FOR many people, mini golf is simply a hobby or a fun pastime, but for others, it is a way of life.

Among the latter is champion mini-golfer Richard Gottfried and his wife Emily, who are on a quest to visit every mini golf course in the country.

After starting out on their adventure in 2006, the Cheadle Hulme-based couple have tried their hand at almost 1000 courses.

And number 942 on this list was the crazy golf course located in Vickersway Park.

So to mark the occasion, we caught up with Richard to learn more about his quest, how Vickersway stands up against some of the other courses he’s played on and his top tips for winning at mini golf.

Northwich Guardian:

“When we set ourselves the challenge to go to every mini golf course in the country, I don’t think we realised just how many there actually were,” said the 39-year-old.

“More and more keep popping up here, there and everywhere, and there are now more than 1,200 nationwide, making this feel like a bit of a never-ending quest.

“We visited Northwich shortly after moving to Cheadle Hulme in 2016 and it was one of the first courses that we’d played on in the north, so while in the area, we thought we’d revisit it.

“Vickersway is one of the nicest parks we’ve been to on our travels, and the holes have nice brick edging to them, so we were pleased to see that the course was still in good condition

“The course itself is quite unique compared to others that we’ve played on, as a couple of the holes are quite tricky with pipes and the last hole is uphill.

“Emily beat me by one stroke this time, but I got her back by winning on the putting green.”

Northwich Guardian:

Both Richard and 38-year-old Emily have been playing mini-golf since they were kids, and after buying their first car in 2006, they have been travelling the country to try out different courses.

And their mini golf quest has taken them to some brilliant, if a little strange, courses over the years.

“One that stands out is the Arnold Palmer Putting Course in Prestatyn, but there are some good ones in Blackpool and Great Yarmouth as well," Richard continued.

“If you’re after a mini golf hot spot, then Skegness is probably the best, as there are around 10 courses on the coast and a couple more a bit further in.

“If you’re after big obstacles, then Oddballs Crazy Golf in Cleethorpes has a huge windmill, but the craziest course would have to be Joe Joe Jim's Crazy Crazy Golf just outside Birmingham.

“It’s like a mad inventor has designed it, and some holes see you use wooden cues instead of golf clubs.”

Northwich Guardian:

Emily tackles one of the holes at Joe Joe Jim's Crazy Crazy Golf

Before we let him go, we asked Richard what his top tips are to give us an advantage next time we step onto the green.

“My advice would have to be not to just hit and hope,” he added.

“Have a good look at the hole before you tee off to see if there are any lumps and bumps.

“The most direct way to the hole might not always be the best, as there might be some hidden tunnels or pipes giving you a shortcut.”

To follow Richard and Emily on their travels, visit hamandeggerfiles.blogspot.com.