Miniature Golf To Go

Augustana College

2012-01-26T21:12:00.000-08:00

Posted a video from a mini-golf party at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. A great time was had by all. Mini golf, Bag Toss, food, and Caddyshack on the big screen. What a way to spend an evening.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6pG-3eR4BI&feature=related

Around the World in 80 Putts

2012-01-26T21:00:00.000-08:00

I've now posted my children's book: Around the World in 80 Putts on YouTube. It is about a boy and his adventures while playing miniature golf. I was written by me and illustrated by my son, Adam. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F83dw47g0I4 If you would like a copy of the book, you can follow the link posted on our website.

Enjoy!!

Be a Tourist In Your Own Backyard

2012-01-09T15:40:00.001-08:00

We are excited to be part of the special hotel package "Be a Tourist In Your Own Backyard" at the Isle Casino Hotel in Bettendorf, IA. Two rounds of mini-golf are included in the package. Check their website for details.

http://bettendorf.isleofcapricasinos.com/hotel-eventpackages.aspx

2011: The Year in Review

2011-12-10T14:14:00.000-08:00

We've posted a YouTube video showing our 2011 year in review. These slides show just a few of the events we participated in over the past twelve months. Enjoy!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ef72h0RpVw

Miniature Golf On-line

2011-12-07T19:52:00.000-08:00

Too cold to go out? Try playing some miniature golf on-line. We now have a video miniature golf on our website. Play some mini golf, then log in your score. Challenge your friends and challenge yourself. Most of all, have fun!!

http://miniaturegolftogo.com/play-golf-online.html

Baggo Has Arrived!!!

2011-11-11T20:23:00.001-08:00

Yes, the rumors are true. We have now added Baggo: The Official Bag Toss Game to our rental options. When you rent our miniature golf course, you can also rent a Baggo game to add to the fun.

Like miniature golf, Baggo can be played by the whole family. The rental includes; two official Baggo game boards, eight official bean bags, instruction booklet, built-in scorekeeper, and distance regulator.

Check our website for all the details. Remember, both our miniature golf and Baggo can be played indoors as well as outdoors.

10 Craziest Mini Golf Courses on Earth

2011-09-21T18:21:00.000-07:00

I found this list on the Entertainment Designer website. They provide daily articles about all kinds of entertainment venues. This was a list of unusual (which translates to fun) miniature golf courses around the world. Enjoy the list and let me know if you have played any of the courses on their list. Or better yet, send me your own Top Ten Miniature Golf courses.

http://entertainmentdesigner.com/news/theme-park-design-news/10-craziest-mini-golf-courses-on-earth/

Coralville UMC Grand Opening Block Party

2011-09-18T15:17:00.000-07:00

We had the great pleasure to be a part of the Coralville United Methodist Church's Grand Opening Block Party this afternoon. They are celebrating the completion of their remodel project. They invited the whole neighborhood to help them see their new building. There was plenty of food to enjoy and great activities including miniature golf.

Mini Golf Lego

2011-08-22T18:57:00.000-07:00

Here a great video miniature golf - the Lego Version.

10 Reasons to Choose Miniature Golf To Go

2011-07-09T11:23:00.000-07:00

1. Easy Assembly

Our modular design turns almost any space into a full 9-hole golf course in 45 minutes or less!

2. Great Obstacles

Whether you dare to tackle the curves of ‘volcano’, or prefer the twists and turns of ‘Acapulco’, there is plenty to challenge any age or level of golfer.

3. Professional Putting Surface

Using interlocking astro grass tiles, the surface is very playable and sure to challenge all ages and abilities of golfer. Make your putt and watch the golf ball roll cleanly to the hole!

4. Birthdays

Since our course comes right to your home, you can have a great birthday outing for all the kids without the fuss and bother of transporting them to another venue. No crowds to fight, no waiting in line. The fun is right at your home.

