The lockdown due to the coronavirus has thrown a monkey wrench in the routines of most people.
And what can be more disruptive than not being able to head off to the greens for a round of golf?
That’s why one 31-year-old man decided to turn his backyard into a “Mini Masters” course to get his golf fix in.
Sam Williams, from Lancashire, was getting antsy from not being able to play golf. Not only that, but he also couldn’t even get any live events since they were all canceled due to the outbreak.
Frustrated but not disheartened, Sam channeled his creative energies and broke out his lawnmower and made his very own mini-golf course at the home he shares with fiancée Corinna Atkinson, 27.
Sam, a teacher, said: “I had the idea in my head for a week or so when lockdown began, but was not sure if my fiancée would approve of the idea. However, after designing the course layout on my iPad she approved and gave me the green light to go ahead!
“It took a full day to produce the course, mowing the garden a few times and cutting out the holes with garden tools. Flags were also created and added to the course. It still needs a mow every now and again and I feel like I have a part-time job as a greenkeeper!”
Sam continued: “I am a huge sports fan, watch, and play anything I can have a go at. Normally around this time of year, I get my golf clubs out and aim to improve my game and this usually coincides with the first major golf tournament of the year, The Masters.
“Therefore, with being in lockdown, what better way to practice my game and honor the best golf tournament in the world by recreating a mini-golf course in my back garden?
“As we are on lockdown, I have had plenty of time on my hands to make it work!”
Sam has played the whole course “at least 10 times” though only managed an under par once.
He said: “The roll of the ball doesn’t compare to the lush greens at the Augusta National course, where the Masters is held – and the unpredictable bounce from the odd weed in my back garden can definitely be tricky to negotiate!”
“Corinna has joined me a few times and the course definitely brings out her competitive side! She even scored a hole in one on the first hole of our first ‘official’ round of competition with me but sadly she could not hold on for the win.”
Sam said he and Corinna, who is also a teacher, will be honoring The Masters with a game this weekend. This is about the time The Masters should have taken place.
Sam admitted both of them were missing their students and co-workers as well as the freedom to “go out and make the most of the weather with family and friends.”
But aside from golf, the couple has also found other creative ways to entertain themselves.
Sam said: “We have discovered TikTok and been making videos to bring a smile to friends and family’s faces during the lockdown.
“We have also been creative and started our own little card shop (@featheranddotdesigns) using watercolors and hand calligraphy, donating some of our profits to support the work the NHS has been doing on the frontline too.”
He added: “It’s frustrating not being able to share the course with friends and family so we’re looking forward to the lockdown being over and inviting them over to sample the course.
“We will probably host a huge tournament and see who can win the first Mini Masters green jacket!”
Replaced!