National Football League stars enjoyed a fun evening at the “ultimate mini-golf destination in the world” yesterday.

The players, who are on the island for the Bermuda Golf Classic, put their skills to the test at Bermuda Fun Golf in Dockyard.

“I think it’s great – we get a chance to really meet everyone, hang out and not take the game too seriously,” NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice told The Royal Gazette.

The former wide receiver is visiting Bermuda for the first time and described it as an “amazing” experience, despite having a little trouble adjusting to driving on the left side of the road.

“That freaked me out a bit but otherwise everything is fantastic. It’s my first time in Bermuda and I’m looking forward to being back.”

NFL Hall of Famer Chris Doleman was also visiting the island for the first time.

“Bermuda is awesome. I’m loving it. We really enjoy the people – they’ve been absolutely wonderful – and the amenities are amazing.”

He also enjoyed getting to spend some time with his fellow sportsmen and their other halves.

“I think it’s fun to get out and socialise and have fun,” the former defensive end player said.

For Max Starks and his wife, who are both avid mini-golfers, the evening provided a great opportunity to play one of their favourite courses.

He said he and his wife have played many courses in the US, but “none compare to the difficulty and beauty of Fun Golf in Bermuda”.

“This is the ultimate mini -golf destination in the world.”

He added: “I love Bermuda – the hospitality that Bermudians show us and the beauty of this entire country is amazing. We plan on coming back here as long as they’ll have us.”

Billy Joe Tolliver, a 12-year NFL veteran, was so impressed by his first visit that he too has kept coming back.

“I’d never been to Bermuda before last April – since that last trip here, I’ve been here five times.

“Everywhere you go, people are so friendly – you feel like you’re at home.”

And quarterback Ryan Lindley added: “It’s very refreshing – it’s a great getaway.

“Everyone is very kind and sincere and there’s a real genuine attitude. Every moment is a good time.”

Devon Wylie, who plays as a wide receiver, was “absolutely” looking forward to coming back after also visiting the island for the first time last year.

“It’s very different but very fun – it’s not your stereotypical tropical island.

“It’s got a different feel than like the Bahamas; it’s got a unique and special feel. The people are really what bring you back.”

He said he loved the event at Fun Golf, which “almost takes the aspect of golfing and meeting people and takes the tension out of it”.

Brady Whittingham, one of the main organisers of the Bermuda Golf Classic, said the evening gave everyone a chance to get together and have fun with an activity that “even Jerry Rice, the greatest wide receiver to ever play the game, would enjoy”.

“The activity was actually one of the highlight of the entire week with the guys last year,” he said.

Hakan Leuhusen Lindgren, the owner of Fun Golf, also thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

He said he supported the event even if it meant closing to the public for an evening “because getting people like this in the long run is going to help Bermuda tourism”.