Mini Golf In Orlando

The Illustrated London News described the first known occurrence of miniature golf as being

?played like golf croquet, and may also be played as is golf, the obstacles taking the place of holes.? William Senhouse Clarke patented his backyard game of golf with obstacles, Gofstacle, in 1907 but the publicity described above didn't come until 1912. In any case, Gofstacle skyrocketed in popularity among upper class Londoners and lives on now, 100 years later, as a popular activity for all ages.

Miniature golf hit the US and Canada shortly after the Illustrated London News ran it's article, in 1916. Thistle Dhu ("this'll do") became the name for standardized courses, which were mass-produced in South Carolina and sold to the public under that name. At this point the kits were purchased and set up in the owner's yard on their own natural grass. That all changed in 1922 when Thomas Fairbairn came up with his own concoction of cottonseed hulls, sand, oil and green dye to create the world's first artificial turf. Fairburn's invention revolutionized the game of mini golf, making it possible to create a course virtually anywhere. Mini golf became so popular, a 1931 issue of Popular Science magazine reported more than 150 rooftop courses in New York City alone.

As the decades rolled by, miniature golf courses increased in complexity and size. Five holes became nine, then twelve and finally eighteen. Fancier obstacles such as windmills and pyramids eventually evolved from the small mounds and rings that were initially used. Inevitably, the players became more serious as well. The World Minigolfsport Federation was established, with almost 50,000 competitive players in 37 nations around the world. On a side note, it seems mini golf has become quite a serious sport in Europe; of those 50,000 Federation members, 11,000 are in Germany and 8,000 in Sweden.

In North America, miniature golf is a fun pursuit for any age, as either a weekend treat or a vacation activity. As the popularity of overseas travel grew during the 20th century, and resorts became more comprehensive, mini golf courses began popping up in resort communities like Cancun and Honolulu. Themed courses arose as well, with obstacles fashioned according to the overall park premise. For example, the Liki Tiki Village Resort in Orlando, Florida has a Hawaiian tiki themed mini golf course to match the ambiance of the entire resort. During the Great Depression of the 1930's, the soaring popularity of mini golf which had occurred in the 1920's waned. Most of the mini golf courses were demolished to make way for potential industry. Thankfully, national economics improved and recreational activities became popular again. A respectable level of popularity was achieved with miniature golf, although it hasn't undergone another boom equal to that of the 1920's!

by: Robert Nickel

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