Miniature golf on island,
Samui Express, Dec 2007/Jan 2008

MINIGOLF, which originated in Scotland, has become popular on Koh Samui, thanks to J. Schnurr, who has introduced the sport to the island.

Mr. Schnurr has built Minigolf Intemational, an 18-hole course, in Plai Laem, in the northernmost part of the island. The golf range attracts people who prefer this miniature version of golf to unwind.
"We've had people from all over the world playing here, from Papua New Guinea to Siberia to Alaska," says J. Schnurr.
Those who come to Minigolf International find a well-laid out course in a green garden, with trees offering plenty of shade and fresh air. There is also a cafe and bar with a great selection of beers, soft drinks, snacks and sandwiches.

Koh Samui Minigolf International is open from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Call 081-7879148.

Der Farang, Juli 2007

Wussten Sie schon, dass der einzige professionelle Minigolfplatz Thailands sich auf unserer Insel befindet? Er liegt im tropischen Wald bei Bophut und wird vom Deutschen J. Schnurr mit seiner Frau Nookrai betrieben. Die Bahnen sind 12 Meter lang und entsprechen den Anforderungen der World Minigolf Federation, die bereits ihren Segen gab. "Es war hart, den Bedingungen der Federation gerecht zu werden - aber ich habe es geschafft," erzahlt J. Schnurr. "Auf den Zentimeter genau müssen die Masse stimmen. Oft musste ich Löcher neu gestalten, bis sie die korrekte Tiefe, Breite und den passenden Durchmesser hatten," weiss er zu berichten.

Da Thailand Mitglied ist in der World Minigolf Federation, hofft er, dass demnachst ein internationales Turnier auf seinem Platz ausgetragen wird. "Jedes Land sollte nur einen professionellen Minigolfplatz haben," führt er aus, "Und ich bin der glückliche Besitzer, noch dazu auf Samui." Weltweit gibt es rund 45.000 professionlle Spieler und sicher werden sie den Weg auch in das tropische Paradies Samui finden.

Aber auch Ansassige und Urlauber sollten die Möglichkeit nutzen, sich einen gemütlichen Nachmittag bei einer Runde Minigolf zu gönnen. Mehr Informationen unter 081-787 9148.

Samui Express, June/July 2007

Thailand's only professional mini-golf course

MINI-GOLF is said to have begun in 1920, more like a leisure sport. Those who have started it must have tried to mimic professional golfers, and when they discovered that it could be developed into a sport similar to real golf, they came up with a certain schema. During that time when sports were not as popular as today, and open to suit every mood and physique, mini-golf was a fitting option, especially to those who fancy golf but couldn't physically take its bounds.

Having become quite popular in Europe, Germany is known to have the most number of mini-go If courses reaching to as many as 4,000 around the country, thus bringing more German winners in the international competitions. Other countries like Australia, Italy and the Czech Republic are among the well-known tournament participants. The UK, although professional mini-golf is still in its infancy, is starting to raise world champions.

Thailand has seen many mini-golf courses springing up during the past several years, which were obviously introduced by European expatriates for leisure game and fun. But good news to enthusiasts in the country, they can now be professionals. The country has acquired one professional mini-golf course with its location on Samui. J. Schnurr, a German national, built it in Bophut near the jungle. It has the 12-meter concrete tracks.

Mr. Schnurr, who has been living on the island for the past six years, has successfully passed the requirements set by the World Mini Golf Federation to build a mini-golf course. "It was a tedious job to stick to the building requirement; the measurements should be exact to the last centimeter," he said. "During the construction I had to remake some holes until the correct sizes, lengths, and heights were met."

Today, he said, Thailand has been entered into the roster of countries almost simultaneously with Slovenia, Moldavia, Russia, Cyprus and Yugoslavia. "I am very fortunate for that privilege because each country should only have one, and it was granted to me. Samui is lucky to have the first and only professional mini-golf course in Thailand.

