George Vitense Golfland (Wisconsin Course) – Madison, WI

1 Comment

IMG_6060

Played on May 27, 2013

Reviewed by Mr. Tee

Friend and creative genius, Chris Pennington, will be opening a new mini golf course in St. Paul, MN in 2014 called Blue Ox Mini Golf and a large inspiration for Chris’s passion for mini golf came from his boyhood mini golf haunt, Vitense. Chris has been urging us to check out this course for a while and after seeing photos online, our excitement was boiling over. With an east coast trip on the docket, we plotted out our adventure to this mecca of mini golf just on the outskirts of Madison.

Rating

Hole-in-One – The Pink Putter already reviewed the first of three courses at Vitense. Much like the California course, the Wisconsin course provided a next level mini golf experience. Loosely themed around the state of Wisconsin, the course has all sorts of interactive elements that allow you to climb, swing and traverse the course from all sorts of vantage points. Any course that gives the option of sliding versus walking is way up my alley. Being raised on Minnesota sports I should have been reviled by all of the Badger and Packer themed holes but I was having too much fun to notice or care. If this course relied only on gimmicks, playful environments, and kitsch, it would be a hole-in-one but the play itself was creative, varied and challenging. While a few holes suffered from wear and tear, it’s clearly due to the heavy traffic that comes from a well-deserved reputation.

 

IMG_1398
Scorecard pick up in the mailbox
IMG_6050
A mountain to start off a Wisconsin themed course?
IMG_1400
Mr. Tee getting to the bottom of this hole.
IMG_6054
Pink Putter brushing up on her mini golf rules
50blj
The Pink Putter spinnin’ around

IMG_1413
Mr. Tee to the top of the light house
IMG_6067
The Pink Puter doesn’t need to look far for kitsch here
IMG_6072
Pink Putter loved these colorful tiny horses but didn’t like that her ball landed in the water hazarad
IMG_1427
Mr. Tee getting into trouble
IMG_1423
Seal
IMG_1405
This one takes good timing
IMG_6073
“You don’t quit playing because you grow old, you grow old because you quit playing”

Pros

Tons of interactive elements like slides, gliders and climbing walls
Larger “river” of water throughout the two outdoor courses
Fun mix of Wisconsin and child-like environments
Variety and challenging play
Loads of kitsch!

Cons

Few holes could use some maintenance / fresh coat of paint

Nerdy Notes

  • 18 Holes, Par 66
  • No Flags in the holes
  • Rubber covered putters
  • 18 Holes for $7.75, 36 holes for $12.00, all 54 holes for $16.00
  • Cafeteria, Driving Range and Pro Shop on site

You may also like