Aloha Mini Golf (Cave Course) – Myrtle Beach, SC

Played on October 12, 2019

Reviewed by Mr. Tee. Special appearances by Pat Sheridan of The Putting Penguin & Randy Rice. Plus brief cameos of several putters that participated in the 2019 USPMGA (United States Pro Mini Golf Association) Mini Golf Masters including the two pictured above, Aaron from O-Street & Allan Cox (aka The Putter King) from Australia.

On the final evening in Myrtle Beach after the Masters events were in the books, I jumped on this course with a friend and fellow Holey Moley alum, Randy Rice, to check out how this non-tournament course plays.

Rating

The other half of this relatively new mini golf complex that hosts the annual US Pro Mini Golf Masters tournament is much like the tournament Island course. This 2nd outdoor course takes you on a trip around a massive volcano that regularly rumbles and blasts out plumes of fire for dramatic effect. Tropical plants, large water features near the front of the course, and well placed tropical-themed obstacles help provide an immersive experience. Well maintained greens and a subtle hole design that makes it an ideal course for testing your skills. Mini golf pros would know the difference between the two outdoor courses but after a while, the two outdoor courses blend together and are relatively straightforward.

Assortment of clubs and drinks (including alcoholic beverages) in the clubhouse

Like the other Masters courses, live birds are on site. Randy Rice is getting tips from them on how the turf is playing.

Merch for sale includes kids books, Chromax balls and more goodies

Pat from The Putting Penguin waving from Hole 18

The volcano and the waterfall look wonderful in the moonlight

Randy Rice sending his orange ball to the cup bouncing off the wall

Clear sign markers to help you distinguish the interweaving courses

Love seeing big & fun course signage lit up at night

On no! This turtle obstacle on hole #16 lost their head.

Randy bested me in our round by winning on Hole #18

Pros

Smartly executed tropical theme
Massive volcano rumbles and displays real fire throughout the day/night
Lighting at night makes for an idyllic evening of putting
A course where you can measure yourself against the best mini golfers in the world
Several holes feature well placed and built obstacles
The turf and holes are well maintained

Cons

All of the holes are relatively short and samey

Nerdy Notes

18 holes, Par 36.
Pricing – One round of 18 holes (9-5pm) – $9.30, One round after 5pm – $10.24. All day pass (9-5pm) – $13.95. All locations (including Hawaiian Rumble & Hawaiian Village) one round each – $23.36 All 3 locations, all 5 courses – $32.55
All day passes valid 9am-5pm
Rubber covered putters
Arcade and gift shop that includes a number of mini golf goods like trophies, ball, coloring books and more
Small bar and beverage service on the lower and upper level of the facility
Arcade/clubhouse includes live tropical birds. This is a trademark feature of all of the courses operated by Bob Detweiler, founder of the USPMGA. The other courses are Hawaiian Rumble and Hawaiian Village.