5. Putting the ‘FUN’ into Fundraising

With a Mini-Golfathon at your school or a busy community event, you could raise money and provide a day of fun for all participants

6. Perfect for Weddings

Getting married? What a unique addition for your guests at the reception. Weddings are about making memories, and how memorable would it be to a great round of miniature golf with your closest friends and family!

7. Any Weather (even Midwest weather!)

Not just for outside, the course is rubber backed and won’t mark floors indoors. Have you an unused space – unutilized sports court, school assembly hall, hotel atrium, roof top terrace, empty office?

8. Ice Breaker

Need to break the ice at a company conference, exhibition, speed dating event or networking event? You can hire a single hole and run your own Challenge Putt; soon everyone will be mingling together.

9. Set-up anywhere

The modular design of our course can be adjusted to suit the shape or size floor area (virtually anything is possible!). Since the holes are outlined with foam edging you can create your own Mini Golf Zone!

10. Nice people to deal with!!

Just checking to see if you were still reading J A great reason to hire from us is - we love miniature golf. We grew up playing miniature golf and continue to play whenever we get the chance. We are friendly and efficient, we strongly believe in our concept – so why not let us help you with something different at your event this year?

There are many reasons, of course to more, but these are my favorites. Check out our website at www.miniaturegolftogo.com and see for yourself.

Day Care and Class Reunion

2011-06-27T19:55:00.000-07:00

We had another great weekend for miniature golf as we covered the entire spectrum of the education system. On Thursday (I know technically Thursday is not the weekend, but it’s close), we were at the Apple Kids Daycare in Marion. The children had a fun time. Since it was raining sporadically, it was a wonderful opportunity for an indoor activity. The course was a perfect fit for their gym/play area.

Then on Friday and Saturday we had the opportunity to be part of the Ringsted All-Class Reunion which was held in conjunction with the Ringsted Danish Days. We set up in the park and got to listen to Rock and Roll Oldies in the background. Since I’m a big Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, etc fan, it made the set-up experience even more enjoyable. The weather held up (mid 70’s and slightly partly sunny each day), so it was perfect outdoor mini-golf conditions.

Be sure to bring the kids out to Westdale Mall tomorrow night. We will be part of the Chick-fil-A Kids Night activities from 5:30 to 7:30. It’s free, so bring the whole family and enjoy a round (or two) of mini-golf. There are also other great activities for the kids as well.

Tanager Place Summer Fest 2011

2011-06-05T18:23:00.000-07:00

The Tanager Place Summer Fest was yesterday and what a fantastic event. The weather was excellent and the crowds were wonderful. There were people waiting in line for miniature golf but fortunately the wait was short. This was our second year in a row for the Summer Fest, and we can't wait for next year. Check out the video.

Eat Mor Chickin

2011-06-01T20:42:00.000-07:00

That's right. We were at Chick-fil-A in Westdale Mall Tuesday night participating in their weekly Kids Night activities. Everyone had a good time. Even the cow tried a few putts. However, the designers clearly did not have cows in mind when they invented putters. No worries though, there were a lot of kids that were willing to give some pointers.

We shortened the holes up a bit to accommodate the smaller space, but that didn't reduce the fun and enthusiasm. We had "children" of every age, from toddlers to grandparents (I'm not sure of the age of the cow).

We are looking forward to returning soon. Meanwhile, we are gearing up for the Tanager Place Summer Festival this Saturday, June 4th at the Rockwell-Collins Sports Complex. This will be our second year participating and we can't wait.

Prom Time

2011-05-15T19:46:00.001-07:00

Proms are really a right of passage of sorts. For many young men, it is the first time they have the opportunity to really dress up - tux, bow tie, etc. And for the young women, there is something special about picking out that perfect prom dress. Some couples go all out - limo, fancy meal, etc - while others take a more economical route. Either way, it's a very special occasion.

