Holey Moley mini golf concept set for Australian television debut

Transformed into a television show, Funlab’s Holey Moley mini golf concept is set to make its debut on Australia’s Seven Network as of 1st February.

Broadcast in the USA since 2019, Funlab licensed the brand to Eureka Production for a TV game which, airs on Disney’s ABC network, has been a hit with 10 million viewers across all platforms.

Seven has confirmed that the ‘extreme mini golf’ series, will launch at 7:30pm on 1st February, going up against The Amazing Race on Network Ten.

The format was due to film last year in the USA, but delayed due to COVID-19-induced travel restrictions, and ultimately filmed locally, just outside of Brisbane.

The show was first announced at Seven’s 2019 upfront presentation under the name ‘Mega Mini Golf’ but rebranded to Holey Moley, the same name as the US version of the program, early last year. Simultaneously, the show announced Australian golfing legend Greg Norman would act as Holey Moley’s ‘resident golf pro’ with the show to also feature some of Australia’s best known golfers and sport personalities.

The lineup also includes host Sonia Kruger, and American actor and comedian Rob Riggle (who is also the commentator in the US format) and Matt Shirvington commentating.

In the first part of each episode, contestants will compete in head-to-head matchups, with the winners progressing to the second round, and those who triumph in the second round heading to the final hole.

Seven stated that, the remaining two compete in a ‘Distractor Duel’ for the last spot in the final three-way battle.

Seven’s announcement added “the ultimate winner of each episode takes home the prestigious plaid jacket, the golden putter and books a spot in the Grand Final, where they will compete for the chance to win $100,000 on the daunting last hole, the Tomb of Nefer-Tee-Tee.”

Explaining that the Holey Moley brand has trade-mark protection in most major markets including Australia, New Zealand, the USA and European Union, Funlab Chief Executive, Michael Schreiber advised “Disney has already aired season two and have multiple other seasons planned.

“Our view was that this exposure would build brand awareness for the name Holey Moley in the US ahead of a possible expansion into this market.

“When we were approached to license Australia we were somewhat more reticent given the awareness and perception of the Holey Moley brand in this market.

“(However), we decided on balance that we would proceed as this would give us a case study on the relationship between store performance and the millions of dollars of TV exposure for Holey Moley and mini-golf as an activity.”

Funlab is in the process of being acquired by global private equity firm TPG Capital.

Agreed before Christmas, the sale by Australian private equity group Next Capital, is expected to be complete in March, subject to approval by the Foreign Investment Review Board.

Images: Promotion for the Holey Moley TV Show (top) and co-presenters Matt Shirvington and Rob Riggle (below) and Matt Shirvington. Credit: Seven Network.