Lucas Devotion &
Rhys Burkitt
More Than Just Fillin' Holes
A self-made surname, a whiteboard full of business ideas and a mini golf course built on a vacant gravel lot.
Lucas Devotion and Rhys Burkitt are proving that sometimes the best businesses start with a simple idea, plenty of creativity and the courage to stop talking and start doing.
Located at 333 Tuam Street, Christchurch Central
When we caught up with Lucas and Rhys to chat about their mini golf venture, Fillin' Holes, we couldn't resist asking Lucas about his rather memorable surname, Devotion. As it turns out, it's a name he gave himself. It certainly makes for a great conversation starter and is probably easier to remember than another business card.
Like many young entrepreneurs, Lucas and Rhys have no shortage of ideas. They told us they have an entire whiteboard covered with business concepts, but it was the mini golf idea that earned a spot on the "let's stop talking about it and actually do it" list.
The pair both attended Riccarton High School. Although they knew each other through the gaming world, they didn't become good mates until after leaving school. Rhys went on to complete a Bachelor of Motion Design at Ara Institute, while Lucas decided the traditional education path wasn't really for him. Instead, he channelled his energy into entrepreneurship, content creation and social media, where his flair for drama and storytelling has helped Fillin' Holes build an impressive online following.
Lucas laughs that his very first business idea was starting a record label, fueled by his involvement in Christchurch's electronic music scene. Looking back, he says one of his biggest lessons was not to overcomplicate things, particularly after navigating the legal process of setting up his first company. Sometimes the best ideas are the simplest ones.
That simple idea became Fillin' Holes Mini Golf, which officially opened in May last year. The business is now generating enough income to keep the pair going, but they're already thinking well beyond the current course. Expansion plans are sitting alongside the rest of the whiteboard ideas, with hopes of improving cash flow while creating an even bigger entertainment destination.
Rhys and Lucas are particularly excited about the possibility of adding golf simulators and an onsite bar with regular DJ events to create a venue that people want to return to, not just for a round of mini golf but as a social hub. Judging by their enthusiasm, they'll probably need an even bigger whiteboard before long.
While locals are steadily discovering the venue, they told us they also attract a surprising number of international visitors. For reasons they
haven't quite worked out, Germans seem especially fond of Fillin' Holes. Whether it's Christchurch's rebuilding story, the unique course design or simply good luck, they're certainly not complaining.
The course itself embraces Christchurch's construction heritage, with obstacles inspired by the city's rebuild. It's a fitting theme given the venue occupies a once-vacant gravel site at 333 Tuam Street, a clever example of transforming an empty space into something fun, vibrant and uniquely Christchurch.
We always enjoy meeting young entrepreneurs who are prepared to take a chance on an idea. Lucas and Rhys have brought plenty of creativity and energy to the central city, and if their whiteboard is anything to go by, Fillin' Holes is probably just the beginning.