Kids turn up heat on 'Ace Man'

By Nick Sessions
BBC Sport minigolf correspondent

'Ace Man' Tim Davies had to work harder than ever for the trophy

Kids competing with adults for big cash prizes, gale-force winds and a competitor using a putter made from rubbish found in a skip.

It can only be mean one thing: the return of the Virgin Money World Crazy Golf Championships to Hastings.

Ninety-three competitors headed to the south coast at the end of October for two days of intense putting.

Reigning champion Tim 'Ace Man' Davies lifted the trophy for the fourth year in a row, but not before some talented youngsters had given the wily old veteran a good run for his money.

Twelve-year-old British hopeful Rocky Bullin stunned onlookers when he finished the opening four rounds in first place on the Saturday.

The under-threat world champ works his magic in Hastings

Davies managed a valiant fightback with a text-book display of miserly putting on the Sunday to eventually seal the title on his home course.

But the four-time world champion reckons that talented youngsters like Rocky are the reason for the incredible improvements in the standard of minigolf at tournaments.

"Kids can compete at the same level as adults in mini and crazy golf because they show no fear," he told BBC Sport.

"It's getting tougher and tougher for me each year. The general quality of putting is definitely on the rise and scores are coming down each year."

Despite the fact that the new faces on the minigolf scene will only make his job harder, Davies is delighted that kids are enjoying the sport.

"Competing in tournaments like this teaches children important lessons about sport psychology, how to compete and how to compete fairly," he said.

Phil Botto tests his 'reclaimed' putter under competition conditions

"I think it is really the perfect introduction to any sport for youngsters and it is great fun, which is the key to it all."

Davies also believes the grand old game of golf could learn a thing or two from its younger sibling about encouraging participation at an early age.

He said: "Kids don't want to have to go to a golf club and dress up with all the right equipment and the right shoes.

"With minigolf there is no dress code, you can be perfectly relaxed and everybody is there for a good time. It is the perfect environment to learn how to putt properly."

Competitor Phil Botto took the lack of regulation to extremes in Hastings, competing with a putter lovingly fashioned from rubbish salvaged from a skip.

There are not many sports where competitors using home-made kit can take on the world's top stars playing at the very top of their game.

Your correspondent's debut venture into the world of competitive minigolf peaked with a ranking of 49th place after the first four rounds.

If you fancy trying your luck at international glory keep your eyes on the British Minigolf Association's (BMGA) web site for details of upcoming events.