Tim 'Ace Man' Davies, four-time World Crazy Golf Champion and John 'Big Top Ted' McIver, three-time British Minigolf Champion have taken over the best miniature golf course in the World. And where is it? White Rock Gardens, Hastings.

Planet Hastings Crazy Golf is nestled away in White Rock Gardens, Hastings next to 'The Birthday Party Capital of the Universe', Clambers Play Centre, the bowling greens and Falaise Hall. The eighteen holes are landscaped into a natural setting surrounded by trees, shrubs, streams and even a waterfall - well a miniature waterfall - that players have to putt over, risking their ball being swept over a precipice by the swirling water. Planet Hastings Crazy Golf is home not only to crazy golfers but also a family of badgers, foxes, newts and a variety of bird life.

This little treasure celebrated its tenth anniversary in 1997. Prior to this the site was the location of the Hastings Model Village. Last year during the planting of the herb garden, some of the ruins of the model houses were uncovered, a miniature archaeological site is appearing - perhaps Tony Robinson and Time Team should come on down.

It has staged many national and international tournaments including the British Open, which has seen players come from as far afield as the Czech Republic, Austria, Moldova, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden and Finland. It is regarded as the best miniature golf course in the UK by BMGA members and the best in the World by the international press. This year, Planet Hastings will be hosting the BMGA British Championships.

The course is run by a Hastings sporting celebrity - Tim 'Ace Man' Davies, who has been World Crazy Golf Champion four times in succession and is currently ranked as Britain's leading player. How many other crazy golf courses can boast of having a course professional? He is supported by John 'Big Top Ted' McIver, who won a bronze medal at the Asian Open, representing the World in Yokohama (2006) and has won the British Championships three times. Between them they have represented the UK eight times and amassed over forty British Mini Golf Association tour victories. 

The two are the cream of British miniature golf, so much so that they have made a Crazy Golf instructional DVD entitled 'Nutters with Putters'. This, together with the book should see them at the forefront of the British media for years to come. Their inspiration, Stephen Potter, he of Gamesmanship fame.  They've also challenged Tiger Woods to a crazy golf match!

Crazy golf is a sport that anyone can play, suitable for all ages and ability. Unlike golf there is no dress code, no elitism and no need to buy expensive equipment - it helps children's hand/eye coordination, numeracy (especially if they take a lot of shots on each hole), literacy and above all it's great fun to play. Whilst some parents spend a fortune on golf lessons for their children, they ignore the basics, putting. Drive for show, putt for dough. Come and learn from the real Professors of Puttology. Or you could join the most successful mini golf club in the UK - The Planet Hastings Pirates are the current British Minigolf Club Champions.

Since Easter, Paul Merton of 'Have I Got News For You' fame has enjoyed a leisurely round as well as the 2006 World Conkers champion, Londoner Chris Jones.

And afterwards why not buy an ice cream, sit in the sun and ponder the future of the pier whilst looking over the far reaching sea views, listening to birdsong.

Competitions held at Planet Hastings (aka Clambers)

British Open 1999-2003, 2005, 2006
BMGA Players Championship 2001, 2005, 2006
British Junior Championships 2002-2004
BMGA Club Championships 2002-2004 & 2007
BMGA Doubles Championships 2007
Planet Hastings Crazy Golf Club Open 2002-2008
Hastings Invitational Tournament 2002-2008

Planet Hastings Crazy Golf, White Rock Gardens, Central St Leonards, East Sussex TN34 1LD