Hi, it's Steve Lovell. I hope wherever you in the world, this finds you safe and well with those you hold dear. As we all know, minigolf has the incredible power to unite us all and during the time of Covid-19, this is heighetened. I've spoken to a few friends around the world to ask them the same three questions about the situation we face.
How badly has Covid-19 affected your country?
When do you think you could be playing minigolf again?
Have you managed to do any minigolf activities at home, like Puttathome or made any obstacles?
Our fifth interview in catching up with our minigolf family around, we meet Sandra Walker. A familiar face to many people.
My name is Sandra Walker and I'm 44 years old. I'm originally from Switzerland, where I started to play minigolf back in 1993 on a T5000 miniature golf course. T5000 is a miniature golf course, but the lanes are made from concrete and the walls are pipes just like on normal concrete lanes. The obstacles are also made from concrete. It is quite tough to play on T5000 and results are never as low as on normal miniature golf courses. In 1999, I moved to Finland and continued my hobby there also. Since one year ago, I live in Sweden, but I still represent my Finnish Club Sibeliuspuiston minigolfkerho and internationally, I represent Finland. During the 27 years of my minigolf life, I have represented Switzerland as a player and coach, Finland as a player and the United States and Japan as a coach. I have also represented my club, both as player and coach, in the European Champions League for club teams.
Sweden is affected as all the other countries, but there are no so many restrictions as in other countries. Practicing minigolf is possible, but all competitions are cancelled. Since these months, I have been very busy with work, school and WMF administrative stuff. I did not practice at all, but I am of course waiting to be back on the minigolf courses.
I hope that we can play competitions in late July, August and September. At the moment in Sweden, only practicing is possible right now.
I have very much enjoyed all the videos on Facebook, but I didn't putt at home myself. I was impressed how many great ideas minigolf players have to create obstacles, use staircases and other constructions to make the shots all the time more demanding.
Thank you to Sandra for her time and congratulate you on your recent wedding.