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 obstacles at home, but I have caught myself with my putter in hand a few times playing ‘ghost shots’. I have been playing a minigolf game on the computer called ‘Golf It!’ which has allowed me to play some minigolf against people.
Marion: It has impacted the UK quite severely, especially economically. Lockdown and social distancing have been in situ but some have ignored this. Fines have been in place for various reasons, like unnecessary travel and meeting with friends but not as severe as France or Spain. We are hoping that it will be mid to late June but more likely to be July. Our putters are in the golf hut at Hastings Adventure Golf where we keep them for our weekly practice so no putting practice at home for us this lockdown.
Cameron: I haven’t been to school since 20th March. Everyone has to stay indoors, only key workers children go to school and I don’t see my friends. Even the Prime Minister had Covid-19 and all sport has stopped. I don’t think it is safe at the moment because minigolf is in public places but maybe in the summer. Yes, I have done some tricks and made some courses. I practice some sort of golf everyday. (Cameron has done a number of impressive trick shots with a wedge).
Dave: Here in Hastings, we have one of the lowest in numbers affected by Covid-19 in the country, which is one good thing. On the other hand, having had heart valve replacements, I am one of the vulnerable persons self-isolating for 12 weeks. During this time, my minigolf equipment has been locked in the hut on the Hastings courses, so no home activities for me. Hopefully, we hope to be able to start playing again in July when I believe Hastings Adventure Golf are going to review the situation.
Thank you to my great friends on the tour and hope to see you all very soon.