The Mini-Golf Masters, a tournament for the putter minded warriors

The Mini-Golf Masters – another big tournament with the same name, that only allows the putter

When we think of mini-golf, we think of the fun leisure activity that is enjoyed by families around the world. However, for some, it means more than just playing for laughs.

Say hello to the Mini-Golf Masters, a tournament for the players who want to put their putting skills to the test. Much like the tournament at Augusta National, the Mini-Golf Masters gives players a shot at the coveted green jacket.

The tournament is held each year at the Hawaiian Rumble course in North Myrtle Beach, SC. The U.S. Pro Mini Golf Association runs the show, and many people come out to participate.

There are 12 rounds with multiple divisions you can take part in. These include Amateur, Team and even Super Senior to compliment the main division.

The Mini-Golf Champions

In 2016, the Mini-Golf Masters celebrated its 20th anniversary. During the historic tourney, it was Randy Reeves from Montgomery, AL who came out victorious.

Reeves finished in sixth place in 2015, with Matt Male winning the green jacket that year. Reeves proved that that strong finish wasn’t a fluke.

Arguably the best mini-golf player in the world today however is Olivia Prokopova from the Czech Republic. The 21-year old has made a name for herself in the world of professional mini-golf.

In 2013, she swept the sports’ majors, winning the Masters, U.S. Open and World Golf Championship. Her dominance has earned her some corporate sponsors among other things.

She finished 16th in last year’s Masters though. A rarity for the star putter.

In Reeves’ case, not only did he win the tournament, he won it in jaw dropping fashion. He destroyed the field by 16 strokes, to win his first major.

The aforementioned Male, who won it in 2015, lost his magic in 2016. He would finish in 20th place, so no doubt he’s relieved he got his already.

Even Sirius/XM Radio’s Brian Katrek is a regular participant in the event, and even did a story on it as well. Katrek normally is part of the amateur division, where he finished in first place last year.

Then we come to Dr. Brad Lebo, who may possibly be, the greatest mini-golf player of all-time. With over 100 wins total, it’s hard to argue. However, he has been quiet in the Masters lately.

Hawaiian Rumble Track

Lebo finished 22nd in last year’s tourney and 10th in 2015. But, although the tournament features a slew of talent, the course is a story as well.

The Hawaiian Rumble course is known as the best mini-golf track on the planet. With pretty views, a replica volcano, and a tough challenge, the Masters has a great home.

The signature hole at the course is the 16th at the Rumble. Probably the key design feature of the hole, is the little bump or hill that’s near the cup.

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That portion can make or break your score. Hit the ball too light, and the hill will spit it back out to you. Hit it too hard, and it may ricochet roughly off the borders, leaving you with a tricky putt.

But what makes the Mini-Golf Masters so cool is that everyone can participate in it. If you win, then you can proudly say you won the prestigious mini-golf green jacket. Who doesn’t want that if you’re an observant golf fan?

Not to mention, this event is an opportunity to watch the best putters in the world, on the best course around. Or, if you ever had dreams of playing in the big Masters, this gives you a chance to fulfill it in a uniquely different way.

The next tourney will be in October from the 12th to the 14th. This gives you plenty of time to warm up the ol’ putter.

You can visit ProMiniGolf.com for info on the Masters, and HawaiinRumbleMiniGolf.com for more on the host course.

Next: 2017 Masters - An Early Look at the Top Five

Any thoughts on the Mini-Golf Masters? Would you participate in it? Do you know someone who has taken part? Let us know in the comments section or hit me up on Twitter @ChiGolfRadio.