Castle Park Mini Golf (Green Course 2) – Sherman Oaks, CA

Played on April 7, 2019 and numerous times in February/March 2020

Reviewed by Mr. Tee

Revisiting mini golf courses multiple times can uncover little idiosyncrasies and provide an opportunity to see the course in a new light, especially when you play with different people each time. In 2019, The Pink Putter and I played the green course once together while filming for Holey Moley Season 1. Both of us were excited, anxious, and sleep-deprived. The putting felt challenging but only looking back at photos did I notice that the turf was incredibly worn. Fast forward to spring 2020 and I was back out in Southern California to meet up with fellow Holey Moley alums and see friends in the area. The green course (#2) at Castle Park played very differently between 2019 and 2020 but I had equally as good times playing every time out on the course.

Rating

Hole-in-One – As with my review of the red course (#1), I landed on a hole-in-one rating due to the fun memories made on the course with others and the overall experience I had playing with putting enthusiasts. A big factor for the higher rating was also due to the green turf being replaced since spring 2019. All three courses have issues with the shoot through obstacles/environments functioning properly but the condition of the turf on Course #2 is significantly better than the other two courses. On your trip through these 18 holes, you’ll putt up to a massive windmill, through an old red barn, and next to a green dragon wrapped around a colorful castle. The length and variety of layout of the holes make this whole course a good challenge but I found hole 16 (cup on top of an unforgiving anthill) to be the most frustrating of them all. This course will be a staple to future visits to the greater Los Angeles area and hopefully, be the home to many more Holey Moley contestant reunions.

Me on little sleep, poorly displaying the ball distribution system at Castle Park that requires purchasing a token.

The two of us getting in some last-minute practice just before playing Holey Moley

2020 reunion with Season 1 alums, Joni Parrent (Ep. 6 finalist) & Jeffrey Barber (Ep. 7 champ)

Course #2 is distinguished by the traditional green turf that was top notch shape in 2020.

Side by Side photos of Castle Park from the John Margolies archive (left) and A Couple of Putts (right)

Pink Putter posing in the foreground and the fire department testing grounds on the other side of the fence

My return to Castle Park in 2020 also coincided with the filming of Season 2 of Holey Moley & gave me an opportunity to share a round with Season 2 contestant, Karl Barth from Milwaukee.

Jeffrey taking aim at the red barn with the golden putter

Love the vibrant colors highlighting this challenging uphill hole that leads to a 2nd lower tier

Jeffrey heading towards the finish on hole 17

Pros

Multiple Courses
Variety of classic shoot-thru obstacles
Numerous long holes with immersive elements
Challenging putting
Perfect place to spend time with fellow mini golf fanatics and new friends

Cons

Turf/Carpet can be unforgiving and frustrating especially when it wears down
Several pipes and shoot-thru elements did not function well

Nerdy Notes

3 18-hole courses. Course 2 (Green) is Par 54
Adults (Ages 13 to 64) – $6.50, Children (Ages 5 to 12) – $5.50, Children 4 and under FREE with a PAID adult, Senior Citizens (Ages 64 +) – $5.50
Replays – $3.00 (Same Day Only)
Weekend Early Birds 9 am – 10:30 am – $3.00 per person regardless of age
Last call for miniature golf is one hour before closing.
Par not listed on the scorecard but listed at the holes.
Rubber covered putters
After you pay for your round, you receive a token to put in one of the machines containing a small variety of colored balls. The machines are similar to the plastic bubble vending machines found in malls and grocery stores in the US in the 80s and 90s
Opens between 9 and 10am and stays open late until 11pm and midnight depending on the day of the week