Miniature golf

[magid]

Last Thursday I went miniature golfing*, which I hadn't done in ages. The place had a patriotic theme, with models of historic buildings, and a faded mural of Colubus' three ships on one fence. I was surprised at how much fun it was, though perhaps some of it was also having kids in the party. OK, and I managed a hole in one :-). And, well, it's just silly.

Shabbat afternoon I walked over to Union Square, to see the holes designed for the Somerville Open, nine holes designed by local artists, with free miniature golf for three hours. The holes that I best remember include the coffin (two ramps up to the hexagonal coffin, which had a skeleton in it, and dice in the eye holes), the Alice-themed one (a mirrored sort of entrance, four suits of cards standing as hazards, a guillotine near the hole), and a pirate one (with a water hazard and a tattered sail). Plus monsters and robots. Some people covered the whole surface, some didn't, but the plaza wasn't level, anyway; not ideal for actual play, but it didn't bother the many people lined up to participate. I didn't play; it was enough just to watch (and the lines were long).



* When I was growing up, we always called it miniature golf, not mini golf, so now "mini golf" sounds like something on another scale, for dolls, or dwarves, or something. Though I suspect dwarves, being miners and burly, would prefer (American) football, or rugby, or something.

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

Same with me, with respect to "mini golf" -- sounds odd.

I like miniature golf after dark at Pirate's Cove in Yarmouth.

[magid.livejournal.com]

Why after dark, particularly? Is it glow in the dark?

[(Anonymous)]

Heh, I'm reminded by your question of the time I described a glow-in-the-dark lightbulb, meaning, of course, having the same quality I believe you intend, and it was pointed out to me that, um, most lightbulbs are glow-in-the-dark.

No, nothing like that. I can't quite describe it. It's a lovely, remarkable setting at night, raised up on a hill into the night sky, the nice landscaping illuminated by pleasant, warm lighting.

Perhaps, though, part the enjoyment as a child was being out so late at night. We wouldn't even begin until it had already grown completely dark -- quite late in the summer, of course, which is when we would go -- and would finish past midnight. It was odd and thrilling that a place for such an activity would be open so late.

I actually have no idea whether the arriving after dark was planned or would simply happen that way. None of the observations I've had were influenced by opinions voiced to me by the adults.

Also of note is that one gets to choose what color ball to use, and from a large selections of colors. Yes, there is purple.

[magid.livejournal.com]

"Glow-in-the-dark lightbulb"! Tee-hee!

It sounds like a very nice adventure, being out that late playing miniature golf, and in good lighting, not the harsh stuff so many places use (I have a hard time with lighting some times).

The Thursday place had lots of colors to choose from, too. I got blue (boring, I know, but it was a lovely deep blue).

[(Anonymous)]

What a concept, eh?

It was indeed very nice. I bet you'd like the lighting. No, not harsh. The place sort of feels like an outdoor theatrical set. It makes for good photographs, too.

It's been almost half of my lifetime since the last time I was there.

[magid.livejournal.com]

Sounds like time for a field trip, then, maybe combined with a dinner picnic beforehand, or (if it's the right day) going to find a light-free-ish place to watch meteors afterward.

[magid.livejournal.com]

I found some photos!