Delving into the depths: Exploring golf's underground adventure in a Welsh mine
Experience the ultimate golfing adventure deep beneath the surface in a disused Welsh mine, where the game's challenge reaches unprecedented depths Unearth an extraordinary world where golf takes on a whole new level of excitement
In a world where the objective is to achieve the lowest score, there is a unique golf destination in North Wales that surpasses all others on the globe.
Prepare yourself by securing a mining helmet and descending 152 meters (498 feet) into an abandoned cave at Llechwedd slate mine. Here, you will discover the world's deepest underground mini-golf course.
Boom
Dating back to 1846, this quarry experienced a tremendous surge in activity during the period of the Industrial Revolution. With a workforce of 17,000 individuals, the quarry managed to extract an astonishing half a million tons of the distinct gray rock annually, which were then distributed worldwide.
Today, only surface mining continues, but the location remains a bustling hub. Operated by outdoor adventure company Zip World, the quarry has been converted into an exhilarating haven for adrenaline junkies.
Ditching the typical golf cart, participants must hop on Europe's most precipitous cable railway to access the initial hole, descending a distance nearly identical to Pebble Beach's par-three 17th (160 meters) into the abyss.
A cable railway shuttles players to and from the surface.
Zip World
Forget about bringing flashlights. Instead, prepare to be immersed in a vibrant rainbow glow as neon lights illuminate the walls of the cavern. What you should really brace yourself for is the chilly atmosphere, as the underground temperatures plummet to a bone-chilling seven degrees Celsius (45 degrees Fahrenheit).
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Golf enthusiasts are faced with the challenge of maneuvering through an assortment of ancient mining tools and equipment that serve as obstacles on the 18-hole course. This leads up to an exciting climax where players make their final putt into a miniature mineshaft. To add to the excitement, golfers are given the opportunity to push a detonation lever, which sets off a captivating light display, mimicking the controlled detonations that miners once utilized to extract slate by breaking apart rocks.
Ahlgrim Acres, located in Illinois, offers a one-of-a-kind golfing experience that sets it apart from other below-ground courses. This unique nine-hole course sits approximately 20 feet below ground, with an interesting twist - it is situated directly above a fully operational funeral home.
For those seeking a more extreme underground golfing adventure, the Turda Salt Mine in Romania takes the experience to new depths. With a six-hole mini-golf venue located 120 meters (394 feet) beneath the Transylvanian soil, this venue rivals Llechwedd's record. In addition to the golfing facilities, visitors to the mine can enjoy a plethora of other activities including a 180-seat amphitheater, two bowling lanes, a sports field, and even a boat ride on a mine lake.
Golfers must don protective headgear at Llechwedd for the duration of their round.
Zip World
Bounce Below
In addition to mini-golf, the Llechwedd mines provide an exciting experience called Bounce Below. This 930-meter trampoline complex is suspended on a net 55 meters above the floor in a cavern that is twice the size of St Paul's Cathedral.
Slides and ramps are used to connect the three tiers of the nets, creating an exciting and interactive snakes and ladders experience. To ensure safety, mesh walls are installed to prevent unpredictable bouncers from falling into the abyss.
Trampolining gets the subterranean treatment at Bounce Below.
Zip World
An exhilarating adventure awaits thrill seekers on an underground traversal course. This heart-pumping experience features 13 zip lines, rope bridges, and tightropes that will test your nerves. For those who prefer a more informative experience, a guided tour is available to delve into the fascinating history of the mine.
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The excursion provides insight into the manufacturing process of slate and an unexpected export - cheese. South Caernarfon Creameries, a Welsh co-operative, has developed cheddar cheese that undergoes a three-month maturation process 152 meters (500 feet) underground in the mine before being packaged and sold.
On the surface, adventurers can experience Titan, the first multiple-zip line in Europe. This thrilling ride allows up to four participants to compete while soaring over the quarry and surrounding mountains, descending a staggering height of 746 meters (2,450 feet) at speeds reaching up to 114 kilometers (70 miles per hour).
