosaur,
Dinosaur Encounter Golf,
Garden Centre,
Jurassic,
Jurassic Adventure Golf,
Jurassic Golf,
Wyevale
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.
Hole-in-One on Humpty - Crazy Golf at Royal Victoria Country Park in Netley
Scoring a Crazy Golf hole-in-one on Humpty at the Royal Victoria Country Park in Netley, Southampton - the 879th course visited on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.
Labels:
Crazy World of Minigolf Tour,
Hole In One,
Humpty,
Netley,
Royal Victoria Country Park,
Southampton
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.
Hole-in-One - Crazy Golf at Royal Victoria Country Park in Netley
Crazy Golf at the Royal Victoria Country Park in Netley, Southampton - the 879th course visited on our 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.
National Miniature Golf Day 2019
Not long to go until National Miniature Golf Day 2019.
The first of the years Miniature Golf Days is this Saturday.
National Miniature Golf Day falls on the second Saturday in May, this year that's Saturday 11th May.
Where will you be playing this year?
Playing on the Jurassic Adventure Golf course at the Wyevale Bridgemere Garden Centre in Nantwich |
For some ideas and inspiration check out our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour blog post to see the 880+ courses we've visited on our travels since 2006.
Each year there are two annual 'days' to celebrate the game. The first is National Miniature Golf Day, while the second of these awareness days is Miniature Golf Day on the 21st of September.
Labels:
Adventure Golf,
Crazy Golf,
Mini Golf,
Mini-Golf,
Miniature Golf,
Miniature Golf Day,
Minigolf,
National Miniature Golf Day
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 Surrey Invitational Tournament
David Hartley wins the 2019 Surrey Invitational Minigolf Tournament.
The field of competitors at the 2019 Surrey Invitational Tournament |
Planet Hastings Crazy Golf Club member David Hartley was victorious in the 2019 Surrey Invitational Tournament played at the New Forest Adventure Golf course in Hampshire on Sunday 5th May.
The 2019 Surrey Invitational Tournament champion David Hartley |
Eight players were in action over two rounds on the 18-hole New Forest Adventure Golf course at Lymington Golf Centre.
The competitors at the New Forest Adventure Golf course |
The title race was incredibly close and required a sudden-death play-off to decide the winner as defending champion Oliver 'The Machine' Florence and David Hartley had tied with scores of 105 after 36-holes. Interim champion 'Squire' Richard Gottfried missed out on the play-off by one-shot and had to settle for third place.
New Surrey Invitational Tournament champion David Hartley in action |
The play-off began on hole 10 and saw David hit a two, which Oliver couldn't match or beat, meaning David took the victory.
David Hartley looks on as Oliver plays his tee-shot in the sudden-death play-off |
Speaking after his win, new Surrey Invitational Tournament champion David Hartley said "I’m absolutely chuffed to nine pence as I now have three trophies adorning my top shelf. Maz and I play for the enjoyment of the sport and for the friendship and camaraderie. Prizes and trophies don’t often come our way so when they do, it is very gratifying. It was a great tournament, with excellent colleagues, played on a beautiful, well designed and well maintained course."
Results:
1. David Hartley – 54 + 51 = 105*
2. Oliver Florence – 56 + 49 = 105
3. Richard Gottfried – 50 + 56 = 106
4. Dave Gomm – 58 + 52 = 110
5. Matt Dodd – 57 + 59 = 116
5. Emily Gottfried – 61 + 55 = 116
7. Marion Hartley – 59 + 60 = 119
8. Emily Dodd – 90 + DNF = DNF
* won play-off at first extra-hole
The New Forest Adventure Golf course is an incredibly tricky layout and holes-in-one are scarce. Three players managed to score an ace, with David Hartley getting an ace on hole 9 in round 1, Marion Hartley on hole 13 in round 1 and Oliver Florence on hole 4 in round 2. This meant a play-off was required to decide the event's Aces Champion.
Oliver Florence in action |
All three players scored twos on hole 1, with Oliver's ball ending incredibly close to the hole. On hole 2 Marion shot a 4, David followed with a 3 and Oliver couldn't match or beat the 3, which meant that David won the Aces title and trophy to go with his overall championship at the event.
The Surrey Invitational Tournament trophy and Aces crystal ball |
Surrey Invitational Tournament Roll of Honour:
2019 – David Hartley
2016 – Oliver Florence
2014 – Matt Dodd
New Surrey Invitational Tournament Champion David Hartley and former winners Matt Dodd and Oliver Florence |
Each round winner of the Surrey Invitational Tournament gets to lift the trophy, but only the overall winner gets to keep it until the next staging of the event.
Interim champion after round 1 - Richard Gottfried |
Interim champion after round 2 - Oliver Florence |
Interim Champions:
2019 – Oliver 'The Machine' Florence at New Forest Adventure Golf in Lymington
2019 – 'Squire' Richard Gottfried at New Forest Adventure Golf in Lymington
2016 – Oliver 'The Machine' Florence at Stoke Park, Guildford
2016 – Steve 'F1' Gow at Woking Leisure Centre
2014 – 'Squire' Richard Gottfried at Horton Park Golf Club, Epsom
2014 – Oliver 'The Machine' Florence at Hoebridge Golf Centre, Woking
Photo gallery from the event:
The first shot of the S.I.T. by Richard Gottfried |
Dave Gomm in action |
Oliver Florence putting |
Emily Gottfried playing hole 1 |
Matt Dodd playing the hardest hole on the course |
A trip to the Isle of Wight |
Marion Hartley teeing-off in the Aces championship play-off |
As close to an ace as you could get on the first hole |
Marion Hartley playing hole 2 in the Aces title play-off |
Labels:
Competition,
David Hartley,
Lymington,
New Forest Adventure Golf,
Oliver Florence,
Surrey Invitational Tournament,
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.
