Mini Golfing can be as competitive as it is fun. In fact, few people know this, but there are mini golf competitions around the United States and even the world all the time!
This edition of Feel Good Friday highlights Gary Hester, a long-time putter who competes in the World Putting League. He says it’s all about the people and his love of the game.
What You Need To Know
- Gary Hester represents Team USA for the World Putting League
- He’s been playing mini golf for nearly six decades and has won over 500 tournaments in that time
- Hester once dined with Arnold Palmer after winning a competition, something that he considers being a highlight in his career
Hester says he’s loved mini golf his whole life.
“Well, I started professional mini golf in 1973, but I actually started mini golf in 1969,” Hester said. “An Arnold Palmer course was built close to my house, and my dad took me there. And we started playing tournaments. And we started winning.”
It started as a father-son outing all those years ago, and now, he’s become one of the greats — and he’s even met some of them too. When he was a teenager, Hester says he won a tournament and had the chance to dine with Arnold Palmer himself.
“To sit at the banquet table with Arnold Palmer and to have just a regular conversation with him was the biggest thrill of my life at that time,” Hester said. “And it really got me hooked on this sport and this game.”
And the thrills have only continued. He’s a member of Team USA for the World Putting League, and added that he’s played all over the world.
“To be able to represent the USA, it’s almost like an Olympic event, has been a great thrill,” Hester said. “I’ve been to the Czech Republic, I’ve been to Sweden, and two weeks ago, I just returned from Austria.”
It goes without saying that Hester is an expert. He knows the tricks of the holes and knows how to get around them to get an ace almost every time.
“It’s difficult to make when it gets hot because the carpet in the heat stays up, gets a little slower,” Hester explained while working through a hole. “So you really have to force the edge of the rocks to get it close.”
He uses that expertise to help others. People have even started calling him coach.
“You know a lot of the people have been talking about how much I show the shots and am willing to help new people,” Hester said. “More and more people are calling me coach, which at first I wasn’t sure, but as time went on, I kind of like the nickname.
Hester said he’s competed in over 1,000 local tournaments over his nearly six decade career, and has won over 500 tournaments in that span. He’s been ranked the top mini golfer in the country three times in the past six years.
When he’s not on the green, Hester enjoys other outdoor activities like softball, basketball, and going hiking.
He says he’s grateful to be putting with the best, and traveling all over the world to do it.