|
|
|
Steve Lovell's blog« See all blogs
An apology 01 Sep 2021 at 09:38 | Posted in: General | Views: 2914 | Comments: 0
|
Back in July, I wrote about the Cardiff Open, which I mistakenly called the Welsh Open, which are two separate events. Also, I directed my ire about the sudden end of the event to the wrong individual. Apologises to all concerned.
Read more »
|
|
| |
|
The End Of The Pier Show - October on the British Tour 01 Nov 2020 at 19:34 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 3743 | Comments: 0
|
Friday 16th October: Having put the hours in at work so I can afford to do my passion once again, I had the day off work to head to one of the finest sights, not just in British Minigolf but in Britain itself. Strokes in Margate, looking across Westbrook Bay. Firstly, to get there, it involved 140 miles of mainly motorways and probably some rush hour traffic too. By 6am, my car was already packed and with a few albums worth of dance anthems, I was on my way. The milometer reached 77,777 miles on the way down, complemented by setting my trip so it showed 111.1 miles. My obsessive-compulsive disorder senses were totally delighted by this development. Next time I visit Kent, freight lorries will need the correct documentation, just to enter the county. We are living in messed up times.
I arrived shortly after 8.30am, well before Strokes opened, so it gave me a chance to stride it out. This is the first time I will have taken part in a competition in the senior’s....
Read more »
|
|
I'm Not Expecting You - September on the BMGA tour 27 Sep 2020 at 18:20 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 2664 | Comments: 0
|
Saturday September 5th: Even though minigolf in competition form had been back a matter of weeks, with my insatiable appetite for playing was starting to stretch, so much so as to feeling this was an onslaught. It had only been six days since I won my own club open and I hadn’t had a chance to wind down with work becoming a way of life. Farming at this time of year is hectic. For the first time in almost six years, I seriously considered sitting one out. I just can’t let others down.
The Midlands Open was going to be a late afternoon at Dorridge, around a ninety minute drive for me. With the course not willing to let us have an extended closed off practice, many of the participants chose to book a time slot to at least get some warm-up. I booked myself in for the 1630 slot, although I probably should have just walked on the course and found a spot, like a few had done. I completely get why a course would want to control numbers during the time of Covid-19, who....
Read more »
|
|
August And Everything After - The return of the BMGA tour 05 Sep 2020 at 11:25 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 2565 | Comments: 0
|
Saturday 15th August: After 167 long days without a tournament, during which time the world has changed forever and Snoop Dogg started advertising an app for fast food, we were back. For a long time, it would seem that my club open would see the tour restart at the end of August but with courses reopening, the one with the largest amount of real estate got the honour and the double header of the Cambridgeshire and Essex Open and British Doubles. Dunton Hills is a course I have done well at previously, with four straight runner-up spots and a win in the doubles. Despite that, I am not a fan. Every year, the rumours crop up that it will be the last time we play here but every year, we’re back again. It doesn’t help that there is no longer a kitchen or bar on site.
The excitement of playing and seeing everyone again is tempered by my alarm set for 5am. It’s not my turn to drive however as Ed is dropping by to pick me up in his new wheels. The drive down is a....
Read more »
|
|
Three Question Series number 10 - Lutz Brune 08 Jun 2020 at 22:53 | Posted in: Personal | Views: 2998 | Comments: 0
|
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?
This is the final interview in our series, which has not only been a testing time for minigolf but for the world as one. I’ve spoken to minigolfers, either in this format or informally all over the world, and it is surreal that we are all going through the same situation at the same time. It has been a pleasure to speak to friends all over and I finally call on Lutz Brune of Germany.
Hello....
Read more »
|
|
Three Question Series number 9 - The USA 04 Jun 2020 at 21:54 | Posted in: Personal | Views: 2974 | Comments: 0
|
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?
I’m going to tidy up all the remaining interviews in the next day or so and I want to thank all the interviewees for their experiences. We’re back in the US to meet American international Brian Johnson, Olivia Prokopova who has been unable to fly back to the Czech Republic, and Tom Loftus from A Couple Of Putts.
Brian Johnson: The effect on the U.S. has been substantial. Economically, many....
Read more »
|
|
Three Question Series number 8 - Youri Bottenberg 29 May 2020 at 21:46 | Posted in: Personal | Views: 2698 | Comments: 0
|
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 eighth interview in this series, I touch base with Youri Bottenberg of the Netherlands, to see how things have been in The Low Countries.
Covid-19 affected Holland pretty badly. It caused many problems for the people of our country, we were not allowed to go to school or work. All sport activities were cancelled too. At the moment, it is starting to get better, so people can start slowly....
Read more »
|
|
Three Question Series number 7 - The BMGA tour pros 26 May 2020 at 10:54 | Posted in: Personal | Views: 2356 | Comments: 0
|
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 seventh interview in this series, I get the perspective from my friends on the British Minigolf Association tour. Meet Martyn Williams, Marion Hartley, Cameron Fincher and Dave Gomm
Martyn: Here in the UK, we’ve been hit badly. We’ve the most deaths in Europe and the second highest in the world. I’d like to think we could be on the course in less than 3 months. I have not made any....
Read more »
|
|
Three Question Series number 6 - Florian Weitz 23 May 2020 at 20:23 | Posted in: Personal | Views: 2466 | Comments: 0
|
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 sixth interview in this series, I meet Florian Weitz from Germany, who I recently met at the Monza Night Marathon back in January.
My name is Florian Wietz, I am from Hamburg in Germany and I have been playing minigolf since 1987 for Niendorfer MC.
I think I have to give two answers on this question (to how bad the country has been affected). We have had a pretty big amount of....
Read more »
|
|
Three Question Series number 5 - Sandra Walker 19 May 2020 at 22:20 | Posted in: Personal | Views: 2492 | Comments: 0
|
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....
Read more »
|
|
Three Question Series number 4 - Alberto Pirovano 17 May 2020 at 15:53 | Posted in: Personal | Views: 2287 | Comments: 0
|
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 fourth interview takes us to one of the worst spots in the world for the outbreak, Italy, and we catch up with Alberto Pirovano from the Lombardy region.
Hi, I’m Alberto Pirovano and I am from Monz, near Milan. I have been playing minigolf for 35 years and my course is at the Sportspark in Vedano Al Lambro.
It has had a really great impact in Italy, especially in our region....
Read more »
|
|
Three Question Series number 3 - Maciej Madrowski 13 May 2020 at 22:53 | Posted in: Personal | Views: 2273 | Comments: 0
|
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 third interviewee hails from Poland and goes by the name of Maciej Madrowski.
Hi, my name is Maciej Madrowski, I’m 34, from Poland. I live in a town on the Baltic Sea coast in the north. I'm the president of my city's minigolf club, KS Minigolf Kolobrzeg. I have been playing minigolf since I was a teenager.
The ban on outdoor sports activities due....
Read more »
|
|
Covid-19 and minigolf - Vanette Block 10 May 2020 at 22:09 | Posted in: Personal | Views: 2581 | Comments: 0
|
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?
In the second of the series, I caught up with Vanette Block from the United States, to speak of her experiences.
I'm Vanette Block and have represented the United States at the World Adventure Golf Masters, winning gold in the Czech Republic and silver in Sweden. I have also been US Ladies Putt-Putt champion.
Covid-19 has been devasting for us. We have....
Read more »
|
|
Three Question Series number 1 - Jens Bergstrom 08 May 2020 at 10:23 | Posted in: Life | Views: 2260 | Comments: 0
|
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?
First up is Jens Bergstrom of Sweden.
My name is Jens and I live In Gothenburg, Sweden. I been playing minigolf for almost 20 years. Lately, I have spent many hours on adventure golf courses.
Covid-19 has caused and is causing big unemployment here. Also, among the elderly, we have been very unlucky to have a big ratio of death cases. Sweden is also one....
Read more »
|
|
Three Question Series number 1 - Jens Bergstrom 08 May 2020 at 10:15 | Posted in: Life | Views: 2304 | Comments: 0
|
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?
First up is Jens Bergstrom of Sweden.
My name is Jens and I live In Gothenburg, Sweden. I been playing minigolf for almost 20 years. Lately, I have spent many hours on adventure golf courses.
Covid-19 has caused and is causing big unemployment here. Also, among the elderly, we have been very unlucky to have a big ratio of death cases. Sweden is also one....
