Played February 27, 2015 & February 12, 2016
Reviewed by Mr. Tee.
Played with Jennifer & Manny Castro in 2015 and The Pink Putter in 2016.
The Grand Slam chain was a big part of my youth in Minnesota. If memory serves me, there were previous locations in Duluth and Fridley in the 90s but can’t find an online foot print for either location. Both had mini golf courses but I mostly spent a lot of time in the arcade playing NBA Jam. We reviewed the course at the Coon Rapids location and had put off the Burnsville location until a cold winter night. My pals Manny and Jennifer joined me on a chill February Friday last year. I delayed on finishing this review and wanted to grab a few more photos with the Pink Putter a year later before I completed it.
Rating:
Update 2024 – After revisiting the course in the past 2-3 years for our local competitive putting league and on our own during the winter months due to limited options, I’m downgrading this course review to a Par. To be honest, this feels generous given the current state of the course. The extraordinary number of poorly installed and maintained cups on this course that regularly cause the ball to bounce out is unfortunate. I don’t know if I’ve ever had or seen as many balls bounce out of the cup as I’ve seen on this course. It’s super unsatisfying and avoidable with some adjustments. Additionally, several of the obstacles and themed elements, especially the broken skulls on the already poor playing Hole #9, are in rough shape. The course is not bad enough to fall down to the Sandtrap review score but I don’t necessarily recommend this course anymore unless you’re desperate during the winter months.
Previous Birdie review from 2016 – I had very low expectations for this course since the Coon Rapids Grand Slam location was a bit ramshackle and in rough shape. We’ve seen a lot of pirate themed mini golf courses, but few of them use the theme for obstacles and creative play opportunities. This course nailed the concept well. Numerous holes incorporated the pirate theme not only in look but in obstacles and staging. Jump through a treasure chest. Hit the ball through a spinning ship’s pirate wheel. Bounce between metal beer steins. The decor is cheesy but perfect for kids and kids at heart. It’s on the low end of the “Birdie” rating but a step up from your average indoor course.
Pros:
Pirate theme consistent throughout the course
Obstacles and set pieces used to create an immersive course within a large entertainment complex
Several interactive elements including a spinning pirate’s wheel
Cons:
Short distance between the end of one hole and the beginning of another in a few cases
Few of the holes were a little too short / easy
At time a bit chaotic since it is a kid’s party destination
Nerdy Notes:
- 18 Holes, Par 39
- Rubber covered putters.
- $4.95 a round. Package deals available for unlimited mini golf and other games including $11.95
- Arcade, laser tag, Trampoline, “Crazy Kars”, batting cages and snack bar in the same building
- Open Sunday – Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday – Saturday 10 a.m. to Midnight
