#SideHustle: Durban North man hits hole-in-one with portable miniature golf
We sat down with Richard Daphne to learn more about his #SideHustle, which was born one rainy day.
When Richard Daphne is not waiting tables for a living, he is turning his love for design and building into his very own #SideHustle.
He sent in a voice note on Tuesday telling us about his portable miniature golf course business that he hopes will turn into a full-time business in the future.
If you missed it, listen to Tuesday's edition of #SideHustle in the podcast, then read more below:
Richard, who resides currently in Durban North, moved to South Africa when he was eighteen-years-old. He works at a popular eatery in Durban North and builds kids furniture, toys, and games in his spare time.
READ: Amanzimtoti resident turns love for 3D printing into a #SideHustle
His #SideHustle idea happened by chance when he was babysitting his niece on a rainy day.
"I got interested in designing the putt-putt one day while babysitting my niece of four. It was raining outside and she wanted to play games that can only be played outside, so I decided to build her a two-hole putt-putt course so she can play in and outdoors," he told us.
Fast forward two years later, and it has grown into something of a passion.
"There is no greater gratification than watching a child play with something you have created," he said.
While many think it may be an expensive affair, he has told us that the company cost him 'virtually nothing' to set up, as he had all the tools to build at his disposal.
So far he has sold roughly ten modulated holes which are around two-and-a-half-meters long.
When deciding on the pieces to use, he joins pieces of wood to a base and changes the sides around until he's happy with a layout, and then he builds the pieces to create a hole. The AstroTurf and the sides can also be colour coded according to a brand's colours - which could make a perfect indoor putt-putt course for any company.
Learn more about the production process in the gallery below:
Gallery
He went on to tell us that while it may seem like a costly product to purchase, the variations it can create are endless.
"If you are looking to purchase 18 holes, it would cost R60,000, but with one of those 18 holes, you can create 50,000 different holes by moving the pieces around," he said.
If you wish to contact Richard, you can do so on 063 726 4855. You can also email him: [email protected] or [email protected].
#SideHustle will air every Tuesday on Thandolwethu's show exclusive to East Coast Radio. All you need to do is submit a 50-second WhatsApp voice note to 061 792 9495 telling us about your side hustle, and how people can contact you.