Cheers - the off licence where everybody knows your name?
Having spotted the Cheers II pub in Worthing last month we noticed this Cheers off licence while down in Southampton.
The Cheers off licence in Woolston, Southampton |
Labels:
bootleg,
bootleg stuff,
Cheers,
funny,
off licence,
Parody,
shop,
shopfront,
Southampton
Location:
Woolston, Southampton, UK
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, May 08, 2019
Dragon's Quest Mini Golf at Fontygary Leisure Park
New Dragon's Quest Mini Golf course at Fontygary Leisure Park in Rhoose, Barry, Wales.
I recently heard about the new Dragon's Quest Mini Golf at Fontygary Leisure Park from the team at Greenspan Projects.
The minigolf course at the caravan park is open to the public, with a round costing £7 for adults and £5.50 for children.
Fontygary Leisure Park is in Rhoose, Barry, Wales. My family used to holiday at Barry Island, but I've not been to Rhoose yet. We're looking forward to visiting Dragon's Quest Mini Golf on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.
I recently heard about the new Dragon's Quest Mini Golf at Fontygary Leisure Park from the team at Greenspan Projects.
The minigolf course at the caravan park is open to the public, with a round costing £7 for adults and £5.50 for children.
Fontygary Leisure Park is in Rhoose, Barry, Wales. My family used to holiday at Barry Island, but I've not been to Rhoose yet. We're looking forward to visiting Dragon's Quest Mini Golf on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.
Labels:
Barry,
Dragon,
Dragon's Quest Mini Golf,
Fontygary Leisure Park,
Mini Golf,
New course,
Rhoose,
Wales
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.
Adventure Golf at Hedge End Golf Centre in Southampton
A visit to the new Adventure Golf course at Hedge End Golf Centre in Southampton.
The Adventure Begins at Hedge End. On the 18th of May |
During our recent minigolf road-trip we visited Hedge End Golf Centre in Southampton as we'd been told via a comment on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour Facebook Page that a new Adventure Golf course was being built there.
Fresh minigolf putters and balls in the Reception! |
When we arrived we saw the T-Rex and a lot of BIG theming on the new course.
The T-Rex! |
The Adventure Golf course at Hedge End Golf Centre will be one of three Mighty Adventures courses, the others being in Bournemouth, Dorset and Colchester, Essex.
A lot of the surprises on the course are still under wraps |
The course is due to open on Saturday 18th May.
The entrance to the course |
What looks to be a Viking longboat and a wrapped up dinosaur! |
Check out the Mighty Adventures and Hedge End Golf Centre websites for more information.
Labels:
Adventure Golf,
Dinosaur,
Hampshire,
Hedge End,
Hedge End Golf Centre,
Mighty Adventures,
Mighty Claws Adventure Golf,
Southampton
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 at Brooklands in Lancing
A look at the old minigolf course at Brooklands in Lancing.
Many thanks to our friend and minigolf rival Steve Lovell for sending over these snaps he took of the minigolf course Brooklands in Lancing, West Sussex.
It's always interesting to see courses - especially those that appear to have been forgotten or abandoned!
We've tried visiting Brooklands Pleasure Park on our trips to Worthing over the years, but we always got there too late to have a game.
There are only 7-holes still in place |
Many thanks to our friend and minigolf rival Steve Lovell for sending over these snaps he took of the minigolf course Brooklands in Lancing, West Sussex.
The windmill obstacle is still there |
It's always interesting to see courses - especially those that appear to have been forgotten or abandoned!
It took a few looks to figure out that this obstacle is a train. At least, that's what I think it is |
We've tried visiting Brooklands Pleasure Park on our trips to Worthing over the years, but we always got there too late to have a game.
Labels:
Abandoned,
Brooklands,
Crazy Golf,
Derelict,
guest blog post,
Lancing,
Minigolf,
Steve Lovell
Location:
Brooklands Park and Lake, Brooklands Pleasure Park, Western Rd, Worthing, Lancing BN15 8RR, UK
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, May 01, 2019
The Smallest Pub on the Planet at the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway
Revisiting The Signal Box Inn - the Smallest Pub on the Planet.
Last May we had a brilliant weekend away in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire. It was our second visit to the seaside town, having previously stayed there on our Lincolnshire coast road-trip in May 2011.
The Signal Box Inn |
We stayed in the Premier Inn over the road from the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway and as soon as we arrived we called in to The Signal Box Inn - the Smallest Pub on the Planet.
The Games Mezzanine at The Signal Box Inn |
The Games area includes a Miniature Golf course too |
Check out the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway website for more info on the railway and the pub.
Lakeside Station at the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway |
Where's the engine? |
A little shunter |
Awaiting the return leg of our journey at Cleethorpes Kingsway station |
Labels:
Cleethorpes,
Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway,
Lincolnshire,
Miniature Golf,
Miniature Railway,
Minigolf,
Smallest Pub on the Planet
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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