Read more »
|
|
Stop Naming Storms - The story of the Planet Hastings Open 05 Mar 2020 at 22:56 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 2543 | Comments: 0
|
Friday: With the now weekly event of another named storm battering the shores of our nation, my boss gave me the day off, which tied in nicely for me as it was my dad and brother’s birthday. It did mean a rushed morning to pack and remember everything I need to bring with me before embarking on 440 miles of the open road. It didn’t stop raining. In short, it was a great day. I got to see the majority of my family and we spent time going through mum’s old suitcase of memories, including a telegram in immaculate condition from 1942 from my Grandpa to my Grandma. Best day of the year to date.
Saturday: Now onto the sport. I left for Hastings before 7am knowing full well that the first couple of hours would be trying to play some minigolf in amongst clearing the course and taking cover. The wind was strong and with the tournament rules of using only one ball per course, it made my choice of ball really easy. It had to be heavy. Many had used a golf ball last year on....
Read more »
|
|
Hippos Can't Outrun Usain Bolt, Can It? - The Story Of The Thanet Open 15 Feb 2020 at 12:49 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 2583 | Comments: 0
|
Saturday: It begins. My eighth year on the British Minigolf Association tour starts with a trip to the seaside and the second Thanet Open in Margate. I’ve just got to get there. Setting off at 6am, I got a selection of badly organised road diversions, which add nearly twenty miles to my journey. The trance CD appeared to make my mood more aggressive, which was not the intention. I eventually made it bang on 9am and quick marched to the course, which had a short window of opportunity before the public converged. Other than Ed, I hadn’t seen any of the others since the beginning of December, so it was good to catch up. This weekend was going to be a lot less intense than the Italian experience. I have only putted once since as I haven’t been in the best of health.
This year’s edition has a major difference in that it is golf ball only. For me, personally, I have mixed views on this. At the end of the day, it is a putting competition so game on, but I much prefer....
Read more »
|
|
Race Track Is Over The Wall - The Story Of The Monza Night Marathon 22 Jan 2020 at 21:22 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 3963 | Comments: 0
|
Thursday: The 2020 season is under way and I am up early to catch a flight. I certainly had a bad night sleep, the alarm particularly cruel at 3.45am. I’m off to Milan in Italy to realise a five year dream by competing in the Nissan Trofeo Night Marathon at Monza. Yes, the place by the racetrack. I’ve wanted to do this event since 2015 but for some reason or another, I couldn’t get a playing partner or have been let down. Rainer Henseler answered my call to play but a week before, a doctor had advised him not to travel. After a nervous couple of hours, the organiser Alberto had arranged everything so I can still take part. Now, I find myself in the airport looking at the departures board. My flight is the only one delayed.
Once in the air, it’s less than two hours to one of Europe’s fashion capitals, which provided a stunning view of the Alps on the way in. From the airport, it’s a thirty plus miles journey to Monza by bus and a three miles taxi ride to....
Read more »
|
|
No Flakjacket Required - The story of the Star City Open 04 Dec 2019 at 17:53 | Posted in: General | Views: 2886 | Comments: 0
|
Friday: “I’m off to Scotland for a few days shooting, take a day off Friday, if you like,” the boss said to me, a couple of days before. Yes, I thought. This is going to work out very well. With the farming world I work in decimated by a continued spell of fairly terrible weather, I had the chance to make a proper weekend of it. A quick look at the internet and I grabbed myself a deal for a room. I was going to get three days on a leisure park. The tenth Star City Open was upon us.
Star City in Birmingham had made the news six days earlier after violence broke out in the foyer of the cinema. Expecting to see a war zone and armed guards everywhere when I arrive in the morning, I was pleasantly surprised to find it almost deserted, except for myself and the three-time World Crazy Golf Champion, Chris Harding, who also had the day off. Chris was a previous winner at the course so I had the chance to really know Star City in the company of the man with the best....
Read more »
|
|
Two Seconds Of Elation - The story of the Kent Open. 14 Nov 2019 at 18:49 | Posted in: General | Views: 2735 | Comments: 0
|
Saturday: The weather in Britain had been nothing short of terrible in recent weeks but if history was anything to go by, the second Sunday in November would be dry. The bright sunshine I left the house for the Kent Open in was replaced an hour later by a blanket of fog. This gave me a chance to vent any anger I had to all the drivers who failed to put their lights on. I only wish it was a couple of them. It was hundreds. By the time I arrived at Sidcup around 9am, it had cleared completely and so I got on with the practice. Martin was already there, and it was good to catch up.
The beauty of playing the Kent Open is only having to learn the lines due to the specific ball used for the tournament. For those into statistics, I know I am, the ball data is 30 centimetres, 50 shore and 70 grams, so one of my heavier ones that I own. It doesn’t take me long to pick up the pace again, especially on some of the longer holes. Sidcup is, in itself, a true test of putting.....
Read more »
|
|
One Man Music Quiz Team - The Story Of The British Championships 21 Oct 2019 at 21:11 | Posted in: General | Views: 2606 | Comments: 0
|
Friday: I had the day off, which was a welcome break from work. Looking at the weather forecast, I wasn’t overly hopeful for getting much play achieved but still, I went early to beat the traffic anyway. It was now the weekend of the last major on the British Minigolf Association tour, the British Championships at the challenging Strokes course on the north coast of Kent in Margate. In all honesty, I wasn’t hopeful of my chances, despite my recent excellent form. Strokes is the one place I have never cracked, with its lightning fast cloth and selection of holes which can reward you if you get it right but burn the heck out of your card if you’re out by a fraction. It is a brilliant test of putting and a must to visit.
I arrived shortly before 9am to find Martin staring at the course from the road above, as if trying to psyche it out. The feared 11th, Heartbreak Ridge, looked bigger than I could recall. I was just hoping to at least learn more about the course....
Read more »
|
|
Wasps Do Sting Twice, Bees Don't - The story of the Welsh weekender 17 Oct 2019 at 22:14 | Posted in: General | Views: 2449 | Comments: 0
|
Friday: “I’m off the Cardiff tonight so I’ll be finished for 5pm,” I said to my boss as I loaded the quad bike on for work. “No worries,” Chris replied. “You can go at 4pm if you want.” I didn’t need a second invitation to leave early. A few hours around the fields of Northamptonshire and a quick shower, I was heading to Wales in Friday evening traffic. My soundtrack was the new phenomena, The Minigolf Podcast, hosted by Marc Chapman, his partner Philippa and myself. The reviews have been great, even if I do say so. The journey was fairly steady until I hit Newport and the M4, which had been the star attraction of the travel report for a few hours. Unfortunately, there is just no way around it so I inched my way to the capital.
Tired from nearly five hours behind the wheel and a day in the fresh air, I wasn’t planning on going out but at nearly 9.30pm and checked in, I decided to have one beer. I called Martyn up to find out he was in a pub five....
Read more »
|
|
Well, that was different - The Story Of The British Open 22 Sep 2019 at 20:03 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 3384 | Comments: 0
|
Friday: I’ve been immensely jealous that while I have been working hard in the fields of East Anglia as the post-harvest effort, a number of people have been down in Hastings learning the Pirate Course for the British Open. At least it rained on the Wednesday for them although the picture for the weekend was looking unseasonable warm and calm. I had no pre-conceived ideas about how I would perform as I had only one round there since the British Championships in May 2018. On top of organising as well, I thought a top ten finish would be good at a push.
I was already stirring in bed at 2.50am and staring at the ceiling by 4.10am. I got in the car and headed for the coast. I arrived around 7.30am and was greeted by Paul and Tim who helped unload my car of all the gear. All I kept thinking about was seeing my friends again from around the world, the field for this was incredible. Bengtsson, Seljelid, Vlcek, Hein, Cunha, Smith, Ahlander, Bisesi, Provaznik, Rutherford....
Read more »
|
|
It Has To Be Right – The Story Of The Sussex Wasps Open 05 Sep 2019 at 21:38 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 2898 | Comments: 0
|
Saturday: After months of planning and acquiring a selection of goods that Bargain Hunt would turn their noses up at, the weekend of my club open had arrived. We have record numbers for it this year, which has immediately put me on edge. People have been arriving since Tuesday for it, although Martin and Dee cunningly disguised this fact as having a few days away for their silver wedding anniversary. For me, this event means everything to me. The Sussex Wasps are the black sheep of the BMGA family and with it being a fortnight before the British Open, some of the bigger names are missing. With the aforementioned large field (in relative terms), it gives soon of the newer players a chance to shine like the Cambridgeshire sun.
I leave home for the course after preparing dinner for some hardcore practice and coaching, for whoever wants it. Other roles for me during the day include taxi driver, financier, hotelier, chef, chutney raconteur and ball salesman. I want to....