When asked about the significance of having such kind in Samui, Mr. Schnurr said that because of Thailand's membership with the World Mini-Golf Federation, any future competition that will be scheduled in this country will be played on Samui. "Others may put up the same course with the parameters in tact, but there will always be one official mini-golf course in the country," he said. The 45,000 mini-golf players and aficionados around the world will certainly take the chance to see tropical Samui as well.

Mini-Golf International is located at 79/53 Moo5, Ban Plai Laem, Bophut. For more information, call 081-7879148.

Samui Guide, March 2007

Koh Samui Mini Golf International: fund for everyone

It's a game that was reportedly invented in the 1920's, and has quickly come to be seen as a classic. Whether you're with your children, your partner or with a group of friends, mini golf is a great holiday activity, and has become so popular on Samui that the range here boasts its own die-hards who come and play every week. Affable J. Schnurr is the brains behind the 18-hole course, which he built himself, making sure all the right specifications were adhered to. "It has proved hugely popular," said J. Schnurr. "We've had people from all over the world playing here, from Papua New Guinea to Siberia to Alaska - everyone enjoys if." While you navigate the ball through all kinds of obstacles you'll find yourself completely absorbed by this game of skill and fun. Those who come to Mini Golf International find a well-laid out course in a beautiful garden, with trees offering plenty of shade. J. Schnurr also has a cafe bar with a choice of cooling drinks for golfers and their friends. There's a selection of beers, soft drinks, snacks and sandwiches. Koh Samui Minigolf International is open every day from 9 am until 6:30 pm and is to be found in Plai Laem, in the northernmost part of Koh Samui. For further information, please telephone 0817879148.

Samui Guide, March 2005

The 18 hole Mini Golf International is Thailand's only professional mini golf course and a Member of the World Mini-Golf Federation. It can be found in the jungle above Choeng Mon. Tel. 0817879148.

WHAT'S ON SAMUI, November 2003

Mini Golf International: fun for everyone

The first and only Mini Golf course in Thailand with 12-meter concrete tracks

Mini-golf is said to have begun in 1920, more like a leisure sport. Those who have started it must have tried to mimic professional golfers, and when they discovered that it could be developed into a sport similar to real golf, they came up with a certain schema. During that time when sports were not a much as popular as today, and open to suit every mood and physique, mini-golf was a fitting option, especially to those who fancy golf but couldn't physically take its bounds.

Having become quite popular in Europe, Germany is known to have the most number of mini-golf courses reaching to as many as 4,000 around the country, thus bringing more German winners in the international competitions. Other countries like Austria, Italy and the Czech Republic are among the well known tournament participants - the UK, although professional mini-golf is still in its infancy is starting to raise world champions.

Thailand has seen many mini-golf courses that have sprung up in the past years, which was obviously introduced by European expatriates for leisure game and fun. But a good news to enthusiasts in the country, they can now be professionals. Just recently, the country has acquired one professional mini-golf course with its location in Samui. Mr. J. Schnurr, a German national, built it in Bophut near the jungle. It has the 12-meter concrete tracks.

Mr. Schnurr, who is staying on the island since the last three years, has successfully passed the requirements set by the World Mini Golf Federation to build a mini-golf course. "It was a tedious job to stick to the building requirement; the measurements should be exact to the last centimeter," he said. "During the construction I had to remake some holes until the correct sizes, lengths, and heights were met."

"Now, Thailand has been entered into the roster of countries almost simultaneously with Slovenia, Moldavia, Russia, Cyprus, and Yugoslavia. I am very fortunate for that privilege because each country should only have one, and it was granted to me. Samui is lucky to have the first and only professional mini-golf course in Thailand."

When asked about the significance of having such kind in Samui, Mr Schnurr said that because of Thailand's membership with the World Mini Golf Federation, any future competition that will be scheduled in this country will be played in Samui. "Others may put up the same course with the parameters in tact, but there will always be one official mini-golf course in the country," he adds. The 45,000 mini-golf players and aficionados around the world will certainly take the chance to see tropical Samui as well. Mini-golf International is located at 79/53 Moo 5, Ban Plailem, Bophut. For more information, call 081-787-9148. 

