Teed off... Tiger Woods sends ‘cease and desist’ order to N.wales course GOLFING SUPERSTAR OBJECTS TO ISLAND VENTURE’S NAME
A US-STYLE golf attraction on Anglesey has been served with a “cease and desist” letter by lawyers representing Tiger Woods.
The golfing superstar has taken a dim view of the new venture in Llangefni.
In a homage to Popstroke, a company co-owned by Tiger, golf professional Matthew Wharton is opening a high-end miniature golf attraction and wanted to call it Puttstroke. But the similarity of the two names has caught the attention of the veteran golf champ and his coowners in the States.
Like Tiger’s Popstroke, Matthew’s venture promises visitors a family-friendly golf and outdoor dining experience. His floodlit golf course, with on-site catering, will be a mini version of those you’d see at a proper golf club.
The diggers have moved in at Matthew’s Golf Môn site and he’s hoping to open at least part of the attraction this summer. But first of all he now needs a new name for the business – and for this he’s asking for the public’s help.
“I was a bit shocked to receive the letter,” he said. “It arrived pretty soon after I announced the venture. I was surprised it had caught Tiger’s eye so quickly, but I suppose in a way that’s quite a compliment – maybe it shows he’s worried about the competition!
“I’m happy to go along with the request and look for a new name. I’ve decided to seek inspiration from the public – to see if they can suggest something suitable.
“I’d be delighted to hear ideas for the new name – so long as it’s not Putty Mcputtface or something.
“We live in a Welsh village and we’re trying to promote the Welsh language, so it would be good to hear suggestions for names that would translate well and put Welsh first.” Londonbased JA Kemp, a leading firm of European patent and trademark attorneys, wrote to Matthew after seeing an article about his new venture on North Wales Live. They believe there is a “substantial risk of confusion” between his Puttstroke and Tiger’s Popstroke.
Given Tiger’s high profile, the lawyers argued Puttstroke was taking “unfair advantage” of his company’s reputation.
They added: “In order to prevent this matter escalating, and in consideration of our client not taking any action against you in respect of your activities... our client requires that you give the following undertakings within 14 days of the date of this letter.”
There are seven undertakings, all related to ending the use of the Puttstroke name in a variety of online and real-world scenarios. These include any word – or words – that sound similar in any combination.
For his experiential venture at Golf Môn, Matthew is aiming to build a new 18th hole bar and events building with outside seating and a grill restaurant. Already operating is Popty Pizza, a restaurant with a wood-fired oven.
As the course will be flood-lit, it will offer later opening hours than most golf courses, transforming it into an evening out as well as a daytime activity.
It’s a concept that’s proving a hit in the US, where Popstroke offers upmarket clubhouses, indoor kids playgrounds and premium-turfed 18-hole putting courses. Since 2019, 13 courses have been built and the aim is to reach 50. Likewise, Matthew’s mini golf course will have highquality Astroturf for its fairways, coloured yellow for bunkers. Some holes will be up to 20 metres long, each banked at the sides to prevent the need for boundaries between holes.
Matthew, a former Llandudno and Bangor golf professional, based his Golf Môn business at Llangefni’s old municipal course and driving range, which closed in 2018 and was sold off. He’s spoken of his ambition to make his mini-golf site the number one attraction on Anglesey.
Although phase one work has begun, further funding will be needed if his proposed venture – provisionally renamed Anglesey Adventure Golf – is to reach its full potential. To this end, he has just launched a Justgiving page aiming to raise £15,000. In return, contributors will receive discounted playing fees, season tickets and children’s party hires.
Matthew wrote of creating “something truly special for Llangefni and beyond”. He added: “We envision a top-notch facility that not only meets but exceeds industry standards, offering a memorable and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.
“Unfortunately, without your help, we face delays and compromises in construction, potentially impacting the overall experience and longevity of the course. The problem lies in the gap between our aspirations and current resources. Without adequate financial support, the quality and timely completion of the project are at risk.”
All contributors will also invited to the venture’s launch party. To find out more, or to contribute, you can find the Justgiving. Names for Matthew’s mini golf venture can be submitted via Golf Môn’s Instagram page or its Facebook page.