Read more »
|
|
Dunton At The Double - The story of a wet weekend in Essex 01 Aug 2019 at 21:24 | Posted in: General | Views: 3190 | Comments: 0
|
Saturday: Britain had been experiencing record breaking temperatures. Two days before, we had the hottest day of all time not far from where I live. All of this was a mirage to the actual weather we did now have. It had been raining for most of the night and as I drove down to the double header at Dunton Hills, I drove through a number of flooded roads. Vests and shorts weren’t necessary. Full on waterproofs were. I got to Stansted and the rain had eased. I wondered what state an already treacherous course was going to be in.
Martin was already in the clubhouse when I arrived shortly before 7.30am, both of us peering out into the gloom. I decide to take the plunge. “No point turning up if you don’t practice in the wet,” I said. All things being considered, the lanes were holding up very well with almost no standing water. Dunton Hills is the toughest course we play, the BMGA’s version of Prishtina. What the weather had done was made it quite playable. Putts....
Read more »
|
|
What Family Means - English Open and Worthing Open report 09 Jul 2019 at 22:30 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 2912 | Comments: 0
|
Saturday 29th: With the frantic pace of mid June’s World Crazy Golf Championships and World Adventure Golf Masters now committed to a set of very pleasant memories, the seemingly more sedate going of the English Open in Nottingham is the next stop of the British Minigolf Association tour. Not that my build up to the competition showed, playing catch up from my exploits in Sweden and working on future tournaments, at times, it was starting to feel like a part time job. Luckily, my hunger for minigolf had grown further so I took it on the chin.
Nottingham is one of the easier courses for me to get to by car but probably the hardest to park anywhere near. This had become a real trek now as even my usual free parking spots were served with time restrictions now. I arrived at opening, closely followed by a BBC television crew hunting local talent. I wasn’t local enough but Ed certainly was and spent the next forty five minutes showing a reporter the difference between....
Read more »
|
|
Two weeks in June – the life of an international sportsperson 18 Jun 2019 at 22:45 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 3916 | Comments: 2
|
As busy as my schedule is for minigolf throughout the season, nothing can quite measure up to the back to back tournaments at the start of the summer period. In Britain, the best supported event is the World Crazy Golf Championships at the Arnold Palmer course in Hastings, now in its seventeenth edition. The coverage has been ramped up and the entry list have both grown over the past few years and with the weather conditions at the exposed seafront location, anything can happen. I have traditionally given myself three days to get used to the cloth and ambience of the event and the run up has given us a blessing from the skies. The forecast for late Friday and most of Saturday didn’t look promising as Storm Miguel was due to hit.
I always use the days leading up not only to play but to catch up with friends again and by the Thursday, around twenty or so had set up base in Hastings, while I stayed with my dad 45 miles away. British minigolf is a very social affair and....
Read more »
|
|
Two weeks in June – the life of an international sportsperson 18 Jun 2019 at 22:45 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 2666 | Comments: 0
|
As busy as my schedule is for minigolf throughout the season, nothing can quite measure up to the back to back tournaments at the start of the summer period. In Britain, the best supported event is the World Crazy Golf Championships at the Arnold Palmer course in Hastings, now in its seventeenth edition. The coverage has been ramped up and the entry list have both grown over the past few years and with the weather conditions at the exposed seafront location, anything can happen. I have traditionally given myself three days to get used to the cloth and ambience of the event and the run up has given us a blessing from the skies. The forecast for late Friday and most of Saturday didn’t look promising as Storm Miguel was due to hit.
I always use the days leading up not only to play but to catch up with friends again and by the Thursday, around twenty or so had set up base in Hastings, while I stayed with my dad 45 miles away. British minigolf is a very social affair and....
Read more »
|
|
Surprising Seconds - The story of the Midlands Open and Mathcplay 27 May 2019 at 23:02 | Posted in: Personal | Views: 2370 | Comments: 0
|
Saturday: After nearly two months off from competitive minigolf, building up an appetite, a few drinks and spending time with my dad, I get two competitions for the price of one. This is the first of three double headers throughout the season and a bonus of being just the 170 miles round trip. I had already been over on a scouting mission on the Wednesday to re-learn the courses as during the 2018 edition in the middle of the hottest spell of weather in living memory, we played in the one weekend it rained. The prospects for at least today looked substantially better.
Today is also my birthday and in minigolf terms, I’ve become a senior. I have mixed emotions about today. Last year, I spent it in intensive care sat by my mum’s bedside. It is difficult to clear that from my thoughts. This is where minigolf helps, putting is therapy. I am first at the course, where we have two tracks to learn. The new and old course. “It makes it sound like St. Andrews when you....
Read more »
|
|
WAGM facts and stats 28 Apr 2019 at 18:21 | Posted in: General | Views: 5028 | Comments: 4
|
With the World Adventure Golf Masters a little over six weeks away in Kungalvs, Sweden, we at MInigolfnews are very much looking forward to it. Editor Pat Sheridan and reporter Steve Lovell have both been selected to take part so you can expect a lot of material from Minigolfnews. The past eight runnings of the event have given six different winners. Martin Stoeckle (three times), Gerrit Below and Oleg Klassen of Germany, Derice Shumilov Susoho and Gunnar Bengtsson of Sweden as well as the defending champion, Daniel Moser of Switzerland. Steve thought he would try and devise a ranking system, based on performance per round against the lowest score in the round. Below are the top 100 from the 260 who have taken part in any of the previous World Adventure Golf Masters, who are the surprises in there and who do you rate as the best adventure golfers. Let us know.
Top 100
100 Rene Schappi (SUI)
99 Robert Skyttberg (SWE)
98....
Read more »
|
|
We Discovered Time Travel – The story of the 2019 British Masters 01 Apr 2019 at 20:10 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 2740 | Comments: 0
|
Saturday: I have the pleasure of a long weekend and my first day off work since New Year. I’ve built myself up for it by ignoring the ironing pile and going out with my neighbours for a few beers. They’re getting married next weekend and I’m missing my team in the FA Cup semi final to go to the wedding. This ensures I sleep through to around 5 am, which on the eve of an event is tremendous progress. It’s a glorious drive down, apart from making myself drive through London to remember why I would never live there. Martin is already at the course in Sidcup and the first thing I have to do is remove clothing, it’s warm for March. I get to play minigolf for a number of hours in the sunshine without looking like I’m wearing everything I’ve packed for the weekend.
With the any ball rule in place rather than the single ball event for the Kent Open, played in November, I look to using a limited selection but something with a weight I’m more comfortable with.....
Read more »
|
|
We Discovered Time Travel – The story of the 2019 British Masters 01 Apr 2019 at 20:06 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 2606 | Comments: 0
|
Saturday: I have the pleasure of a long weekend and my first day off work since New Year. I’ve built myself up for it by ignoring the ironing pile and going out with my neighbours for a few beers. They’re getting married next weekend and I’m missing my team in the FA Cup semi final to go to the wedding. This ensures I sleep through to around 5 am, which on the eve of an event is tremendous progress. It’s a glorious drive down, apart from making myself drive through London to remember why I would never live there. Martin is already at the course in Sidcup and the first thing I have to do is remove clothing, it’s warm for March. I get to play minigolf for a number of hours in the sunshine without looking like I’m wearing everything I’ve packed for the weekend.
With the any ball rule in place rather than the single ball event for the Kent Open, played in November, I look to using a limited selection but something with a weight I’m more comfortable with.....
Read more »
|
|
Dave's Snake - the story of the Planet Hastings Crazy Golf Open 12 Mar 2019 at 22:26 | Posted in: Personal | Views: 3837 | Comments: 0
|
Saturday: Having got into bed around 9pm, I gave myself the best possible chance of being relatively fresh by the time I would wake up around 5am. Working in the farming industry, early morning starts are standard for me but this is a weekend and I’m on the road before the sun makes an appearance. It’s the longest running club event in the British Isles I am heading for, driving south to the Mecca of minigolf, Hastings. There is something about pre-dawn travel, mainly the lack of anyone else on the road, so I make it before the staff do. The Planet Hastings Crazy Golf Open is unique on the tour as we have to play all three of the courses with just one ball allowed per round. The tournament itself holds some special memories. I won in 2017, which still remains my sole strokeplay triumph.
A weather front bringing a strengthening wind throughout the two days was going to be a key factor and the more experienced putters knew that a heavier ball would probably be the....
Read more »
|
|
My Dog Is A Vegan - The story of the Thanet Open 12 Feb 2019 at 21:37 | Posted in: Personal | Views: 4103 | Comments: 1
|
Saturday With parts of Britain in the grips of one of those named storms, it was time to get on the road again for one of the toll booth tournaments, which requires me to pay the charge for crossing the Thames. Although it was an exceptionally early alarm, I was kept going by the thrill of the new. Not only were Britains newest club, the Thanet Silverbacks, hosting their first Open, we were also going to play a brand new course. Back in September at the British Open in Margate, local businessman James Godden had come down to see the tournament and introduce himself. James runs the Flamingo Amusements on the seafront and talked about his new course he was building in the basement. Today, we were going to get to play it.
