Reviewed by the Pink Putter
Played August 24th, 2019
When we planned a trip to the east coast to visit family and play mini golf last August, the ultimate destination was to visit Around the World and Around the USA Mini Golf in Lake George. It is two courses that have been on the top of our bucket list for years and we finally had a chance to make it a priority and plan and entire vacation around it. And so we did. This is the review of Around the World. Our review for Around the USA can be found here.
Rating
Hole-in-One – There’s no doubt about it, Around the World is a true treasure and one of the best and most elaborate miniature golf courses we have ever played. The obstacles and theming are immersive, unique and fun. There are many moving parts, educational moments, clever designs and an overall sense of kitsch and humor. The game play has just the right balance of skill, chance and risk/reward choices. You can tell everything is old, but the structures and the greens are all meticulously maintained which truly enhances the overall quality of the experience. The course is located right on the shore of Lake George, so you’re surrounded by scenic lake and mountain vistas.
From their website:
Around the world golf is one of the oldest and most original miniature golf courses in the area. Designed by Lake George local Harry Horn, this course was inspired by his travels around the world and the souvenirs (some bigger than most, such as the Rickshaw) he decided to bring back home. Home being a picturesque location with stunning views of Lake George itself and the steamboats.
The bottom line is, if you are a mini golf lover, find a way to get to Lake George and play a few rounds Around the World.
We found some photos from the John Margolies Roadside America Archive of Around the World from probably the mid 1970’s, so put together some side by side comparisons of the course some thirty years later. Not much has changed!
Pros
Obstacles and theming are immersive, unique and fun
Clever designs and an overall sense of kitsch and humor
Structures and the greens are all meticulously maintained
Scenic lake and mountain vistas
Cons
None that I can think of!
Nerdy Notes
- 18 holes, par 48
- 1st Game: $8.75 Adult / $6.95 Child
2nd Game: $6.75 Adult / $5.25 Child
Seniors $1 off adult price - Final hole collect balls
- Around the USA 18-hole course is adjacent and a part of the larger complex
- Rubber covered putters
- No flags in cups
- Open since 1963
