Jerry Hale

Jerry writes about leisure activities at the lake in his monthly column.

Recent columns

• Laws, safety guidelines for wakesurfers unclear
• How to steer clear of boating boo-boos
• Recipe for safe boating in 2008
• Getting your waterfront ready for the season

The evening breeze on April Fool's Day was comfortably balmy, but stiff enough to cause 18 numbered flags atop the pins at Hot Shots to pop impatiently as about 50 pre-registrants for a new spring mini-golf league signed in and awaited opening-round instructions.

Hot Shots is the area's newest miniature golf course. Located between Conrad Brothers Marine and Liquid Lube, its lush green carpet, menacingly-sloped fairways and numerous plume-spewing water hazards provide a setting that beckons both adults and kids who pass by Capps Building Supply on Virginia 122.

From the drawing board of noted mini-golf architects of Harris Miniature Golf in Wildwood, N.J., the layout again this year will serve as a qualification site for the national Harris Cup mini-golf championships.

Last year's championship was held in Scranton, Pa. Hot Shots sent the area's top two scorers from its 2007 qualifying tournament, and while none brought home trophies, the SML event raised $2,500 for United Way. This year's qualifying is scheduled for Aug. 9, and owners Jeff and Rhonda Schott said they hope to double the charity contribution.

While they've built a course worthy of serious players, the Schotts said they are hoping to appeal to players of all ages and skills. They've included a spacious game arcade, bumper/blaster boats (equipped with water cannons for competitive drench-fests) and a kitchen that serves a varied menu of snack and carry-out items.

The Spring Fling league, timed to allow area businesses to field teams of employees who have finished their Tuesday duties, tees off from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. on eight consecutive Tuesdays in April and May.

Tom and Sherrill Smith of Hendricks Road in Bedford County were among those who showed up with friends and neighbors they recruited. Their team was one of 13 that participated, including some that were assembled on-the-spot with both individuals and couples who saw the sign on Virginia 122 and said they thought it would be fun to play.

And apparently it was.

"Just great!" was how Margaret Camicia described the action. Her husband, Bob, was in Richmond on Smith Mountain Lake Association boating-safety business but plans to join her for week two.

"I was just happy to keep the ball in bounds," said Nancy Wooley, who played alongside husband David.

With its flexible, handicapped format, Spring Fling accommodates players of all skill levels. Teams are assigned a handicap based on first-night scores; after that team members can shuffle in and out as their schedules allow. And if players can't make it on a particular Tuesday, they can play a make-up round any day before the following Tuesday, turn in their score and have it posted to the team's total for the week.

"We want it to be easy for people to join in the fun," explained Rhonda Schott. "It's definitely a low-pressure tournament."

Opening-night scores ranged from a one-under-par 40 posted by a hot-putting Dave Wilson to a 66. With scores of 41 and 42 respectively, John and Karen Porter were the evening's dynamic duo.

The per-person fee of $6.50 per round includes golfing, hot dog and beverage. One dollar from each admission fee goes into the prize pot.

"With 50 players per evening, we'll have around $400 to award the winning team after the final round," Schott said.

But more than likely it is not the prizes that are attracting the crowd.

"The best part was seeing old friends and meeting new ones," said Carl Boast, whose gregarious nature had him hobnobbing among foursomes.

"We hope there's enough interest to have at least one more league night a week," said Jeff Schott. "And it's not even too late to join the fun on Tuesdays.

"Just form a team, turn in scores for two rounds before [Tuesday], and we'll add you to the roster for the last six weeks."

Hot Shots Family Fun Center is located on Virginia 122 just north of Westlake. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon until 6 p.m. For more information about league play, call 719-1547.