Mini golf, putt-putt, pee wee, no matter what you call it in your neck of the woods, it’s a fun outdoor game. Compromised of either nine or eighteen-hole courses, all ages and abilities can test, and even master their skills. Set in a themed course, it gives the player more of a sense of adventure when going a few rounds with friends or family.
There’s not a lot of strategy required in mini-golf.
I am a complete amateur, but I believe a lot of luck is key. And sure, there’s probably some physics involved, but overthinking the game takes the enjoyment out of it.
What brought me to that particular golf course that day.
As I mentioned I’m no expert, complete novice. And to be honest, for me, mini golfing is mostly for tourists looking for some quick entertainment. Notice I said to me, please don’t come at me all you hardcore enthusiasts, it’s just my opinion. But what got me there that day was a radio contest. It’s a contest that lasts over several months, where daily winners are entered into a chance to be there that day, to make the putt for 5 grand.
Awesome radio station, fabulous prizes, and the chance for a $5000 mini golf putt.
WKIT is a locally owned and operated radio station in Bangor, Maine. It is owned by the master of horror, Stephen King. Combined with veteran deejays, it offers classic rock and the best radio contests in the state. They have given away thousands of dollars in cash and prizes over the years. Operating daily, they interact constantly with their listeners, even offering an app for online live streaming.
Stephen King‘s Rock and Roll Station WKIT 100.3. Live and local every day.
The anticipation of the big putt.
There were 63 loyal listeners as winners entered for putting that day. It was a beautiful Maine day, and I drove to the golf course by myself. Before entering the course, I downed a couple of what I will refer to as “liquid putting enhancers”, also known as 12 oz Budweiser long necks. The refreshment was just what I needed to give me that bit of relaxation. Although looking back, I wasn’t nervous at all, I wasn’t expecting to win. When I arrived at the location, the station’s general manager asked if I was nervous. I replied, “No, I’m just here to have a good time.” His response was almost intuitive “With that positive attitude, you’ll probably win.”
And that’s where I stayed mentally. Positive attitude, just here for fun.
One putt, one chance.
So I knew there were 63 entries, but then it came time to draw the putting order. And I was third. Third out of sixty-three. Sixty more to go after me. I just maintained my positive attitude and convinced myself I was there for fun. In hindsight, that was probably the worst, waiting to see if the next 60 people would outdo my putt. At one point, there was an expecting mother up for her turn at the grand prize. She mentioned she was pregnant with twins. Ironically, I am the mother of twin boys, and they were teenagers at the time, eating me out of the house and home, that money sure would come in handy.
Winner, winner, chicken dinner.
Well, no chicken dinner, but 5 grand will do. The contest rules were a whole in one, or closest to the hole. My putt was exactly eleven inches from the hole. Surely early on I did not believe it to be victorious. But I waited for the next sixty putters to take their shot, each one increasingly just trying too hard. But It’s mini golf, just whack it and hope for the best! Throughout all the putts I kept a smile on my face, and a little hope in my heart.
My temporary certificate, declaring me the mini golf putt winner of a cool 5K, and a quick pick with Doug E. Graves, station mascot.
I will always remember this mini golf putt.
Not just for the obvious reason of winning the money, but it was such an exciting time. The guys at WKIT made it a blast for all, and their generosity is unmatched. Owned by renowned author Stephen King, you can read more about them here.
Have you ever won a radio contest or a chunk of cash?
I’d love to hear more, let me know in the comments!