Miniature golf parks are not new to Israel, but existing facilities are generally poor imitations of the manicured, lushly-landscaped and challenging entertainment venues so common elsewhere. It may not be well known that mini-golf is a recognized sport governed by an International Mini-Golf Federation, with exacting international standards and organized international tournaments. With the increasing popularity of the full-size game of golf (even the most basketball-besotted Israeli has heard of Tiger Woods) two South African immigrants are determined to introduce the Israeli public to a quality family entertainment experience. 

Israel already has its Biblical Zoo, a Bible Lands Museum and any number of biblical historic sites, but would you believe a biblical mini-golf course? Grant Crankshaw and Jonathan Flink are well on the way to bringing Noah’s Ark, the Tower of Babel, Jonah, the crossing of the Red Sea, David and Goliath and more than a dozen other biblical episodes to … Raanana. 

They hope to establish the first of their planned group of themed mini-golf parks in the heart of Anglo-Israel “land” where it is predicted that the idea will enjoy more or less instant recognition. 

The venture is called iPutt and the management is determined to provide innovative family entertainment. The mini-golf course itself will be sufficiently challenging to entertain genuine golfers as they introduce their kids to the rudiments of the game. When the kids are off and running (sorry, putting), parents can work on their swing in golf driving cages or relax at the coffee/snack bar. 

It is believed that the iPutt concept, which offers a stimulating alternative to their children’s increasingly sedentary lifestyle will especially appeal to parents. . Research has indicated a need for outdoor cross-generational family entertainment, and also that Israeli parents are prepared to spend liberally in order to wean their kids from the TV and internet games. Mini-golf can involve parents directly in their children’s activities, or can provide a safe environment for unsupervised play within peer groups. Competing attractions, such as water parks, bowling alleys, cinemas and video game arcades, are either seasonal, physically demanding and/or incapable of allowing parents to relate to what keeps their children entertained. 

The iPutt parks are expected to be a tourist draw and a venue for birthday parties or other social gatherings. The educational aspect of the biblical theme should make them a sought-after destination for school outings. The emphasis will be on quality, aesthetics and the highest level of maintenance. Maintaining these standards will be the number one priority. 

The successful launch of the pilot project in Raanana will encourage the opening of two more branches under negotiation in Rehovot and Kfar Saba, and the plan is to establish 15 branches nationwide within five years. 

The project has the support of the Israel Golf Federation, and local authorities have responded positively to the concept.

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ian
2013-09-08
Miniature golf parks are not new to Israel, but existing facilities are generally poor imitations of the manicured, lushly-landscaped and challenging entertainment venues so common elsewhere. From this comment it appears the author has not visited "mini golf farod" a 18 hole course in the galilee. Green and incorporated into an Galilean backdrop of olive trees and rolling hills.

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