The problem with crazy golf is that it is rarely… crazy. Frustrating? Yes. But crazy? Not so much. Trying to putt a golf ball between the blades of a spinning windmill becomes rather tedious after awhile. But Golf Fang in Digbeth sheds all those stale images. A twisted and carnival-style take on crazy golf, it actually manages to live up to the sport’s name.
The 18-hole golf course in Birmingham’s coolest spot, The Custard Factory, offers some truly bonkers holes. From a sex shop to The Jeremey Kyle Show set, an arcade to a men’s toilet, there are some maddening concepts floating around at Golf Fang. We dare not meet the twisted minds that thought this course up. But we have to hand it to them. It’s an unforgettable adventure for competitive socialising. You and your mates will sooner forget who lost and who won, than the inventive environments you battled each other in.
Golf Fang up until very recently (July 18) was called Ghetto Golf, but was closed for several weeks as it underwent refurbishment. It has now opened its doors again and, if you thought it was weird beforehand, The Big Fang Collective have cranked the crazy up to 11. The Liverpool-based entertainment venue operator, founded by Kip Piper and Daniel Bolger, was started in 2016 and opened their first Ghetto Golf in Liverpool inside Cains Brewery. As well as Birmingham, they now have locations in Newcastle, Sheffield and Glasgow.
Each location is totally unique, however, and the Birmingham location has become a ‘Sprayground’ for the city’s best, local graffiti writers. These street artists are let loose throughout the courses to express themselves without damaging property or facing retribution. On top of this, Golf Fang also serves an array of dazzling cocktails and local street food to enjoy, as well as hosting regular hip hop DJs, as you play.
“Digbeth has always been extremely welcoming to our brand and there’s a great atmosphere. The refurbishment will feature some brand new experiential elements and new courses,” said Kip Piper, co-founder of Big Fang Collective. “We can’t wait to see everybody interact with the updated space and we’re excited to celebrate with everybody!”
Golf Fang is a real injection of colour and excitement into crazy golf. But it is so much more than a few rounds of putt-putt with friends. It is a theatrical experience with secrets around every corner that you will be talking about for weeks to come. It is open seven days a week, from midday to 1am most days, with bookings and walk-ins both accepted. For more information about Gold Fang click here.