Crazy golf conjures up images of British seasides, ice cream and possibly the odd family argument.

But for two former Hampton School pupils the family-friendly game has become a competitive sport that will take them 5,000 miles across the world to China to represent their country.

The pair of putters currently practice the sport at New Malden’s Jurassic Encounter Adventure Golf, where they battle against nine near lifesized animatronic dinosaurs to get their hole-in-one.

But Richard Skeggs and Oliver Florence will be swinging their stuff in the Chinese city of Kunming when they fly out to take part in the 2010 Asian Open this month.

Mr Skeggs, who lives in Hampton and works as a pilot at Gatwick, said: “I thought Oliver was mad when he suggested travelling more than 5,000 miles for a game of minigolf.

“However the lure and excitement of carrying the Union Jack during the opening ceremony, as well as competing at such a high level were too much to turn down.

“It’s going to be a difficult challenge but a great experience and hopefully I can challenge for the top places.”

Although the 28-year-olds have been school friends for 12 years they have only been playing minigolf professionally for less than a year.

They will compete alongside top players from the likes of Japan, Iran, Nigeria, Germany and the US as they battle it out in the three-day tournament.

Walton resident Mr Florence, a journalist, said he was looking forward to testing himself against some of the top players in the world.

He said: “Some people see minigolf as just something that passes the time at the seaside but there is a small group of dedicated skilful players in this country who have taken the game to a new level and I feel like I’m representing them all.

“I haven’t been playing long and to be going overseas carrying the hopes of my country makes me very proud.

“It’s going to be a difficult challenge but a great experience and hopefully I can challenge for the top places.”

Sean Homer, British Minigolf Association chairman, said: “The experience of playing internationally will not only benefit both Oliver and Richard in further developing their minigolf skills and techniques but also helps to raise the profile of our players and the association outside of the UK, all of which is very positive and encouraging for us as an organisation.”

Weird competitive sports from around the world:

Man vs Horse Marathon: The ultimate race over 22 miles pits runners against riders on horseback.

Wife carrying: Male competitors tackle an obstacle course while carrying their “wives”. Major competitions are held in Finland and Wisconsin.

Cheese rolling: A Double Gloucester cheese is rolled from the top of a hill and competitors chase after it. The first across the finish line wins - the cheese of course.

World Beard And Moustache Championships: Biennial competition where men show off their extraordinary facial hair. Categories include Dali moustache and freestyle.

Toe wrestling: The organisers of the World Toe Wrestling Championships applied in 1997 to get the sport included in the Olympics but unfortunately it was not accepted.

Octopush: Also known as underwater hockey, two teams compete to maneuver a puck across the bottom of a swimming pool and into “goals”.

Bog Snorkelling: Competitors swim in a peat bog, wearing a snorkel and flippers. The World Bog Snorkelling Championships takes place on August bank holiday in Wales.

Fistball: The purpose of the sport is to hit the ball with your fist or arm and place it in the opponent’s half where they won’t get to it. It is played indoors and outdoors.

Chess boxing: Combining brains and brawn this sport is a combination of boxing and chess with the different games alternating after each round.

Extreme ironing: Tired of the same old boring household chores? Strap an ironing board on your back and head for the great outdoors.