Played November 8 & 11, 2022
Reviewed by Mr. Tee
We’ve known and admired Chris Pennington’s creative and artistic endeavors for years. Whether it was the Haunted Basement, public water balloon fights, or the Ten Second Film Festival, you knew he was going to try to do something unique and fun. Shortly after returning from Iceland in November, we were invited to the soft opening of a new artist-designed permanent course in the center of Uptown Minneapolis by Chris. We had been given an in-progress tour to see some of the pieces earlier in the fall and we were eager to get there to take on the completed course.
Rating
The whimsical, eclectic, and fantastical 9-hole course at Arts + Rec is in rare air for pushing the creativity of the game of mini golf. Chris Pennington learned from his previous mini golf endeavors at Can Can Wonderland and has helped bring to life a menagerie of themed environments that you can explore with a putter and ball. Each hole has a detailed tableau that rewards those who investigate the spaces fully. There is a massive skatepark bowl with a nod to the legendary Bones Brigade. A waterfall that replicates classic Hamms beer signs. An immersive sauna with sound effects. A horse racing-themed hole that replicates a midway carnival game and extends into a larger room that repurposes elements from a long-time family-owned saddle shop that recently closed in Uptown. And it all starts in a functioning record store filled with posters and a spinning turntable hole. I’ve only been there twice but I’m certain that each time I go I’ll find a clever little reference or a tiny detail that I had previously missed. I expect that there will be tweaking along the way to add to and improve the gameplay and immersive experience. Honestly, my biggest complaint is that there aren’t more holes at Arts+ Rec. I promise you haven’t played a course like this.
Entrance on Lake Street, 3001 Hennepin Ave Suite 1230, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Pros
Several one-of-a-kind/unique holes and ideas that we’ve never seen before
A wild variety of gameplay styles
Signage, vibe, and sense of adventure throughout the whole course
Fantastic bar and entertainment amenities
Impression attention to detail in the theme of each hole
Fun and clever signage
Cons
A few of the holes (#6 & #9) are a touch too difficult (but still really fun)
Would be even more awesome with more holes (not a con as much as a hope for the future)
Nerdy Notes
- 9-hole course, Par 18 (each hole is par 2 but it is not listed on the scorecard)
- Opened in Seven Points Mall (formerly known as Calhoun Square) in Uptown, Minneapolis mid-November 2022
- Urethane putter options with a mix of golf ball choices
- Fully accessible course via wheelchair
- Multiple bars (including a rooftop bar accessible by elevator), performance stages, and food options
- Records in the “clubhouse” are available for sale for $8.08
- Course can be accessed either from the entrance at Lake and Hennepin or at the bar entrance on Lake St.
