Played on April 26, 2019
Reviewed by Mr. Tee
30 minutes southwest of downtown Kansas City, Missouri and across the border into the neighboring state with the motto “Ad astra per aspera” (To the Stars through Difficulties), you’ll find a multifaceted golf complex that in addition to a pro shop and driving range, you’ll discover two uniquely challenging mini golf courses. We descended on Smiley’s after a day of consulting on the Nelson-Atkins Museum’s art inspired miniature golf and a quick round at Parkville’s quaint course. Our friends Will and Katie planned to meet us at the course after their workday but we arrived early. We knew our pals would be more interested in taking on playful themed Mini Haunts side with us so the two of us opted for the putting challenge that is Smiley’s Famous Golf.
Rating
Par – 18 holes designed in line with the topography of numerous well-known golf courses. Truly, a miniaturized version of the larger form of golf. Or as their site boasts:
“Famous Golf is one of the toughest miniature golf courses ever built.”
With a Par of 71, the description isn’t too far off. The length, challenge, and layouts of each hole make aces quite rare and play frustrating for even the seasoned putters. We saw many groups around us counting strokes well over the 7 putt limit while playfully retrieving their ball from outside of the red-bricked boundaries. Take note that the temptation to just “grip it and rip it” will find you deep in water hazards or flying into your neighbor’s space.
The overall lower rating for the course comes from my preference for Smiley’s adjacent Mini Haunts offering. The difficulty of the Famous Golf course distinguishes it as special and is deserving of the higher rating of “birdie” but the condition and lack of ambiance brings it back down to earth a bit. I’m willing to accept that a handful of the maintenance issues were in part due to the timing of our visit. Late April isn’t peak outdoor mini golf season in the Midwest. That being said, numerous feature could use a makeover and fresh coat of paint, especially the water hazards.
If you’re eager to have your putting skills challenged in the game of mini golf, I promise you this course will more than deliver.
Pros
Exceptionally challenging design and layout
Long putting surfaces
Clever design connected to well known golf courses
Cons
Overall course and water hazards could use a fresh coat of paint and maintenance
Frustrating for your average or non-regular putter
Located on the same premises as a better themed and more fun looking course
Nerdy Notes
- 18 holes, Par 71
- $9.95 – Adults, $6.95 – Children (5-12), $3.95 – Toddler (4 and Younger)
- Stroke Limit 7
- Variety of Club options and balls via the clubhouse
