There are few things better than spending a day playing miniature golf. Not only does a trip to the putting carpet on a warm, sunny day give you your dose of competition, it also lets you share laughs and fun along the way. Spend some time celebrating Miniature Golf Day at these five area golf courses. Let us know if you’re able to putt it through the windmill on your first try.
Chip’s Clubhouse
If you’re looking for 18 holes of family-friendly fun, Chip’s Clubhouse is the location for you. Located in Chardon, this miniature golf course attracts customers from all cities near or far looking for a relaxed yet entertaining miniature golf outing. The course exudes a relaxed setting with a stone waterfall, two streams of water throughout the course, ponds with high jetting water and shade from surrounding trees. Whether they’re landscaping or updating their amenities, Chip’s staff is always working to maintain the course to ensure the highest quality experience. “Our goal is always just to keep the course looking like it did the day we opened,” says owner Bill Cox. “We just want to keep it fun.” 214 5th Ave., Chardon, 440-285-3456, chipsclubhouse.com
Memphis Kiddie Park
Don’t let the name deceive you: Memphis Kiddie Park is fun for all ages. Since the early ‘60s, the course has become a timeless wonder of Cleveland history and still remains largely untouched six decades after opening. While the course isn’t as elaborate in design as most mini golf courses, it requires a skill set for all the sharp turns, tunnels and obstacles. Despite being one of the more challenging local courses, the family-owned business still encourages people of all skill sets to come enjoy a game of miniature golf in a blissful environment. “It’s a park-like setting with lots of very mature trees,” says owner Russell Wintner. “We don't try to cram a bunch of holes in a small space.” 10340 Memphis Ave, Cleveland, 216-941-5995, memphiskiddiepark.com
Mentor Mini Golf
This 18-hole course is built to provide both fun and outreach for the Mentor community. In addition to boasting a course suitable for golfers of all ages, it routinely holds events and fundraisers for nearby schools. Aside from being located next to Dairy Queen, the miniature golf park also includes wooden bridges and a cascading lagoon-like waterfall. “We’re very community involved,” says operations manager Mike Mercer. “We’re not here to make a profit, we’re here to be a part of the community.” 7695 Lakeshore Blvd, Mentor, 440-257-5588, Facebook.com/MentorMiniGolf
Sweetie’s Golfland Park
Looking for a side of something sweet with your golf? Then Sweetie’s Golfland Park is for you. Located on the same property and under the same ownership at B.A. Sweetie’s Candy Co., this course is sure to cure your sweet tooth. This course boasts its own miniature golf aesthetic by ditching the green carpet for a purple Willy Wonka-inspired one. At night, LED lighting is used to light up the entire course, making it the perfect destination for a date night. Aside from its giant lollipop and jelly bean decor, the course also comes with several water amenities, some of which are built into the course. “We have a koi fish pond, cascading waterfalls, a water wheel and two ponds with water, “ says owner Tom Scheiman. “It's relaxing when you hear the water trickling down.”6770 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, 216-472-1340, sweetiesgolfland.com
Swings-N-Things
If you are wanting to make a day out of the celebration, Swings-N-Things is the one stop place that never disappoints. After originally opening as an 18-hole course, an additional 18 holes have been added over time due to the location’s popularity. In addition to having classic miniature golf staples like a rotating sawmill, lighthouse and nearly-three-foot-tall castle, the course was updated this year with a new nylon carpet that has quickly become a customer favorite. In terms of difficulty, this course is the perfect skill level for the entire family to enjoy, regardless of age. “Miniature golf is the common denominator,” says Tim Sorge. “It’s the thing that everybody loves and can do together.” 8501 Stearns Road, Olmsted Falls, 440-235-4420, sntfun.com
