Miniature golf was fast becoming a respectable sport in the 1960s and early 70s, with its elite “athletes” getting paid big fat paychecks in national competitions. Courses were popping up all over the U.S., and there was even a Miss Putt-Putt beauty pageant. But as the 1970s wore on, miniature golf courses became more about being a hangout for teens than a place of legitimate competition. And by the 1980s, the primary revenue for putt-putt business came from the video game arcades and birthday parties in the clubhouse rather than on the greens. The sport’s heyday was far in the rear-view mirror by the time the 1980s came to a close.
Well folks, Pac-Man and creepy clowns have arrived. There are only a few miniature golf courses still are around, but you have to admit they’ve lost their character, their mojo, if you will. I blame the clowns. With " social distancing " a thing of the 'now' maybe it's time to bring them back? I immediately thought about putt put golf and drive in's when the pandemic started. And have been casually complaining to friends here in Seattle about the absence of both. They blame the rain. But isn't there a way around that? Like maybe, a fancy sliding roof? Tents? A little drizzle wouldn't stop me!
Either way, I tell ya, I'm gonna make this happen!
Stay tuned for Pt. 2 of this article this weekend
when we talk about drive in movie theaters!