I make great time and the good news is that the winds have dropped right back and Margates off chocolate seas are lit by golden sunlight. As Im waiting, Im joined by Dave and the Smith family, all of whom had been in Castleford a fortnight earlier.
Read more »
|
|
Preseason 29 Jan 2019 at 22:43 | Posted in: General | Views: 3696 | Comments: 0
|
Sunday 6th January: My seventh season of this thing called minigolf gets underway with a dash to the south coast and the home of minigolf, Hastings. Im well rested after two weeks off work and even though I set off long before dawn breaks, life isnt too bad. I was interested to see what changed had occurred since I had last visited with rumours circulating that new felt had been laid and what effect it would have on my notes.
Todays competition is the Cup Cake Classic, one of the three Kent invitational events throughout the season. Terry Exall is the defending champion and returning the trophy on its last legs. It had fallen apart as he took it home and was still looking sorry for itself. Despite not playing on the Pirate course, I have a knock around it as most of the alterations have taken place here. We will be playing the British Open in September, so Id like to have a heads up. Back to the Cup Cake, we will play a round on the Crazy, one on the Adventure....
Read more »
|
|
Talk To The Sun the story of the Star City Open 04 Dec 2018 at 22:28 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 3277 | Comments: 0
|
Saturday: Sleep pattern disrupted? Check. Watching videos of animals having accidents at 4am? Check. Up well before the daylight? Check. Everything seems in order for another minigolf weekend, this time the final event of the season at the Star City leisure park in the shadow of the Spaghetti Junction on the M6 in Birmingham. It is more picturesque than I paint, I promise. On the drive over, I reflect on everything thats happened in the past year. Twelve months ago, I had deep anxiety problems, which meant I had severe issues putting straight and struggles with nerves. Everything else, you know about. I just want to enjoy this weekend.
I get to Birmingham around the time Star City opens, enjoying the luxury of free parking all day. I have to play the course from memory as I had forgotten my notes and didnt rewrite them. However, it is amazing how quickly you do recall lines. Im not expecting too much success, Ive never really played well here. Star City is by far....
Read more »
|
|
Double Pudding - the story of the Kent Open 13 Nov 2018 at 22:45 | Posted in: Personal | Views: 2948 | Comments: 0
|
Saturday: It had been a troubled week, as coming to terms with a series of firsts since mums passing was hitting home. I had the ideal chance to just take my mind off things at Sidcup, the home of the Kent Open, the last outdoor event of the year. Typically, I wake up before the alarm, partly down to the middle-aged body clock, making breakfast and driving to the course around a hundred miles away. Im dressed for any occasion, we are expecting rain late in the day and a deluge of it. I bump into Sean and Marion in the restaurant area, who are the first amongst many to offer their condolences. It will be stirring on the pot of emotions, practising and being consoled.
I believe for many of us, minigolf is our form of escapism. The player, the putter, the ball, the cup. Nothing else even matters, other than hugs and compassion of my compadres. The Kent Open is one of the few events on tour where we just play the one ball, the VTK Kent Open ball. It takes a while to get....
Read more »
|
|
Double Pudding - the story of the Kent Open 13 Nov 2018 at 22:40 | Posted in: General | Views: 2786 | Comments: 0
|
Saturday: It had been a troubled week, as coming to terms with a series of firsts since mums passing was hitting home. I had the ideal chance to just take my mind off things at Sidcup, the home of the Kent Open, the last outdoor event of the year. Typically, I wake up before the alarm, partly down to the middle-aged body clock, making breakfast and driving to the course around a hundred miles away. Im dressed for any occasion, we are expecting rain late in the day and a deluge of it. I bump into Sean and Marion in the restaurant area, who are the first amongst many to offer their condolences. It will be stirring on the pot of emotions, practising and being consoled.
I believe for many of us, minigolf is our form of escapism. The player, the putter, the ball, the cup. Nothing else even matters, other than hugs and compassion of my compadres. The Kent Open is one of the few events on tour where we just play the one ball, the VTK Kent Open ball. It takes a while to get....
Read more »
|
|
Hatch To Dispatch - The story of the Welsh Open 14 Oct 2018 at 14:28 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 3105 | Comments: 0
|
This piece is dedicated to the memory of Margaret Lovell, who passed away peacefully after a long and brave battle against illness on September 27th. My mum always encouraged me with everything in life and enjoyed hearing about my minigolf life and the friends it has given me around the world.
Friday October 5th: Having had two weeks off on compassionate grounds, what I needed was to do something that was as far removed from the previous fortnight as could be. Luckily in my existence, I have minigolf, which most people I know dont get. I set off around 1pm after a slight change of plan and head to the capital of Wales, Cardiff. For me, its anywhere from around just over three hours to time it on a calendar to get to. I was grateful to the Welsh public greeting me by sitting in their cars on the A48. The English obviously didnt want Ted to leave as his train out of Paddington was cancelled. Its worth it when you arrive, I mused.
The Treetops course....
Read more »
|
|
Puppy Snoring - The story of the British Open 19 Sep 2018 at 22:10 | Posted in: General | Views: 3223 | Comments: 0
|
Friday: With harvesting and work being full on, I made use of my one day off by getting up even earlier than a normal weekday but with added zest. The British Open is an event I look forward to more for the social side of the occasion rather than the competition. Ill admit that I have a poor record and being at Margate this year, which I rate as the toughest challenge on tour, I wasnt feeling ecstatic about my hopes.
I reach the north Kent coast around 8.30am and go for a stroll, checking out a route for a Friday night pub crawl. The Margate area is the home of the micropub and previously, Ive restricted myself to the ones near the course. Not this year. On my way back to the car, I see Dave who is on his way for breakfast. The weather is utterly spectacular and there no place I would rather be right now except one. I have reached the Sheila utopia.
I only play the Strokes course at tournament time so in effect, I have to start over again with....
Read more »
|
|
That's Me In The Corner - The story of the Wasps Open 05 Sep 2018 at 21:58 | Posted in: General | Views: 3364 | Comments: 0
|
Saturday: Having gone to bed early on the Friday after another long week out in the fields, I needed to conserve my energy for the weekend. On the bright side, this is my home tournament and I get to spend fifteen hours at the back of a garden centre, just putting. I have decided that I should make all my guests feel welcome, which means two trips to the train station, making up a couple of beds, laying on a banquet, ferrying my group to the local establishments and generally, being a tour guide to the city of Peterborough.
Ruth is first to arrive, and I get to showing her the lines. The course does take a bit of figuring out when you first arrive as all but one of the twelve holes require a rebound of some sorts. The weather is beyond pleasant, proving that the sun really does shine on Stevie. Ed turns up eventually, having left his wallet at work, before I head off to collect Derek and Henri from the city centre. Shelley and James make the trip around lunch time.....
Read more »
|
|
The busiest month on tour - the story of July in Britain 01 Aug 2018 at 22:47 | Posted in: General | Views: 3997 | Comments: 0
|
Saturday 7th July Three weeks had passed since I was told my mum had days to live but against the grain, she was still with us, albeit in a weakened condition. I had been down in Worthing for several days to be with my family and strolls in the sea but also for the Worthing Open, which was set for 5pm. The weather for the country had been outstanding, almost to the point that it was expected to be bright sunshine every day.
In the build up to the event, England was ravaged with World Cup fever. For the first time since the nineties, the football team could be on for a good finish. Unfortunately, it was on the same afternoon as the Worthing Open, with the game finishing without extra time around ten minutes before we teed off. I turned up early to Splash Point to put the hard yards in. Ive performed well here in the past, although the pipe hole had certainly cost me the title in 2016. By kick off in the football, Will, Andy and Matt had disappeared to a pub, Scott....
Read more »
|
|
Thank you, the world of minigolf 25 Jun 2018 at 19:17 | Posted in: Personal | Views: 3114 | Comments: 0
|
Some five years ago, I discovered minigolf by complete accident. I recently blogged about my journey, hoping you could somehow relate to the story of how the sport has transformed my whole life. Now, I am writing to thank you. I was going to discuss the World Adventure Golf Masters at Horni Bezdekov in the Czech Republic but other than a short paragraph, I cannot. The tournament itself was an excellent experience and I can only highly commend our hosts, Daniel and Jitka, everyone who helped organise the event, the sponsors and the rich tapestry of competitors which made this the most successful competition I have had the pleasure of taking part in. I know I am not alone in my congratulations and I hope they are taking a well-earned rest and a glass of beer or wine.
