By Steffen Klenk
“Fore!” With the warm weather approaching, it’s time to get outside and enjoy a thrilling game of mini golf.
Whether you’re seeking a fun afternoon with family and friends, or searching for an enjoyable date night spot, this guide is your go-to resource for the best mini golf on the island. These are just some of our favorite spots:
Congo Falls, located at 1132 Boardwalk, is a South Jersey staple. This jungle-themed attraction boasts three courses: Solomon’s Mine, Lost City, and Congo Queen, each ranging from easy to expert.
For thrill-seekers, Lost City is my personal recommendation. The air-conditioned confines offer an element of surprise at almost every turn. You never know what will stand in the way next.
The course is rated PG and is not recommended for young kids. Congo Falls is also located at 9312 Ventnor Ave. in Margate.
While strolling the Boardwalk, be sure to check out Goofy Golf, located between Castaway Cove and the Music Pier. While this bright and colorful course has aged over time, what makes this location stand out is creativity.
Each hole is designed differently, ranging from putting the golf ball into a basketball hoop to a game of skeeball. Giant, colorful animals watch the game play overhead. At $5 per person, it is also one of the most affordable options for large families on a budget.
Head just a few short steps down the Boardwalk and you will find Seaport Village Golf. It is directly across from Curly’s Fries and might be my personal favorite Boardwalk attraction.
The entire course is reminiscent of a small seaside town. It’s easy to get a hole-in-one at Seaport. Along the way, you will find some historical plaques and photo references about Ocean City’s most famous shipwreck, the Sindia.
OC Adventure Golf, located next door to OC Waterpark, might be the best place to cool off on a hot summer day. Much of the course winds through the waterpark, offering unique views of the slides and splash zone. Many of the holes are simple and easy to play. Just be mindful of the water hazards.
While the name Haunted Golf may sound scary, it’s anything but. A lip-syncing skeleton named Bones greets you with zany jokes that will tickle your funny bone and have you dancing to popular hits. Along your adventures, ghostly characters come to life, offering recorded banter and jokes.
Make your way to the 18th hole and you will be greeted by a headless bellhop who thanks you for your visit. Be sure to drop your golf ball into the peg slot on your way out for your chance at a free game.
Pirates of the Golden Galleon is just one block south of Castaway Cove and is home to two courses, with a Port and Starboard entrance. The ocean theme is very much alive and well here, with the soundtrack to “Pirates of the Caribbean” ablaze over the PA system, and an enormous peg-legged pirate standing high above the playing surface. While the obstacles themselves offer slight difficulty overall, you are sure to have a pleasant experience here.
Medieval Fantasy sits along the 1300 Block of the Boardwalk and is one of my favorite hidden gems. The exterior castle-like fortress and dragons sit high above the entrance. Follow the arrows around the course and you will be guided into two blacklight rooms that will illuminate the golf balls and clubs. Be mindful of your step and you will have a fun time. And if you are just lucky enough, you may just win a free game like I did!
Gillian’s Wonderland Pier has brought back one of its most popular attractions. Sea-Quest Mini Golf is located inside the pier next to the ticket booth and features easy obstacles. I highly recommend visiting if you have young kids or are looking for a quick and easy game.
Last, but certainly not least, is Tee-Time Golf. It’s just next door to Wonderland and might be one of my favorites on this list. Before arriving, be sure to leave your food and drinks behind. This is one of the cleanest courses on the Boardwalk by far, with course operators vacuuming between customers. Almost every hole has a moving component, and a new theme as you walk around, such as the Flintstones’ prehistoric pedal car, Lucy the Elephant, and an old-fashioned biplane.
Follow the Yellow Brick Road to hole 19, where you will have a chance to putt the ball into the boot-shaped home of the Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe for your chance at a free game. If you don’t win, you can watch as your golf ball travels up a windmill, through a tube above your head, and back to the entry.
What’s your favorite summer attraction? Is there a prime mini golf spot we didn’t mention? Let us know! Send an email to shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.
Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.