Der Farang, April 2009

Jojo zieht's zurueck in die Heimat - Minigolf Samui steht zum Verkauf

Koelner baute vor sieben Jahren die erste Original-Anlage in Thailand

Die Anlage ist einmalig in Suedthailand und war lange auch die einzige ihrer Art im ganzen Konigreich: Jojos Minigolfplatz in Choeng Mon im Sueden Koh Samuis mit Originalmassen und 18 Loechern ist seit sieben Jahren eine Touristenattraktion auf der Ferieninsel. Nun will Jojo das gesamte Grundstueck verkaufen. Wegen Tochter Sophia (5) zieht es den gebuertigen Kolner zuruck in westliche Gefilde.

Als der Rheinlander vor sieben Jahren mit eigener Hand die erste Minigolf.Anlage mit Normmassen auf Samui hin­stellte, schuettelten viele belustigt den Kopf uber den Pionier. Genau 12 Meter Betonbahn pro Anlage und insgesamt 18 unterschiedliche Spielstationen muss eine solche vorweisen, um in der ,World Federation of Minigolf' anerkannt zu sein. Der gelernte Betonbauer brachte dieses Kunststueck zustande und vermass jede Bahn einzeln: "Auf einen Viertelzentimeter genau stimmten hier die Masse", sagt ]ojo nicht ohne Stolz. Gelernt ist gelernt und Mass ist Mass.

Obwohl sich die 2002 in Betrieb genommene Anlage bei den Touristen und auch vielen zugewanderten Europaern etabliert hat und ein beliebtes Ziel ist, tragt sich Jojo Schnurr mit Verkaufsgedanken. "Meine Tochter ist nun fuenf ]ahre alt und ich muss an ihre Zukunft denken", sagt Jojo. "Ich will zunaechst einmal zurueck Richtung deutsche Heimat und dort eine neue Standortbestimmung machen." Mittelfristig konnte das auch Australien sein, verraet der 50Jaehrige.

Jojo Schnurr und Tochter Sophia vor der Original­ Minigolfanlage am Choeng Mon Village. Aus privaten Griinden will der Kolner seine Firma und das 3.000 qm grosse Gelande verkaufen .

Thailand war fur ihn eine wunderschone Zwischenstation, doch seine Rente will er hier nicht erleben. "Als Vater muss man an die Ausbildung seiner Kinder denken", so Jojo, "und die ist in Thailand nicht nach meinem Wunsch realisierbar." Seit etwa drei Monaten hat er das gesamte Projekt zum Verkauf ausgeschrieben.

Der neue Besitzer kann die Minigolfanlage sowie das Wohnhaus mit drei Schlafzimmern und Baedern nur als Gesamtes und inklusive der Firma von J. Schnurr kaufen. Sobald sich ein Kaeufer fuer das etwa 3.000 qm grosse Gelaende findet, wird er mit seiner Frau Tae (32) und Toechterchen Sophia den Heimflug nach Koeln buchen.

Infos: yogibearhaha@hotmail.com oder unter Telefon 081-787.9148.

WHAT'S ON SAMUI, November 2009

MINI GOLF: A different kind of fun and leisure

By PATRICK ROXAS

If you're looking for a different type of leisure and fun activity to do while on Koh Samui, the Mini Golf course in Choengmon is a place that should not be missed as it offers not only fun and enjoyable recreation but perhaps the lowest-priced entertainment available on the island.

Just 200 meters off Choengmon Road, the almost 2-rai mini-golf course area offers to tourists and locals an 18- hole course that has passed the strict requirements of the World Mini Golf Federation.

Its owner, J. Schnurr, or more commonly known as Jojo, says it is in fact the only accredited official course in Thailand for World Mini Golf Federation competitions.

