By Dale Chan
If you haven’t heard about the exciting new recreational game/ sport in Ellicottville – Bigfoot Park Golf, let me tell you about it. Last year Chad Neal opened the new-fangled way of playing golf at the Ellicottville Distillery property at 5462 Robbins Road 4 miles east of the village off route 242. He spent the summer of 2023 turning the old field into a golf course, just a smaller version. Park Golf is a Japanese invention that mixes mini-golf, traditional golf and croquet together. You use one club, the ball is the size of a cue ball made of hard plastic, the hole is larger and the fairway is shorter. There are 18 holes and since Neal opened last May with his grand opening in June, he has been maintaining and grooming his course as if it were his pet. The Villager caught up with Neal and asked him about his endeavor.
“Well,” he said as he started explaining what’s new and fun at Bigfoot Park Golf, “I feel as though it’s a piece of art. I built it, but it will never be done in my eyes. I recently procured sponsors for the holes on my 2 nine-hole courses. By Japanese rules a course can only be 9 holes. I have a wooden plaque carved with their business logo or name on it and placed at the tee box, with their logo on the flags as well. I have almost all the holes sponsored. Destroyer Park Golf, the flagship course in the US, is the Bigfoot Park course sponsor. Their plaque and flag will be at the Caddy Shack where the clubs and balls are rented.”
Neal also explained that he is planning more tournaments which are going to benefit local charities. Last year his grand opening benefitted the Alley Katz of Ellicottville and his first tournament was a benefit for the Ellicottville Playground that the “Ellicottville Moms” are spearheading. “If anyone wants to have their non-profit share in a benefit tournament, I’d be happy to help!” Neal clamored.
“I’m also doing a weekly league as well, there is no commitment to being there every week, but the competitive fun will always be there. There is no extra charge to play in the league except for the Skins game paid out weekly and the Hole in One Pot paid to the first player to get a hole in one during league play. And is a winner every week who gains a cash prize!” (CLARIFY)
Neal exclaimed as he grinned anticipating fun times ahead. “For more information get a hold of me, I’ll be starting the league on July 10th. Anytime of day, just sign up for league that day and you’re in.”
Neal also said he wants to have special packages or days such as Local Tuesdays where Ellicottville locals get half off a round and couples’ day/ night on Fridays. He said there will be a reduced price as well, and he is in dialog with Bryan and Renee Scharf, owners of Ellicottville Distillery, for specials on their delicious cocktails made with their own spirits. “Their cocktail menu is awesome! They have some really refreshing cocktails and mocktails, and the bourbon is the best!” Neal said.
A sign in the new rental shed has the course records on it. The full course record is -12 held by Elliott Wilber, the first nine holes or the White 9 is -8 held by Elliott Wilber and the back nine or Red 9 is -10 held by, you guessed it, Elliott Wilber! It’s safe to assume he is the Course Pro. and he is also Neal’s oldest son. Elliot and Grayson Neal, his younger son, also help at the course when they can. Neal says he is “happy building this place”, and clarified that “it’s always one step forward and two steps back, but working on something that is mine, that old adage just proves that making something the way you want it causes happiness.”
Bigfoot Park Golf is open every day. Neal said he opens around 11am but if you want play earlier, call, or text (716-541-4059) to make a reservation and he will be there ready and waiting. Also, if you want to play in the evening, you can call or text for a reservation. Hours are generally 11am to 6pm but reservations for earlier and later play are welcome. Check out his Facebook Page for specials and fun events.