Preserving Golf

Last month, western New York's Landmark Society handed out awards for achievements in preservation excellence. One of the unlikely recepients was the Parkside Whispering Pines Mini Golf Course in Irondequoit, NY.

"Old school" golf gets its recognition at the Parkside Whispering Pines Course

It has the distinction of being the first mini golf course added to the National Register of Historic Places and perhaps (there seems to be a bit of disagreement about this as Geneva-on-the-Lake Mini Golf in Ohio claims to it started operations in 1924) the oldest course remaining in the U.S. having opened in 1929. At that time, the course used crushed rock, which needed to be groomed several times a day, as its putting surface. Created before the days of gargantuan fiberglass replicas of people, places, and things the course emphasizes challenges based on shifting topography and excellent putting skills, providing a glimpse into mini golf's glorious hey day.

Now the question is, when will the stupendous object-based courses, the ones which some unfortunately suggest relegate mini golf into the laughable annals of worthless pastimes, be taken seriously as they become replaced with boring mini-big-golf putting greens. Only time will tell.

Image: agility nut

tags: mini golf | minigolf | miniature golf | crazy golf | pop culture | historic preservation | historic landmarks