Minigolf installed inside 13th Century Cathedral

NY Post |July 30, 2019

Visitors to England’s second-oldest cathedral can now score a hole in-one on holy ground.


The Anglican cathedral announced to its Twitter followers Sunday that it had cleared out the central nave and installed the bridge-themed “Adventure Golf” course as a way to educate visitors about the region’s scenic bridges — and their own spirituality.

“We hope that, while playing adventure golf, visitors will reflect on the bridges that need to be built in their own lives and in our world today,” the Rev. Rachel Phillips, canon for mission and growth at the cathedral, said.

She added that the development will enhance the house of worship’s 1,400-year-long standing as a “center of learning for the community.”

“By temporarily installing an educational adventure golf course we aim to continue that mission, giving people the opportunity to learn while they take part in a fun activity, in what for many might be a previously unvisited building,” Phillips told ITV.

The course, designed and paid for by the Rochester Bridge Trust and constructed by HM Adventure Golf, features nine different bridges, including mini replicas of the original Roman bridge at Rochester, as well as the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge at Dartford, according to the report.

But the move was criticized by some observers — including clergy — who said that a church is no place for miniature golf.

“I was ‘ordained’ as an Anglican in this Cathedral,” tweeted Father David Palmer, who said on his profile that he is now Catholic. “What an embarrassing shambles.”

“Unbelievable: Miniature golf course inside Anglican Rochester Cathedral UK,” Father Hans Ruygt, who is also Catholic, chimed in. “How’s that working for them to promote Christ? I think, not.”

Catholic blogger Mark de Vries wrote that the installation was a “dumbing down the faith (or the study of bridges for that matter).”

But the addition received its share of praise as well.

“What a fabulous way to encourage #families of all ages to enjoy & explore the space & to build all kinds of bridges…physical, emotional & spiritual,” Christ Church Southgate tweeted. “Who knows what memories of a #Cathedral where all are welcome will be made for the future.”