Peter Pan Mini Golf (West Course) – Austin, TX

Played March 19, 2015

Reviewed by Mr. Tee

Two years removed from my first review of this course I got to play the other half of this Austin, Texas mini golf gem during my mostly annual trip to SXSW. The music conference offers deep conversations on the state of the music world, all sorts of live performances and tasty food trucks but if you’re going to survive the chaos, you need to get away from hordes of people a few times. I nabbed former colleague/friend/music maven/all-around fantastic person Lauren McCauley for a putting adventure and we trekked by foot down Barton Springs for a round of 18. After playing, we cabbed our way back to the thick of the town in time to catch one of the musical highlights of the festival, Girl Band, at Mohawk. They are from Ireland and on one of my favorite labels of all time, Rough Trade. Founder of the label, Geoff Travis, makes a blurry cameo in the last photo at the end of this review.

Rating:

Hole-in-One – Much like the east course, this is must play mini golf. Larger than life colorful obstacles adorn the entire course and fit in with the classic Austin style that is slowly going away as condos take over the landscape. The fictional character and namesake of the course is nearly 20 feet tall and greets you at hole 1. You can see the massive Peter Pan from the road and it has the same alluring effect now as it likely did in the early days. While some sculptures / obstacles had some damage, it’s clear a lot of effort goes in regularly to keep this course in beautiful shape. I won’t waste anymore time blathering. This is easily in my top 5 courses I’ve played to date. The photos don’t even come close to doing this place justice.

(above three photos courtesy of Lauren McCauley)

Last time the sign said “HAPPY BIRHDAY RICKY” so they must be intentional about the misspelling. Sadly, the dial-up modem sounding ATM was replaced since my last visit. Given it is cash only, it makes sense that it should be functioning.

No idea why the dinosaur has a spoon but how can you not love it?

Another dog’s eye view (not the lousy 90s band)

A family and a young couple on a date were in front of us. Despite the massive music festival going on blocks away, the course was packed.

Oversized ant singing on top of a taco? Peter Pan is doing it’s part to “Keep Austin Weird”.

Backside of the taco has artist’s signature.

Seemed fitting that during SXSW there would be a mini golf course nearby with animated musical figures.

Probably my favorite character on the course

The bridge hole was incredibly difficult. The two groups in front of us had well over 6 strokes each before they finished. Lauren faired much better.

This guy could use some work but it was one of the few obstacles in rough shape on this visit.

Colorful classic loop and this other odd character at 15

Armadillo. Check. Horse. Check. Star. Check. Boots. Check.

Lauren and I went to a show at Mohawk immediately after playing mini golf to see a new band from Ireland called Girl band. The blurry figure in the background is Geoff Travis, founder of Rough Trade Records. He released records by the Smiths and about a million other cool bands. I’m a huge fan of his work and had to document the moment even if the photo looks like rubbish. This capped off a perfect SXSW night.

Peter Pan Mini Golf Website

A Couple of Putts review of the East Course at Peter Pan in 2013

Pros:

Classic old school mini golf kitsch
Good variety of challenge with simple and difficult to play holes
Larger than life sculptures make for an immersive experience
Color scheme matches the region / long-held notion of style affiliated with Austin
Wide variety of play including loops, tiered pipe play and bridges
Ability to bring your own drinks / cooler on to the course with you

Cons:

A couple of the sculptures were a little beat up

Nerdy Notes:

West Course: 18 Holes, Par 41. Stroke limit for each hole not listed for this course.
Cash and Check only
Adults & children 6 and over: One course $6. Both courses $9. Children 5 and under: One course (18 holes) $4. Both courses (36 holes) $7
Rubber covered putters
Hours and location
Patrons are allowed to bring coolers with beverages on the course but glass containers are not allowed.
According to their website, the west course is more difficult.