6 years ago while waiting in line for a waterslide at Wisconsin Dells (aka the Jersey Shore of the midwest), we leveled up our lifelong passions for the game of miniature golf. We sought out new mini golf and new courses, to boldly go where… we could find the best-putting environments. The two of us thought other people might want to go along for the ride and thus, we launched A Couple of Putts.
The two of us have gotten to the point where we’ve played enough courses to know the difference between solid (par) and exceptional (hole-in-one) mini golf. While we still have yet to play courses in the mecca of mini golf, Myrtle Beach, and need to play more international courses, A Couple of Putts feels confident in holding up this collection of varied and spectacular spots to play across the United States. Whether it’s National Mini Golf Day or any other day of the year, you’re going to have fun in all of 10 of these places. Mini Golf is For EVERYONE!
Click on the images or the names of the courses to see the full documentation of each one of these gems.
Top 10 Courses We’ve Played: 2018 Edition
Par-King Skill Golf (Lincolnshire, IL) – 36 holes of pure bliss. We’re regularly asked what is the best mini golf course around and Par-King is always our first answer. If you have a choice whether to play their Red or Black course, you should play both. Take note that you must be over 48″ to play.
Vitense Golfland (Madison, WI) – Our friend Chris Pennington of Can Can Wonderland grew up playing this course and was inspired. After playing all three courses at Vitense, we know why. Two outdoor courses (California and Wisconsin) and one indoor course (Madison) filled with slides, zip lines, immersive environments, and kitsch.
Urban Putt (San Fransisco, CA) – Hands down the best indoor mini golf course in the United States. The 14 holes in this former funeral home in the Mission District are filled with loads of life. Urban Putt created several of the most original holes we have seen to date. Steve Fox and company are elevating mini golf to another level in the 21st century.
Golf N Stuff (Norwalk, CA) – Featured in the original Karate Kid movie from the 80s. Four 18-hole courses spread across a massive palm tree filled complex. Golf N’ Stuff has a world record-breaking treehouse and endless amounts of fun. Smart hole design surrounded by fairy tale characters, lighthouses, pirates, and castles.
Big Stone (Mound, MN) – The location of our first date! The artist, Bruce Stillman, made and designed the 14 holes using organic and sculptural materials. Surrounded by a sculpture park and live animals. Only course where you could have a chicken cross the path to the cup.
Disney Winter Summerland (Orlando, FL) – Disney gets it right twice with their 18-hole courses themed for Winter and Summer. The themed environments are impeccably maintained. Interactive elements compliment the cartoonish space.
Universal City Walk (Orlando, FL) – The two 18-hole courses, Invaders from Planet Putt Putt and The Haunting of Ghostly Greens, bring more to the table than impeccably themed environments. The music, moving elements (including a Rube Goldberg hole), an interactive trivia game/scavenger hunt, and water shooting from obstacles all add to a narrative that heightens the entire putting experience.
Peter Pan (Austin, TX) – Since 1948, Peter Pan has been a destination in the heart of one of the most fun and creative cities in the world. This classic course is one of the oldest active family operated courses in the country. You can’t go wrong with either the East or West course. BYOB as long as you’re not drinking out of glass containers.
IMA 2017 (Indianapolis, IN) – Both of us are deeply enamored with the world of artist-designed courses. In addition to designing and/or building over 20 mini golf holes, we love playing creations with imaginative elements. Of all the courses, we’ve played or contributed to, the 2017 iteration of the Indianapolis Museum of Art (now named Newfields) was the most impressive across the board. Eclectic, vibrant, and fun.
Shipwrecked (New York City, NY) – The mini golf is solid but the real magic lies in the theming. It’s clear this space is a labor of love. Purchase the extra tokens to take in a ghost hologram, videos, water, light and sound effects unlike anything else we’ve seen.
In Memoriam
Goony Golf (Spring Lake Park, MN) – Each year a number of mini golf courses decide to call it a day. The loss of Goony Golf last Summer near our hometown was a big one for us. The North, South, and Championship were permanently closed and leveled for new businesses. We are working on an archive of the 30+ years of the course that we’re going to share throughout the Summer so stay tuned.
Parting Note: As our adventures continue, we’ll be sure to create new lists of our favorite courses. Our review system is the best guide to seeing what we like the most. You should feel confident playing any course rated as a Hole-in-One.
