Played on June 13, 2021
Reviewed by The Pink Putter
Our mini golf binge of the Florida panhandle back in 2021 ended on a ridiculously hot day, which also happened to be my birthday, at Goofy Golf in Pensacola. This Goofy Golf course (one of many non-related Goofy Golf’s in the area) consists of two 18-hole mini golf courses, the Blue and the Green. Check out Mr. Tee’s review of the Blue Course.
“This Goofy Golf was built by Jacob Pryor in 1958 (he had previously built a real golf course in Pensacola) and is only related by name to the elaborate statue concepts that were later created by Lee Koplin at Goofy Golf in Panama City Beach. Adding to the confusion, most of the surviving statues and hazards at Pensacola Goofy Golf were added in the late 1970s from the Sir Goony Golf chain, a competitor that ripped off many of Lee Koplin’s designs.”
This Goofy Golf closed in 2004 after it was damaged by Hurricane Ivan but fortunately, the First Tee of Northwest Florida remodeled and re-opened the two 18-hole courses and is using the larger facility for Golf & Life Skills Training. Despite the hot weather, we had to document this special revitalized course which is a hybrid of elements from the Goony Golf and Goofy Golf style courses.
Rating
This course is definitely a unique hybrid of historical relics of the Sir Goony Golf chain with contemporary touches. Giant candy canes and ice cream, an alligator and a snake, a bear, a moose, the classic “Goonysaurus” are just some of the thematic elements that bring the course to life. Add in the fun and challenging game play you’d expect from a classic Goony Golf course and you’re all set for a top notch mini golf experience.
3924 W Navy Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32507
Pros
One-of-a-kind melding of classic late 1950s mini golf design
Oversized immersive holes and environments
Carefully restored and well-maintained characters
Rare course from the 1950s that is currently operating and fantastic playing shape
Cons
Very hot with limited shade
Nerdy Notes
- Green Course: 18 holes, Par 42
- Adults (18 and over) – $5 (18 holes), $8 (36 holes), Seniors, College Students & Military – $4 (18 holes), $6 (36 holes), Under 17 – $3 (18 holes), $5 (36 holes), First Tee Gulf Coast members (With ID) – $2 (18 holes), $3 (36 holes)
- According to Florida Historic Golf Trail, “Don’t be shocked if you see two-time Masters Champ and PGA Tour winner Bubba Watson playing next to you. The Pensacola resident grew up playing Goofy Golf and is a big supporter of the First Tee program. Watson hosts a mini-golf tournament at the Goofy Golf course, where one hole is named after his candy store, Bubba’s Sweet Spot.”
- Clubhouse has refreshments for sale
- Check the website for hours
- Several of the holes are not fully accessible