Schnurr, who took up the idea of put- ting a mini-golf course on Samui so he would have something to keep him busy and do business as well when he came to the island nine years, says tourists love and enjoy the game and has at- tracted quite a number of regular expat customers as well who spend their free time playing and even holding tourna- ments among themselves. He says there is in fact a group of Norwegian ex pats that hold regular weekly tournaments at the course.

The 51-year-old mini-golf operator originally from Cologne, Germany, says It IS also very cheap to play mini-golf in Samui as it costs only 8t300 for a round and half the price for kids compared with 8 to 12 US dollars in the United States and even more in other countries. He added he was the first one to put up activity in Thailand but the idea has since been followed by other expats who put up their own mini golf courses in other provinces in the country.

"Thailand's only professional mini-golf course, of course, remains the one here on Koh Samui," Schnurr says. He also clarified that mini-golf is not just a game for kids. "For those who think mini-golf is just a child's game that is too easy and not worth their time, they obviously have not played it," Schnurr said, adding "Yes, the game is fun to play and a great way to spend the day with the family, but for anyone with even just a little competitive spirit, he or she will find that the game can be challenging and presents some pressure."

Schnurr has also placed adjacent to the course an excellent home-built grill "As long as they supply the meat," he ' stresses.

The nearby canteen provides drinks and is a great place to relax.

The course is open 365 days a year from 9 a.m. till dark. A person can become a member and play as often as he/she wants throughout the year. For more info, call 01-787-9148.

Samui Express, November 2009

Thailand's only pro mini-golf course is located in Samui

SAMUI'S Mini Golf International

SAMUI'S Mini Golf International -- or "Jungle Golf' for short -- is Thailand's only professional mini golf course, having met al the requirements of the World Mini-Golf Federation (WMF). Long-time Samui resident J. Schnurr is the creator, designer and builder of the 18-hole mini golf course. J. Schnurr built the course, located on a prime piece of jungle land in Choeng Mon, with great care, making sure it adhered to all WMF specifications.

J. Schnurr, or "JoJo" as he is known to his friends, is eager to let others know of his plans to establish a Junior Team comprised of expatriate and Thai youth, to be formed as a national team. "It will take a while but in just a few years we will be able to have Junior Mini Golf Toumaments," he says. "In 2004 I formed an adult team and was the first to bring Thailand into the World Mini Golf Federation."

In Thailand, all 12-meter concrete tracks are patented, thus no one can copy or build a course such as the one already built by a WMF member," he explains. As federation member, every team (adult or youth) member of the team is also registered with the Mini Golf Course. Each youth member from the Junior Team will receive a membership card, after a one-time registration and annual membership fee payment, to practice whenever desired without a fee throughout the year.

J. Schnurr says that everyone who would like to play professional mini golf is welcome to stop by with questions and to register. He says less privileged children from local temple schools can play for free, he adds. To learn more call J. Schnurr at 01-787-9148. J. Schnurr was raised in Cologne, Germany, and might have inherited his engineer father's skills as he apprenticed as a concrete builder while taking operating crane and construction machine courses. After some years working in his profession he joined the Army where he rose to the rank of lance-corporal. Tired of army life, he left Germany to "see the world." He lived in Canada for nine years and another three years in America and explored Mexico, Africa and Australia before finally settling in Thailand.

He came to Samui after helping a friend move to Chiang Mai to build a house in 1996. In appreciation, his buddy took him for a holiday on Koh Samui and it was here where he met his wife. After checking out what it was like to live in Asia, he bought two-rai piece of land on Samui where he built a house, along with the mini golf course and a restaurant-bar. The golf-course idea came after finding out that the island didn't have any professional mini golf course. He built it with the help of a local contractor and his crew over seven years ago. "And we have been living here happily ever since" J. Schnurr says. He has started working on his Junior Team plan by asking schools to tell students who might be interested to sign up. It is important to have enough youth signed up, he says, in order to build a strong team.

The game was reportedly invented in the 1920's and quickly developed into a classic sport. The great thing is, it can be played by families, a partner or with a group of friends. The game has become so popular on Samui that groups of varying numbers play every week.