A couple who won a free game at Southport's Masters Putting Course 25 years ago have finally returned to claim their prize. Owner Charles Law, 50, said he was delighted to honour the long-standing offer because the passes “never expire.”
Family-Run Attraction Since 1965
The Masters Putting Course, located in King's Gardens on Southport's seafront, has been operated by the same family since it opened in 1965. Charles Law, the third-generation owner, runs the course alongside his brother Richard. The business was founded by their grandfather, George Law, a keen golfer from Scotland.
Charles explained: “George took on the Arnold Palmer franchise, which was the first one in the UK for a putting course. A couple of years later, he renamed it The Masters Putting Course, inspired by Arnold Palmer winning the Masters so many times.” George gave up running the Marine Hotel to focus on the course, which became a major attraction, hosting competitions sponsored by Flymo and Coca-Cola with prizes like lawnmowers and crates of Coke.
Generations of Dedication
After George's death, the business passed to his wife, then to Charles's father, Howard. When Howard was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and retired early, Charles's mother Jennifer ran the attraction before Charles and Richard took over. Charles said: “I’ve been around here as soon as I could walk. I was down here playing on the course, while my mum and dad were on their hands and knees through the winter painting the course and replacing the greens ready for the summer season.”
The 18-hole course, beside Marine Lake, has become a fixture of Southport's seaside experience, alongside attractions like the Southport Model Railway Village, Marine Lake boats, and Silcock's Carousel. Known affectionately as Southport Crazy Golf, it features nostalgic obstacles including the Windmill, Lighthouse, Hurdy-Gurdy, Helter Skelter, Watermill, and a Rocket Ship. A long-standing tradition: players who sink the lucky shot on the 19th hole and ring the bell win a free game.
Returning Customers and Affordable Prices
The Irish couple who returned after 25 years had kept their winning pass all that time. Charles said: “We told them to use it because our free passes never expire.” He added: “People tell us they came here as children and now they’re bringing their grandchildren. That’s really special to hear.”
The course charges £5 per person, which Charles describes as “really good value for a traditional seaside attraction.” He noted that Southport has been quieter recently due to Pontins closing and the pier being shut, so staying busy is key to keeping prices low.
New Mascot Honours Founder
Ahead of The 154th Open Championship at Birkdale, the family unveiled a new mascot: “Golfer George,” a steel figure made of nearly 4,000 welds. If stretched out, the welds would span more than 81 metres. Charles hand-painted the 100kg mascot in his workshop before installing it above the clubhouse. He said: “We’re hoping us and the mascot lasts another 60 years and becomes part of the course’s history for future generations. I didn’t really get to know my grandfather, but carrying on something he started and seeing families return year after year makes me very proud.”
