A WORLD first ‘projection mapped’ mini golf experience has opened at The Waterfront at Merry Hill.

Putt Above offers visitors a new and unique mini golf experience, where all games are played on the same ‘hole’ with technology adapting the experience for players.

Visuals for each game are projected onto the lanes, with players going head-to-head in a variety of entertaining arcade style mini games, including Hook a Duck, Hot Potato and a good old-fashioned Shoot Out.

The venture, which has seen eight new jobs created at Merry Hill, has digital scoring and lane service whereby refreshments and snacks, including nachos, ‘puttcorn’ and cocktails, can be ordered straight to the lane.

The world first concept has been developed by Stuart Rowlands and Luke Beddall, who also run popular escape rooms in Birmingham and Warrington. 

Project manager Luke Beddall said: “We came up with the idea for a projection mapped mini golf experience during lockdown.

"With the entire country doing so much online, including working, attending school, and importantly socialising, we knew that when the time came people would be itching to get out and enjoy themselves again.

"Mini golf has proven to be incredibly popular in the last few years, but we wanted to bring something brand new to the experience – with an added 1920’s themed twist.

“For 15 months, we’ve been developing our technology and looking for the perfect space to debut it to the public and we can’t think of anywhere better than Merry Hill and its visitors to try it out first."

Jonathan Poole, centre manager at Merry Hill, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Putt Above to The Waterfront.

“It’s great to see exclusive experiences arriving here for our visitors to enjoy.”

Each lane can accommodate groups of up to eight and all ages are welcome.