(MENAFN - Muscat Daily) Balancing while standing on a gymnasium ball to play a tee shot; trying to use a putter and a driver together; riding a unicycle while swinging a club to complete a couple of shots. These were just some of the amazing stunts performed by renowned trick shot golfer Kevin Carpenter of Britain, who treated hundred of fans in Muscat to a breathtaking display at the Almouj Golf course recently.Speaking to Muscat Daily after finishing his 30-minute show, the 39 year old, who is regarded as one of the leading performers of his kind worldwide, said, ''I was introduced to trick shots in 2005 when I was working as a golf professional at the Celtic Manor Resort. It was the venue of the first World Golf Trick Shot Championship.''The event inspired me to develop my own unique and interactive golf trick shot show. I was impressed with what some of the competitors were doing then, but I also thought that I could develop my own show drawing on my golfing ability and personality.'' Carpenter, who performs around 50 shows annually, has been a regular in the region and has also entertained spectators and top players at the European Tour tournaments.In Muscat, he was at his best, hitting some outrageous shots and entertaining a large number of kids during the show. Later, he credited his unique hand-eye coordination skills and his passion to improvise to regular practice. ''I have now developed my own style that includes the unicycle shots. Hitting moving balls while riding a unicycle are the most difficult. ''I had to learn to ride for four months to get it right and even today, they are the difficult ones. ''As a golf pro, I had a headstart with the gym ball as it was used during physical training, so I was more comfortable while trying out tricks on them. With each show, I get more confidence to perfect it.''Among the other tricks on show in Muscat were hitting a moving ball dropped from a 20-foot pipe and bursting balloons while playing shots. Carpenter said that he has also teamed up with Geoff Swain, the reigning world trick shot champion, for a double act that is gaining popularity. ''Among our fans is the legend ary Europe's Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie, who described our show as 'fantastic golfing entertainment' recently.Those words are definitely a source of encouragement.'' He believes that trick shots have a place even at competitive events as it lightens the mood of players after a day's round or a practice session. A s k e d about the f u n n i e s t m o m e n t ever during his shows across the w o r l d , Carpenter said, ''It happened nearly four years back. While trying the gym ball act, the ball burst, bringing the loudest cheers. Luckily, I didn't get hurt.''
