WALES is set to have a new golfing attraction – but this is one with a difference.

Zip World in Blaenau Ffestiniog has unveiled that construction is under way on a new underground golf course, set in the old slate mining cavern of Llechwedd.

With four Welsh adventure sites under their belt, Zip World is best known for the world’s fastest zip line, Velocity 2, which is based at Penrhyn Quarry in Bethesda, North Wales.

However, the company which prides itself on creating extraordinary experiences offers much more than just zipping. Underground Golf will join a host of other cavern-based adventures at Zip World Llechwedd, including the famous Bounce Below, the Caverns adventure course, and the Deep Mine Tour.

The Underground Golf adventure course is set to feature 18 holes, across four levels in a vast underground mining chamber.

Zip World is looking to deliver an ambitious and impressive display of lighting, and a sensory experience with plenty of sound effects and interactive elements.

The adventure will tie in closely with Llechwedd’s history – retaining and keeping the site’s heritage and roots alive are a priority of Zip World’s, meaning this isn’t just an exciting new experience, but a nod to the past.

The adventure will be themed around the slate mining heritage, featuring snippets of information about the mine, mining tool props, and sound effects such as dynamite explosions and slate splitting.

Zip World are working closely with local suppliers on this project, namely Gerallt Evans Metalworks of Llanrwst, who are fabricating the steel frame and layers.

Commercial Director Andrew Hudson said: “This is an extremely exciting project for us, and to be able to work with local businesses to bring the project to life and create more jobs is what it’s all about. Underground golf will be the perfect blend of an exciting, competitive adventure and a heritage piece, telling the story of how the mine came to be in a fun, high-octane way. Being able to give locals and day-trippers alike the chance to experience the Llechwedd mine in different ways is the core value of our site.”

Underground Golf will be open to any age, as long as children are accompanied by an adult, and will be accessible via Europe’s steepest cable railway, adding yet another layer of uniqueness to the experience. Zip World is still as committed as ever to creating covid-safe experiences, so measures such as hand sanitisation stations, facemask recommendation and controlled group sizes will be in place.

The course is due to open in May.