Played on July 9th and 11th, 2020

Reviewed by the Pink Putter

Over the years of our mini golf adventures, we’ve played or visited four different courses in the Pirate’s Cove franchise including one in Kissimmee, FL, one in Wisconsin Dells and two in the Lake George/Queensbury area of upstate NY. Visiting the Pirate’s Cove in Brainerd was high on our list and one of our first stops during our summer 2020 trip to “up north” MN. There were two 18-hole courses on the complex, the Captain’s Course and Blackbeard’s Revenge. This review is of the Captain’s Course.

Rating

Keeping in tradition with the franchise, the pirate themed is enhanced by a nautical clubhouse, a giant pirate ship, caves and waterfalls, small vignettes, props such as barrels, cannons and tombstones and consistent didactics and signage throughout the course. The only questionable item of decor was a set of decorative gallows near the front. The putting areas were large and offered a variety of game play challenges, moving players up stairs, down hills, through caves and even onto the giant ship. The lush landscaping and abundant water features offered an elevated ambience. The whole complex was clean and well maintained. The only thing making this course just shy of a hole-in-one rating is that it falls within a heavily branded franchise, so it doesn’t have the unique qualities that we look for in a top review.

Pirate’s Cove Brainerd website

17992 MN-371, Brainerd, MN 56401

Pros
Clean and super well maintained
Large water features and immaculate landscaping
Immersive pirate theme
Large playing areas with challenging and varied game play

Cons

Unique to Minnesota, but not unique to the Pirate’s Cove franchise

Nerdy Notes

• 18 holes, par 40
• No flags in cups
• Rubber covered putters
• Captain’s Course Adults $8.95, Children* $7.95, Blackbeard’s Challenge Adults $8.95, Children* $7.95, 36-Hole Adventure Adults $14.95, Children* $13.50, *Children: Age 4 to 12 (ages 3 and under play free)
• Season: Last weekend in April – 3rd weekend in October
• 18th hole collects ball
• Go-karts on-premise