Visited on June 11, 2021

Words by the Pink Putter

When researching mini golf of Panama City Beach, we came across some information on roadarch.com about a place that was once known as Beacon Golf. Although this course has been long gone, the lighthouse feature that was used as the clubhouse/office as well as remnants of the first hole both remain on site. We couldn’t find an address or additional information, but we did keep our eyes peeled for the lighthouse and sure enough, we discovered a business called “Outlaw Rentals” on the site of the former Beacon Golf at 8500 Thomas Drive in Panama City Beach.

Further research led me to Tim Hollis’ book, Florida’s Miracle Strip, where I found the following:

All of the Miracle Strip communities had other miniature golf courses that lacked the sticking power of the ones mentioned so far. One course built in the traditional old style was Beacon Golf, located on Thomas Drive in Panama City Beach. This course featured colorful concrete statuary, but the figures were purely for decoration, as none of them actually served as obstacles in the game. Beacon Golf made way for other business development years ago, but for some time afterward, sharp-eyed visitors could still spot the replica lighthouse that served as both its roadside lure and the source of its name.