Holy-moly, the crowds aren’t mini
IT might not vie for the position of most popular sport in New Zealand anytime soon, but the NZ Minigolf Open playing out in Rotorua this weekend shows the sport has a loyal following.
Yesterday, 25 competitors turned up at Lumberjax, an indoor minigolf course on the outskirts of Rotorua, to take their shot at a top prize of $1000 and bragging rights.
Some had travelled from Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington, but the furthest came from Australia. Some had arrived days in advance just to practice, including Murray Cramp who had made the trip down from Auckland on Wednesday.
‘‘I’m just one of many people with a chance of winning. It’s entirely possible, but I don’t think it’s the type of course I excell at,’’ Cramp said before taking to the greens.
He was right. Two rounds in, he was happy with his scores, but his 36 weren’t as good as others’ 32s.
The weekend event marks the first time the nationals have been held in Rotorua with the previous two taking place at Auckland’s Lilliput course near Mission Bay.
And those who do well in the competition have a chance to take to the world stage (events are held across the United
States and Europe).
‘‘It’s a very unusual sport and it’s really accessible,’’ New Zealand Minigolf Federation secretary Damo Kissick said.
‘‘We’ve got an international audience waiting for us. If we can get more recognition and sponsors, then we can get to the bigger places. In the meantime, I’d like to see the clubs build up [around the country].’’
At the end of Saturday’s play, Cameron Couper held a handy 14 shot lead.