The World Adventure Golf Masters in 2018 will forever be remembered by myself as a personal low point in my life. Saturday night and 726 miles from home, I was told that my mum, who has been dealing with....
Read more »
|
|
Skip The Salad - The story of the XVI World Crazy Golf Championships 12 Jun 2018 at 15:05 | Posted in: General | Views: 3234 | Comments: 0
|
Wednesday: Finding myself at work on my own, I received a phone call from my boss around 9.30am. When youve finished screwing the floor down, you can pack the tools away and go. Have a good holiday. And with that, I worked like a rabbit on heat and my World Crazy Golf Championship adventure was underway for the sixth time. By mid afternoon, I had reached Sussex and some time with dad as we caught up over some orange juice. Dad kept talking about the chip shop he now uses so I went and picked up dinner. Good chips. We went with the dog to the local pub and talked about life in general and in particular mum, who is still in hospital. Im needing to talk to my parents more these days, with the distance between us placing an emphasis on what family really means.
Thursday: My plan is to get to Hastings before everyone else goes to work but 6.40am is not early enough. Nothing frustrates me more than the car in front doing half the speed limit on a clear road with no....
Read more »
|
|
Im on board now The story of the British Championships 15 May 2018 at 20:25 | Posted in: General | Views: 4098 | Comments: 1
|
Tuesday: With the bags packed, I would have liked to have got home on time from work but the drivers of Cambridgeshire had other ideas by driving into one another. Whatever slight hope I had of visiting my mum in hospital had extinguished but getting to see dad late in the evening drove me on. What lay ahead was a mix of family, mileage and minigolf, two of which were my first loves.
Wednesday: I woke up before the alarm, I had been restless for most of the night. I couldnt visit my mum until 2pm so I took the opportunity to go to Hastings, the home of the first major of the year, in the morning. It was a cloudless sky and the sea was eerily calm. For the first time, I have a role to play in the running of an event as I have filled a vacancy at the executive committee. I had been notified on the journey down south. I am keen to prove that it is not the thankless poisoned chalice that some have warned me about and hope that a fresh, energetic outlook while trying to....
Read more »
|
|
World Cup Of Minigolf 29 Apr 2018 at 09:27 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 4425 | Comments: 1
|
Minigolfnews are delighted to announce two trophies that will be presented by its staff at the upcoming World Adventure Golf Masters at Horni Bezdekov, Czech Republic, over the weekend of June 16-17.
With at least two MGN staffers taking part and combined with the start of the FIFA World Cup, we have decided to have a couple of fun competitions to run alongside the main World Adventure Golf Masters, which will be in its eighth running.
The first is the singles knockout cup, running over rounds 1 to 6, and involves everyone who takes part. We will draw the pairings on the evening of June 15th, probably after dinner and during half time of the Portugal - Spain football match. We'll be flexible on the timings. In your pairing, whoever scores the lowest will advance. In the event of a tie, whoever had more aces will advance. In the event of a further tie, it will be sudden death by what you did at the first hole, and then the second hole....
Read more »
|
|
Action from the German Bundesliga 28 Apr 2018 at 21:02 | Posted in: General | Views: 2619 | Comments: 0
|
The link for 29/4/18. The strength of that field is incredible. http://ba.minigolfsport.de/bl1sued22018/result.htm
Read more »
|
|
We Missed Spring - The Story Of The British Masters 23 Apr 2018 at 22:35 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 3165 | Comments: 0
|
Saturday: For the first time this year, I am sleeping above my covers. Parts of Britain have been gripped by a heatwave, hitting 29 degrees on the Thursday, which meant the nations usual adjustment period to this PHEW! WOT A SCORCHER newspaper headline of a day hadnt happened. On top of four beers in the evening and my mum being back in hospital, this was the perfect storm for me to be restless. Im 43, why go changing now. Today, Im heading south of the river to Sidcup for the British Masters. Its an event I hold dear as I made my debut in 2013 during the halcyon Worthing era and although Im missing the chance to have a crack at the old mistress, playing at Sidcup will ensure a close contest.
I reach Sidcup around 9am to be greeted by Martin Greenhead. I have a gift for him (and the rest of the British team heading to the Czech Republic). As many know, I have too much time on my hands so Ive made the squad a booklet of putt maps and line for Horni Bezdekov.....
Read more »
|
|
Five Years On - my minigolf odyssey 14 Apr 2018 at 19:58 | Posted in: Personal | Views: 4087 | Comments: 1
|
Five years ago today, I dipped my toes into the world of minigolf. This was supposed to be one of those fleeting glimpses into a drunken idea which would just be another day in my life. At this stage of life, I had been single for five months and was looking for a different challenge. The story goes back a couple of months on a night out in Brighton with my friend, Jess. It was on the way home whilst on the train that randomly flicking through Facebook that would change my perception on what my social life should be. By the following morning, I had entered a tournament at my local course in Worthing and even convinced a mate to take part. At this point, this was only ever going to be a one off. Over the next six weeks, we would wake up early on a Sunday to sneak on for practice. We almost thought we were taking the whole event seriously.
As it got closer, the entry lost grew and I did some research into who was playing from the BMGA website. Eight of the top ten were....
Read more »
|
|
Life Is Life - The story of the English Open 27 Mar 2018 at 22:05 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 3367 | Comments: 0
|
Saturday: Its been a long couple of weeks with so much on my mind. At the very forefront is my mum, who got rushed to hospital and has had an emergency operation two weeks ago. I havent slept very well since and quite frankly, my thoughts are anywhere but minigolf. With my regular northern travel companion called into work, I get to travel to Nottingham for the English Open without going via anywhere. For the second time this year, I strike an animal on the way, although I think the pigeon may have survived flying into my car bonnet. I didnt look back to check.
For me, other than my local course, Nottingham is the easiest track to get to at around an hour and a quarter. My resentment of paying over the odds for car parking kicks in once again and I find a street around ten minutes walk away. The Lost City course has once again very kindly provided a closed practice session for a few hours and although the length of it varies on how busy the complex gets, it is....
Read more »
|
|
Breaking The Ice: The story of the Planet Hastings Crazy Golf Open 06 Mar 2018 at 22:13 | Posted in: General | Views: 3287 | Comments: 0
|
Saturday: After three seemingly endless months away from the cut and thrust of the main tour, 2018 has finally kicked off. For me, the battle will be getting there as Britain has been pelted by the grips of winter, or has the press dubbed it, The Beast From The East. In short, its been cold. Friday had saw another four inches of snow dumped on top of what lay before. The back roads in Cambridgeshire have been affected by drifts and ice so Im going to set off early to give myself half a chance. To get to the motorway normally takes 15 minutes. Today, its 35. However, from there, the rest of the journey runs like a dream.
I reach Hastings around 8.45 am and the weather couldnt have been any different. Clear skies and bright orb, which I remember for a bygone era to be the sun. Due to the unique nature of the competition, we shall be playing all three courses on the Sunday, all of which are in varying states of playability. The Pirate course has been cleared, the....
Read more »
|
|
Fine Time For A Migraine - The Story of the Irish Open 2018 14 Feb 2018 at 21:27 | Posted in: General | Views: 3833 | Comments: 0
|
Thursday: Ive gone to bed early to try and shake a cold as well as getting ready for the 4 am start. As the night goes on, I feel myself getting worse and by 1.30am, Im awake with a medicine chaser. If this had been at home, I wouldnt have gone, but this is Dublin. Its the second Irish Open and Ive paid upfront. Before I know it, I've ran over a hare who ran out in front of the car and Im in the departure lounge at Stansted waiting for Adam and Tony. Breakfast at the Windmill bar is actually pretty good and as the sun rises, we go through check in, heading to another minigolf event. Although the seats on Ryanair are not comfortable for the six foot plus man, were only there for an hour. After dropping our bags off at the hostel, we head back to Dundrum Shopping Centre to the south of Dublin, home of the Rainforest Adventure Golf Course.
Thursday: Ive gone to bed early to try and shake a cold as well as getting ready for the 4 am start. As the night goes on, I feel....
Read more »
|
|
Save some sausage rolls - The story of Cup Cake Classic 08 Jan 2018 at 20:17 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 3511 | Comments: 0
|
And were off. The alarm springs me into life after of lethargy brought on by a bout of influenza. The Christmas period for me has been mixed and despite the freezing temperature leaving my house shortly after 6.30am, nothing will stop me making the 280 mile round trip for the tenth running of the Cup Cake Classic down in Hastings. I needed to get out of the house, Ive had cabin fever, Ive lost count of how many football matches and films Ive seen in the last week. Today is perfect.
