Golfers tee up for competition

Top minigolfers from around the country are set to descend on Norfolk this weekend, all vying to win the British championships title.

Wroxham Barns' 18-hole minigolf course will host the British Minigolf Association's (BMGA) British Championships on Saturday and Sunday, with play starting at 3pm on Saturday.

As well as the chance to compete against the current title holder, Keith Kellard from Bishop's Stortford, there are also the British junior, women and seniors titles up for grabs, with local golfers also being encouraged to take part.

The British championships follow last year's English Open, staged at Wroxham Barns, when Nick Chitty from Hornsey won the competition with a total of 95 in the three rounds played, setting the course record of 29 with his first round.

About 30 people are expected to take part in this year's event, with most of the BMGA events attracting between 20 and 40 players.

In minigolf the player must play the ball from the tee and straight into the hole in one shot.

Every stroke is counted as a point.

If, after six strokes, the ball hasn't been holed, another point is added. The highest possible score for any hole and player is seven points.

The player who has the lowest total stroke points is declared as the winner.

Giving out a few tips, Richard Gottfried, marketing manager of the British Minigolf Association, said: 'A minigolfer needs to have good concentration and to have lots of practice as well - those who know the Wroxham course will stand a good chance. The other thing is to have fun.'

Sean Homer, chairman of the BMGA said with the quality of the players taking part at the weekend, a new course record could be set.

A special Wroxham Barns trophy will be presented to the top East Anglian golfer.

The entry fee for the competition is �25 adults and �10 juniors, with a minimum age of 14. Entry forms can be downloaded from the BMGA's website, www.minigolf.org.uk or by calling 07910 243841.