💥 William Beats Tim Vine at Crazy Golf — The Prince’s Surprise Performance on Hastings Seafront Has Britain Talking
Prince William Dominates Celebrity Crazy Golf Leaderboard in Hastings as He Outplays Comedy Stars Tim Vine and Fern Britton in Delightful Royal Day Out
Prince William showed off his surprisingly competitive side on a breezy Hastings seafront, conquering a challenging crazy golf course and soaring straight to the top of a star-studded leaderboard. The future king took on the famous windmill hole and several others at Hastings Adventure Golf, mixing with local teenagers and proving that royal duties can include plenty of fun and laughter along the way. His performance even beat out seasoned celebrity players like comedian Tim Vine and presenter Fern Britton, delighting onlookers and highlighting his easy rapport with young people.
The Prince visited the seaside town in East Sussex to shine a spotlight on its vibrant fishing community and the vital work of local youth organizations. Part of the day involved a relaxed round of mini golf at the course that recently hosted the 2026 World Crazy Golf Championships. William, who admitted he had played mini golf with his own children before, jumped into the game with enthusiasm alongside expert local players and the young people he had come to meet.
He tackled the iconic windmill hole — a tricky challenge requiring the ball to pass through moving sails — on his second attempt for a respectable score. Over five holes in total, the Prince finished with a projected 18-hole score that experts estimated at around 35, enough to claim the top spot among celebrities who had previously played the full course. Tim Vine came in second with 37, followed by Henning Wehn at 39, John Archer at 41, and Fern Britton at 45. William joked that next time he might play against a group of eight-year-olds to improve his chances.
Expert players David and Marion Hartley, both accomplished mini golfers in their mid-70s, guided the Prince through the course. They had managed it for 14 years and offered tips when asked. Murray Thompson, who finished second in last year’s World Mini Golf Championships, joined them and impressed everyone with repeated hole-in-ones. William laughed heartily as he watched Thompson’s skill, exclaiming “Stop it Murray!” and “Oh my Lord, Murray!” in mock frustration.
The engagement perfectly blended royal duty with genuine enjoyment. William spent time chatting with the teenagers from the local youth charity XTrax, which supports disadvantaged young people. He listened attentively to their stories, offered encouragement about their futures, and even reminded them to put on suncream as he left. His natural warmth and interest in their lives left a strong impression on the group.
Earlier in the day, William arrived in style by riding the UK’s steepest funicular railway, the East Hill Lift, which offers stunning views over Europe’s largest beach-launched fishing fleet. He was greeted by enthusiastic crowds, including a school party from Germany and several dogs. One toddler, 15-month-old Sebastian Bowley, burst into tears when the Prince crouched down to say hello, prompting William to quip, “I know how you feel. It’s hot down here!”
The visit also included stops at historic Net Shops — tall wooden structures used for storing fishing nets — and conversations with local fishermen. William was made an honorary member of The Winkle Club, a charitable group founded in 1900, and received a silver winkle shell. He joked about possibly using it at Trooping the Colour and shared his confidence about England’s chances in upcoming football matches.
The Prince’s day in Hastings showcased his commitment to community causes while revealing a more relaxed, playful side. His competitive yet humble approach to crazy golf won over both the young participants and veteran players. The Hartleys later praised him as “a lovely man” and said with a bit of practice he could become quite good. Locals who gathered to watch were charmed by his interactions and accessibility.
Crazy golf might seem like an unusual royal engagement, but it perfectly fit the tone of the visit — approachable, fun, and focused on bringing people together. William’s willingness to try something new and engage with everyday activities sends a positive message about the monarchy’s connection to ordinary Britons, particularly the younger generation. His performance topping the celebrity leaderboard added an extra layer of delight to the occasion.
The visit also highlighted important local issues. Hastings’ fishing industry faces challenges, and youth organizations like XTrax provide crucial support for vulnerable teenagers. By spending time with these groups, William drew attention to their work and the resilience of coastal communities. His genuine interest in their stories and futures reinforced his reputation as a hands-on royal focused on meaningful causes.
As he left the mini golf course, William shook hands with around 100 well-wishers, including four-year-old Thea dressed as a pirate after her playgroup’s “Pirate Day.” The little girl was thrilled to meet a “real Prince.” Moments like these humanize the future king and strengthen public affection for the royal family.
Prince William’s day in Hastings combined lighthearted fun with serious community engagement. His crazy golf triumph provided plenty of smiles and memorable moments, while his interactions with young people and fishermen underscored his dedication to supporting British communities. In a world that often feels divided, such visits remind us of the unifying power of shared experiences — even something as simple as a round of crazy golf on a sunny seafront.
The images of William concentrating on his shots, laughing with the experts, and encouraging the teenagers will likely linger in the public memory. For a future king still relatively early in his public role, moments like this help define his approachable style and genuine care for the people he will one day serve. Hastings provided the perfect backdrop for a royally good game — and a royally good day.