Despite the cold, its at least dry and for a January day by the coast, you cant ask for more than that. Indoors perhaps. I arrive at the course at 9am to find the kiosk closed. I dump my bag out of sight and get putting. I think Ive got my putting stroke right again after a troubling six months or so and whatever happens today, its a good opportunity to see if the magic is still there. The first person to arrive is my team mate, Martin, who has become the new Brian Smith of the....
Read more »
|
|
Shadows Of The Season - The story of the Star City Open 04 Dec 2017 at 21:37 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 3751 | Comments: 0
|
Saturday: Ive been stirring throughout the night, endlessly watching dunk compilations on YouTube hoping that I would eventually get tired of watching Shawn Kemp fly over Alton Lister. No, I can never tire of that. Its going to be a long day as today, Im up early for the closed training session at Star City in Birmingham, travelling via Leicester to pick up Ed. Were a Bob down due to illness, or maybe confusion of our game of Kisstory Bingo. Its dark at this time of year, the majority of the first hour of the journey has no street lighting. It heightens the senses somewhat.
The course at Star City is open at 8 am, we arrive just after. I know on the tour that we are appreciative of the efforts to help us along the way and five hours without public intrusion is particularly. If Im honest, I try to avoid any kind of busy period with the public around. Normally, groups of seven upwards is common (the record number in a pack I have seen is FOURTEEN and they....
Read more »
|
|
First steps to a new level - The Story Of The Kent Open 13 Nov 2017 at 22:37 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 3417 | Comments: 0
|
Saturday: I had been thinking about this weekend for the last fortnight, ever since my last round collapse in Nottingham. I slept terribly for five days after, all the time just thinking about how my mind took over the rest of my body. In between times, I had reached out to social media land in the hope someone had the answer. A number of people had suggested pills but thats not how I want to deal with anxiety. There has got to be more. I set up a meeting via Skype with a friend who has in the past given me great advice so when they offered to help, I agreed. Albeit, a bit reluctantly at first but after an hour or so of getting my head unlocked, I had words that I could relate to in front of my eyes.
Fast forward to 5.27 am and Im awake, staring at the ceiling, waiting for the 7 am alarm to go off. I wake up and listen to music. In a flash, Ive packed the car and Im on my way to Sidcup for the Kent Open. The drive down is wet but is a fine mist by the time I reach....
Read more »
|
|
Head To Hands - the story of the Midlands Open 30 Oct 2017 at 21:51 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 3598 | Comments: 0
|
I thought about whether I wanted to produce this blog today. Since I started working for Minigolfnews fifteen months, Ive had a large number of highs. Winning a title, a very successful World Crazy Golf Championships, two foreign trips. There have been lows and I have briefly touched upon those. In the spirit of cathartic healing, I will talk about what happened on Sunday. For sure, it wasnt all bad, for the most part, it was another great weekend away. Doing what I love. Minigolf.
Saturday: The season is Britain is winding down. We are plucky souls and in all honesty, it never stops, it just means we put more clothes on. Im up around three hours before my alarm and struggle to get back to sleep. This weekend will be spent in the Midlands at the most northernmost port of call on the tour, Nottingham. When I do play here, it is normally expensive, with my car dying on the way to the course last year and my laptop and hard drive crashing just before I came up in....
Read more »
|
|
Lemon Meringue Pizza - the story of the Welsh Open 10 Oct 2017 at 21:16 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 3111 | Comments: 0
|
Friday: For me, today is the longest mainland minigolf trip of the year. Having already been to Ireland and the Czech Republic, Im off the Cardiff for the Welsh Open. Rather predictably, I am up before the alarm at 5.02 am, even after having a couple of beers at a pub quiz the night before. I want to try and get as far as I can before I hit any kind of hold up on the roads. I do alright and reach the Treetop Adventure Golf by 9.40 am, a full eighty minutes before the course opens. Not one for browsing the shops, I grab a sandwich and sit outside doing some stretching exercises. I must be impatient, I never limber up.
At 11 am, the shutter rolls up and this is my home for the weekend. The set up at Cardiff is worth the trip down alone and a grin breaks out on my face. I get to work. Having lost my 2016 notes on my old laptop, I discover some from the year before in a rough form. Within an hour, Ive already changed seven of the holes and how to master them. During the....
Read more »
|
|
Lemon Meringue Pizza - the story of the Welsh Open 10 Oct 2017 at 21:11 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 3242 | Comments: 0
|
Friday: For me, today is the longest mainland minigolf trip of the year. Having already been to Ireland and the Czech Republic, Im off the Cardiff for the Welsh Open. Rather predictably, I am up before the alarm at 5.02 am, even after having a couple of beers at a pub quiz the night before. I want to try and get as far as I can before I hit any kind of hold up on the roads. I do alright and reach the Treetop Adventure Golf by 9.40 am, a full eighty minutes before the course opens. Not one for browsing the shops, I grab a sandwich and sit outside doing some stretching exercises. I must be impatient, I never limber up.
At 11 am, the shutter rolls up and this is my home for the weekend. The set up at Cardiff is worth the trip down alone and a grin breaks out on my face. I get to work. Having lost my 2016 notes on my old laptop, I discover some from the year before in a rough form. Within an hour, Ive already changed seven of the holes and how to master them. During the....
Read more »
|
|
A brief history of the World Championships 23 Sep 2017 at 18:33 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 4519 | Comments: 0
|
Below is a list of the podium finishes from the World Championships, including the medallists from Nin.
1991, Oslo, Norway
Men
1 Rafael Nosberger (SUI)
2 Ivan Wijkstra (NED)
3 Jochen Sturm (GER)
Team
1 SUI
2 GER
3 SWE
Women
1 Miranda Graf (SUI)
2 Heike Listander (GER)
3 Linda Andersson (SWE)
Team
1 GER
2 SWE
3 SUI
1993, Askim, Sweden
Men
1 Andreas Winkel (GER)
2 Ales Vitek (CZE)
3 Jochen Sturm (GER)
Team
1 GER
2 AUT
3 SUI
Women
1 Alice Kobisch (GER)
2 Sabine Sauerwein (AUT)
3 Claudia Wiesenbauer (AUT)
Team
1 GER
2 AUT
3 SUI
1995, Hard, Austria
Men
1 Andreas Winkel (GER)
2 Michael Neuland (GER)
Read more »
|
|
A brief history of the WAGM 16 Sep 2017 at 11:38 | Posted in: General | Views: 3646 | Comments: 0
|
There have now been seven editions of the World Adventure Golf Masters, so with the most recent chapter from Croatia in the bag, lets have a look back at the previous results.
History of the World Adventure Golf Masters
13th and 14th May, 2011. Hastings, Great Britain.
M Stoeckle (GER) 207
S Kube (GER) 209
M Smith (GBR) 210
T Giebenhein (GER) 211
J Rutherford (GBR) 212
J Mittler (FIN) 213
O Klassen (GER) 215
M Chapman (GBR) 217
C Harding (GBR) 220
J McIver (GBR) 222
T Kelly (GBR) 222
S Thomas (GBR) 225
N Sandqvist (SWE) 225
N Chitty (GBR) 229
B Shepherd (GBR) 229
K Hein (GER) 230
S Homer (GBR) 232
R Gottfried (GBR) 234
Overall M Stoeckle (GER)
Men M Stoeckle (GER)
Women E Gottfried (GBR)
Senior Men C Harding (GBR)
Youth S Thomas (GBR)
Team Germany ....
Read more »
|
|
Tape Measure - The story of the Sussex Wasps Open 04 Sep 2017 at 22:21 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 3121 | Comments: 0
|
Saturday: I havent been well over the last day as I choose this time to get my annual bug. However, with a spot of self TLC, I wake up feeling much fresher. Not hugging the toilet is a bonus. This weekend brings my club, the Sussex Wasps, its first chance to host an Open. I chose my local course in Peterborough as I have a great relationship with the guys there. Theyve looked after me since it opened in 2015. With it being a new course on the tour, it will bring a fresh set of challenges to everyone.
I get to Peterborough just after 9 am and start by brushing the course of small stones. The first to arrive is Jon Angel, the course designer and former British Champion. Jon will be playing his first event in nearly five years and he may be showing signs of getting back into playing some more. We try a few shots out before have a round. I choose this moment to beat the existing record with a 20 around the twelve hole set up. I have gone better here, just never witnessed.....
