First SplashGolf Installed on Cruise Ship Norwegian Epic
October 26, 2015 – Traverse City, MI – The first SplashGolf™ retrofit to an existing splash pad was installed in early October on Norwegian Cruise Line’s largest ship, Norwegian Epic in October, 2015. Dubbed as a “water mini golf on a splash pad”, SplashGolf™ takes the players and game itself into an interactive water environment.
“SplashGolf™ combines two age-old fun attractions –splash pads and mini golf– into one completely new, interactive water based game attracting all age groups for more family fun.
“We’re thrilled to install the first SplashGolf onboard Norwegian Epic. This exciting and interactive water activity is more inclusive of all family members, and not just toddlers, as the space was originally used,” states Scott Lundmark President, Adventure Golf Services.
The new SplashGolf will be part of the ship’s Aqua Park, which features two pools, five hot tubs, a kid’s pool and three multi-story water slides including the the 200-foot Epic Plunge, the only bowl slide at sea.
SplashGolf™ has taken Adventure Golf in unanticipated directions reveals Mike Arnold, Vice President Project Management. “As we convert Norwegian Epic’s exisiting splash pad area into a five hole course, it’s clear that other retrofits, whether on land or sea, can feature customized course sizes depending on the space available. Norwegian Epic’s SplashGolf™ has the same special water effects that are used on the nine hole models where the players get wet and the miniature golf balls go in crazy directions.
“SplashGolf™ has undergone several design iterations as Adventure Golf developed a working model, according to Arne Lundmark CEO and chief designer. “This R & D work transferred over to all models. One major issue was to create a new miniature golf ball that would respond to impact with water so the water can deflect it in other directions such as towards or away from the golf hole cup. This is not as easy as it seems. Tradional miniature golf balls are basically solid objects, which easily pass through a water splash zone.
“The winner for SplalshGolf is a larger ball that is filled but floats. It is light weight and comes in four vibrant colors. To accommodate the larger ball our company has fabricated larger hole cups to make the game even more fun,” comments Lundmark.
The company’s next hurdle was to redesign certain fountain nozzles called “Side Shooters”, to create low horizontal sprays across the fairways and greens which impact the ball and pushes it in those directions. Other water nozzles create sprays that are random, intermitant or all at the same time. This is the same concept as when a player tries to putt the ball through randomly spurting fountains and water features that blast your ball from side to side, help push it over a ramp or push the ball over to another part of the green.
“SplashGolf™ is offered in three models: 5,800 SF for outdoor use; 2,800 SF for either indoor or outdoor applications; and a 2,800 SF model for cruise ships,” states Scott Lundmark president, Adventure Golf Services.
Adventure Golf Services is a 30+ year global leader in the design, fabrication and installation of miniature golf courses and these products: golf learning / practice courts; golf hitting / swing bays; game courts (bocce ball, croquet, shuffleboard); and putting greens. For more information visit: www.adventureandfun.com or call 888-725-4FUN or 231-922-8166, or see us at the IAAPA tradeshow.