Read more »
|
|
Snakes In A Drain 22 Aug 2017 at 22:35 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 3256 | Comments: 0
|
Saturday: Another early start, I wouldnt have it any other way. Having packed my bags the previous night, grated some cheese onto my beans on toast, Im off to the last full weekend of the year with the British Mingolf Association. The Cambridgeshire and Essex Open today and the British Doubles tomorrow at Dunton Hills in West Horndon. My hopes for the weekend are high. In 2015, I finished second. In 2016, I finished second, again, but won my first event with the British Doubles. Its fair to say this course holds a lot of good memories for me. Dunton Hills is like no other on the tour. Its at least three times longer than what were used to with rough borders, deadly swings on putts and shots that once theyre overhit, they are long gone. Its a real thinking mans track. I love it.
I had dropped by five weeks earlier after the Worthing Open, as Dunton Hills is on the route back home. I hit a few shots and ate some lunch before heading off. I just wanted to check some....
Read more »
|
|
The Uncomfortable Homecoming - The story of the Worthing Open 17 Jul 2017 at 22:30 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 4356 | Comments: 2
|
Friday: So soon after a great weekend in Hastings for the British Open but a lacklustre performance, a chance to start rectifying things on the course comes in the shape of the Worthing Open, back down in the homelands. Already this year, this is the fifth tournament in Sussex. I can understand why some people see the tour as a south east based affair. The truth is that many that play the tour are from the south east. I was once but will always do my best to support it, wherever the putting may occur. I late missed an event back in November 2014, the day I moved house to East Anglia.
I escape work an hour early and setting off at 4.35 pm, Ive got half a chance of getting a few beers in. The M25 has other ideas as it is closed for several hours on the approach to the Dartford Crossing. The other way round is twenty miles longer and concertinaing. It takes me four hours, giving me a chance to eye up the other drivers while sat in my aluminium box, listening to dance music.....
Read more »
|
|
English Women Are Scary - The story of the British Open Part II 11 Jul 2017 at 22:20 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 2978 | Comments: 0
|
Saturday: Im woken by Eds alarm, although he is already awake. I do what I do always first thing in the morning and check the news. Its sad today as Bradley Lowery has succumbed to neuroblastoma, which puts many things in the perspective. I also remember that last night, I made a bet with Pauli regarding the winning average, I have 28.6 or higher. He has lower. It could be close. Myself and Ed have left for the course via Greggs by 7.30 am and he starts to learn the course in daylight. Im joined by one of my newest team mates, Martin Relf, who is using minigolf balls for the first time today. It will be a steep learning curve, it always is.
With a couple of late entries, were up to thirty seven putters from Britain and around Europe. The weather is slightly overcast but isnt expected to be for too long. My playing partners for day one are Martin along with Rocky Bullin. As 10.32 am rolls around, the sun graces us and Im underway. For some reason, mentally, Im just....
Read more »
|
|
The Poorly Pooch - Story of the British Open Part I 10 Jul 2017 at 23:08 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 3270 | Comments: 0
|
Tuesday: As were quiet at work and I can only push a broom around a yard for so long, the boss kindly agrees to let me go two hours early, meaning I can make a good start against the rush hour traffic. Today marks the start of my fourth go at the British Open, which will be played on the Pirate Course at Hastings. I am keen to get back to the town of the best result of my career, the runners up spot in the World Crazies but first, I am once again going to take in the hospitality of Andy Exall, around 30 miles from Hastings. I come bearing gifts, a packet of bacon and some homemade bacon infused vodka in an unmarked soda stream bottle.
We sit down talking about the Czech Republic while watching the end of stage in the Tour de France where Peter Sagan gets disqualified for elbowing Mark Cavendish. Our choice of film is Train To Busan, a Korean zombie movie, which is fantastic, far better than the choice for last month, The Great Wall. Although I have the chance to have a....
Read more »
|
|
Dropped My Sausage: The story of the Czech Masters. 20 Jun 2017 at 23:13 | Posted in: General | Views: 3390 | Comments: 0
|
Thursday: Still living in the glorious shadow from last weekend, part two of my minigolf odyssey for 2017 was about to begin. Today, Im on an early morning flight to Prague for the Czech Masters. My bag has been where I left it on Sunday night, just the clothes were laundered now and the balls packed. With some juggling around, I am just a fraction under the weight limit if I wear the heavier items. The sun is up as I get in the car at 4.30 am, my excitement is overcoming tiredness. Around about ten minutes from the airport, I discover that I havent packed my glasses. Im too far from home to turn around and get them. Furious with myself.
The flight is on time and I am met at arrivals by the Vlceks, Daniel and Jitka, who have volunteered to pick up all overseas travellers to the event. An exceptional gesture which massively helps. Daniel taps me on my shoulder and we greet each other warmly. I first met Daniel and Jitka back in 2014, when they invited everyone to....
Read more »
|
|
Tales and ales at the seaside: Green beer 13 Jun 2017 at 22:48 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 3684 | Comments: 0
|
Saturday: I immediately put the television on at 6.30 am. Despite barely being able to open our eyes, the sports news appears and were about to witness Mike Bushells piece from Thursday morning. Through the football, rugby union, tennis, motor racing, we wait. And wait. And it never happens. Weve been shelved because the British public voted for a hung parliament and the BBC have put us on the back burner to sit outside 10 Downing Street all day. Tinpot. Well, I suppose we better play a World Championships.
The weather has changed for the better. Today, we have a cloudless sky and no wind, completely different to what we have trained in. I concentrate on getting the pace right on the front nine as they are ones which are exposed to the elements. It all goes well so I spend the last fifteen minutes or so going around my team mates to check if they have any issues. Ed helpfully gets me the line on the short 16th. It had been troubling me all week and I finally....
Read more »
|
|
Tales and ales at the seaside: The story of the WCGC. 12 Jun 2017 at 19:10 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 3836 | Comments: 0
|
Tuesday: Its here again. The build up for the World Crazy Golf Championships is like no other minigolf tournament in the British Isles. As soon as the last tournament in Margate was over five weeks ago, I get my mind set for this. It isnt just the event, its everything on and off the course. It is my favourite weekend of the year, bar none.
I finish work and throw my clothes in the general direction of the washing machine, thinking that the woodland animals will deal with it like in Mary Poppins. My bags are already in the car and have been for a couple of days. Im heading south towards Crowborough, the home of one of my best friends on the tour Andy Exall. For a nights board, Andy simply asks for a packet of bacon and I oblige. He has made a bacon pasta tonight, containing no less than FOURTEEN rashers of pig. We settle down to watch The Great Wall, which wasnt exactly the historical re-enactment that I hoped for. And with that, its bed, dreaming of....
Read more »
|
|
Ales Of The Unexpected: The story of the British Championships 08 May 2017 at 19:23 | Posted in: Personal | Views: 4414 | Comments: 0
|
Friday: Here we are, the first major of the British calendar, the first rush to make it to a course through the roadways of the south east. It's a little before 6 am and I'm packed for the jolly boys outing to Margate, home to the Turner Contemporary Arts Centre, Kiss Me Quick hats and one of Chas and Dave's more famous hits. It is also the birthplace of the micropub and the biggest challenge on the BMGA tour, Strokes Adventure Golf. My plan to avoid rush hour seems to have been everyone else's idea too as I hit the M25 north east of London, facing a wall of brake lights. I have my laptop for company as my new car stereo is being fitted on Monday. As well as the training day, it is also pay day too so I decide to treat myself to another pair of trainers which are uneasy on the eye.
I'm the first to arrive at the course, greeted by Matt Wood, owner of Strokes and designer of some of the beasts that await. It is beautiful here, despite the overcast atmosphere.....
Read more »
|
|
Just here for the Chutneys - The story of the British Club Champs 25 Apr 2017 at 18:39 | Posted in: Personal | Views: 3888 | Comments: 0
|
Sunday: Urgh! Its 5 AM and I am wishing for a lot of things. A few more hours in bed. A shorter journey time. Breakfast in bed. I know none of this is going to happen as I run down the stairs to put the kettle on. Do you want a cuppa, mate, I say in a raised voice to my house guest and team mate, Ed Pope, who has spent the night in the spare room. Luckily, hes awake and everything is on track for my third assault on the British Club Championships at the beautiful setting of Wroxham Barns, in Nelsons county. My club is the Sussex Wasps, which I formed at a restaurant in Birmingham back in 2014.
The SatNav says it will be just over two hours to Wroxham but I know the winding roads of the Broads and we arrive just 7 AM, having knocked around half an hour off that time. As we pull into the car park, we see one solitary vehicle containing an equally keen Wasp, Charlie Dart. Over the past year, we have lost a few members to other clubs and as a result, can only muster....
Read more »
|
|
Are we there yet? The story of the British Masters 11 Apr 2017 at 22:50 | Posted in: General | Views: 4064 | Comments: 0
|
Friday: Is there a service stop nearby, I really need to go? My passenger, to protect his identity, lets call him Saddam, is busting, after downing three pints in Huntingdon, waiting for me to finish work. About twenty miles, mate, I reply. OK, dont make me laugh and get there quick. We reach Birchanger Services and Saddam makes a quick march, complaining about the toilets being situated at the other end of the building. From there, we continue on our way to Worthing, familiar territory for me as it was once my hometown, and for the British Minigolf Association as the course at Splash Point has become the regular home of the Masters, one of the biggest challenges on the tour.
We reach Worthing around 8.30 pm and I deposit Saddam safely at his hotel on the seafront. Next stop is the neighbouring village of Lancing for my base for the weekend. My parents. Im greeted lovingly by the dog, by my mum with food and my dad with a beer. I rush to get my laptop out....
Read more »
|
|
Planet Hastings Crazy Golf Open: Tombola 14 Mar 2017 at 22:44 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 4048 | Comments: 0
|
Sunday: Is this all worth it? The alarm launching into a tirade on the ears at 5 am and with the threat of rain throughout the day on the south coast, do I really need this today? I am lacking sleep and still trying to get the problems of the now 'old' laptop sorted. I wash and get dressed in my traditional colours of yellow and black. Two slices of toast and half a cup of tea and I am on the road, the first of 342 miles. I have a diversion to make today, picking up my vice captain Derek from West Sussex. We have an hour driving down to Hastings, talking about the four months since we last met up at the Kent Open and explaining why I have so much eighties music in the car (because Adrian Amey's breaks into a sweat if I don't).
Today's competition is the Planet Hastings Crazy Golf Open played over the three courses on the seafornt. It is Britain's longest running club event, which was first held in 2001. Mark Spry, John McIver, Tim Davies, Trevor Exall, Andy Exall, Marc....
Read more »
|
|
English Open: Too much drama for me today 09 Mar 2017 at 07:11 | Posted in: Competition | Views: 4382 | Comments: 0
|
Saturday: The last 48 hours have been dreadful for me. My laptop and external hard drive both managed to crash on the same day, I'm down just over 300 shelling out for a new laptop and it's rained for most of it. I attempted an early night but found myself still very awake at 2 am chatting to Jon in the US about the last two days. My alarm is due to go off around 5.15 am to head for practice in Nottingham, travelling via Leicester to pick up Ed. Bad things always happen before going to Nottingham. Last year, my car blew up on me on the way. Now, the computer. What will happen next year?
The plan is to have a full on day of sport, something to take my mind off of my problems. I pick Ed up around 7.15 am, we're both surprisingly sprightly, especially when I produce the Top Of The Pops '90-'94 triple CD set. The drive up is spent catching up on the last three months since we last saw each other in Birmingham for the Star City Open. We arrive at the course to be greeted by....
Read more »
|
|
Dublin Part Two - The Edible Doctor 25 Feb 2017 at 00:07 | Posted in: General | Views: 3895 | Comments: 0
|
Saturday: Competition time has arrived. Were gradually getting up earlier as the week goes on. Once again, despite a large number of people being on the same floor, we have absolutely no problem in bagging the three shower cubicles. We manage to grab some breakfast and wolf it down as we want to get there as early as possible and we have at least thirty minutes of travelling time before reaching Dundrum. Its surprisingly mild for the middle of February, I almost feel a bit overdressed for the occasion. The talk of the build up to the event was about one person. Dr Edible Rice. Someone has entered the competition under this name and were assured that they are taking part. Dr Rice was due to be in Adrian Ameys group and the jokes had been relentless since we arrived. As 10 am approached, Dr Edible Rice failed to materialise and we were as a collective, disappointed. We so wanted to believe.
I practice very well, scoring a 24 and striking the ball beautifully, before....
Read more »
|
|
Sheila's Take On Dublin - Part One 22 Feb 2017 at 21:38 | Posted in: General | Views: 3668 | Comments: 0
|
Thursday: This tale goes back a few months, to the dark days of the finishing of the minigolf season. The not knowing when the next event will be. It feels like an emotional disorder to have your social calendar empty. Hell, I might even have to meet other people that dont wield putters. However, at the back end of the 2016, we were given an early gift. Dublin and the very first Irish Minigolf Open. Just take my money, Im up for this. Immediately, I start looking into making the trip as affordable as possible and give people a deadline of a week to see if they are as frugal as me. And from this, my road trip buddies will be father and son duo, Tony and Adam Kelly.
Its 5.45 am, I have been awake since 3 am. I abandon my car on an estate in Stansted Mountfitchet, a sleepy backdrop to din of the local airport. The Kellys arrive shortly after 6 am and within two minutes, we already have one of the moments of the holiday. Tony pulls the car up wondering why the seatbelt....
Read more »
|
|
Sheila's Take On Dublin - Part One 22 Feb 2017 at 21:35 | Posted in: Personal | Views: 3537 | Comments: 0
|
Thursday: This tale goes back a few months, to the dark days of the finishing of the minigolf season. The not knowing when the next event will be. It feels like an emotional disorder to have your social calendar empty. Hell, I might even have to meet other people that dont wield putters. However, at the back end of the 2016, we were given an early gift. Dublin and the very first Irish Minigolf Open. Just take my money, Im up for this. Immediately, I start looking into making the trip as affordable as possible and give people a deadline of a week to see if they are as frugal as me. And from this, my road trip buddies will be father and son duo, Tony and Adam Kelly.
Its 5.45 am, I have been awake since 3 am. I abandon my car on an estate in Stansted Mountfitchet, a sleepy backdrop to din of the local airport. The Kellys arrive shortly after 6 am and within two minutes, we already have one of the moments of the holiday. Tony pulls the car up wondering why the seatbelt....
Read more »
|
|
The Cup Cake Classic 11 Jan 2017 at 20:55 | Posted in: Personal | Views: 4437 | Comments: 0
|
Sunday 8th January: *BEEP BEEP BEEP* These are the first noises I should have heard at 5.45 am as the alarm went off for the start of the 2017 minigolf season, my fifth as a tour pro. However, my head had other ideas and I was wide awake at 3.10 am, probably from the anticipation of a 285 mile round trip to Hastings for the Cup Cake Classic. I feel ready. I have picked up the putter just once in the last five weeks and I feel energised, despite the lack of sleep.
I make a minor detour on the way down to pick up serial minigolf tourist and fan of everything from the 1980's, Adrian Amey. Chatter extends about as far as Mike Reid's Pop Quiz and hasn't Steve Norman from Spandau Ballet weathered well. At that time in the morning, the traffic is behaving itself and we hit minigolf mecca shortly after 9 am. As we walk along the seafront, I see a familiar face in Martin Relf, my playing partner from day one of the 2016 World Crazy Golf Championships. He greets us with a smile....
Read more »
|
|
Sundown on 2016 in Star City 06 Dec 2016 at 21:37 | Posted in: Personal | Views: 5292 | Comments: 0
|
Tuesday 22nd November - Due to a rare spot of inclement weather with one of these named storm things, I'm given the day off along with the rest of my colleagues. Rather than have a duvet day, I decide to get a few hours under my belt at Star City in Birmingham. There have been several rumours doing the rounds that the course is radically different from last December. I'm keen to get a head start on my opponents so I don't tell anyone I'm going, why waste a good getting to know you session by talking to people!
Conditions are ideal, the course is empty and will be for several hours. A quick glimpse around shows almost all of the 'sheep hides' (the rough) have gone and around half of the orbs on hole eight, which had previously looked like an accident on a Newton's Cradle. Yes, there are differences, mainly in the felt on about half a dozen holes being relaid and playing slow but overall, the lines are similar. After five hours, I call it a day, posting a few reasonable....
Read more »
|
|
The Kent Open - a players guide 16 Nov 2016 at 22:21 | Posted in: General | Views: 5041 | Comments: 0
|
Throughout the tour, British pro Steve Lovell gives an inside look on the wonderfully colourful events that make up the British Minigolf Association.
Friday: After arriving home from work and performing my usual routine stripping of my clothes on the way up to the bathroom, I feel I've earned a night out before another enthralling weekend of minigolf in Sidcup, at the newly named Mr Mulligan's Dino Golf. After all, they famously dug up skeletal remains of the Stegosaurus clutching a putter and a Nifo 2... I jest. The plan is to cook but I pick up a curry and a pint instead. This makes me sleepy but I find the stamina to watch England defeat the Scottish at football, which means tour journeyman Freddie Blackburn-Shaw will go into hiding. I become very tired by 10 pm and so, it being a Friday night where I should be out having ale and getting turned down by women, a shot of sensibility strikes and I go to bed.
Saturday: Up early and I fling the curtains....
Read more »
|
|
|
|
|
|