That's why it's especially exciting for us to be a part of post prom parties. We usually get to do two of these each year and it's always a fun time. And the post prom parties usually follow a similar pattern. When we come to set up the course, the parents and chaperons are hard at work, getting everything set up for the prom participants. They know it's a special event and they want them to have a great time. When we arrive to pick up the course (very early the next morning), the parents are still hard at work, but perhaps moving a little slower. Everyone is a little bleary eyed, but there is a sense of satisfaction in the air.

Here are a couple of pictures from this year's proms. The one on the left is from Linn-Mar, just before the youth arrived. The picture on the right is Central City just after the youth have wrapped up for the evening/morning. And no, that's not a really large golf ball on the right, just a basketball that wandered over to check out the course.

Indian Creek Family Fun Night

2011-04-09T21:38:00.001-07:00

We had the opportunity to go back to the Family Fun Night at Indian Creek Elementary school. Once again we were able to set up in the library so we were able to be creative in our set up. This event was another great success with all the kids and their families having a great time with all of the activities.

Back to Chicago

2011-04-09T21:33:00.000-07:00

We were back in Chicago this week for a Masters Party to kick off the Masters Golf Tournament. It was fun and challenging to weave the holes in and around the office cubicles. The flexibility of the holes was a great help.

Chicago Birthday Party

2011-02-20T05:15:00.000-08:00

Had a fun time in Chicago on Friday. A birthday celebration right in the office/warehouse. Gniblick made a guest appearance. Brassie was there as well, but apparently he was camera shy.

Meet Gniblick the Gnome and Brassie the Bear

2011-02-05T20:40:00.000-08:00

I've posted another video on YouTube for Miniature Golf To Go. My two new mascots; Gniblick the Gnome and Brassie the Bear decide to beat the winter blues with a nice round of miniature golf (indoors of course).

33 minutes ago · ·

YouTube Video

2011-01-14T17:04:00.000-08:00

I decided to post a video montage of our course and some of the events we've been at over the past year. Enjoy!!

Lincoln Children's Zoo

2010-10-10T15:20:00.000-07:00

We had the opportunity to participate in the Lincoln Children's Zoo: Puttin' for the Penguins, a fundraiser to promote their new penguin exhibit. The weather was wonderful and the participants had a great time playing miniature golf for an excellent exhibit. I also had a chance to wander around the zoo and really enjoyed it. If you are in the Lincoln, NE area and have kids, I would highly recommend it.

Des Moines Ren Faire

2010-09-13T20:24:00.001-07:00

Well it was back to Renaissance Scotland this weekend as we took part in the Des Moines Renaissance Faire. We had a good time (despite a bit of a sunburn for both me and my oldest son). We were right next to the fencing demonstration and the Highland Games demonstration. Both groups were great to get to know and really made for a fun experience. And then of course there were the patrons. I always love to see the costumes that people create for the faire. You can tell how much fun they had making them. We had pirate golfers, knight golfers, fair maiden golfers, a gnome golfer, and even a dragon golfer. If you haven't had a chance to get to the faire, there is still one more weekend to go. Huzzah!!!

Boy Scouts of America

2010-08-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

Another super event last night. The Boy Scouts in West Branch had their kickoff last night and our course was on hand. The course was a big hit and the scouts (and future scouts) had a great time. The weather was perfect and it was a real family event. This was our second event in West Branch (our first was the Hooverfest) and I hope we have the chance to go back many times in the future.

Winding Staircase Festival

2010-08-15T19:02:00.000-07:00

Another great town festival. The Winding Staircase Festival in Traer was a great success!! The Boy Scouts used it as a fund raiser and the kids came in droves to test their putting skills. Many thanks to all the volunteers. Keep up the good work!

Poweshiek County Fair

2010-08-02T19:42:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at the Poweshiek County Fair in Grinnell a couple of weeks ago. The weather was threatening but the rain held off and everyone had a great time. Kids and adults played a lot of rounds of mini golf as well as the many other activities at the fair. We had the opportunity to spend some time at the fair and explore downtown Grinnell as well.

Happy Birthday!!

2010-06-27T11:26:00.000-07:00

We had the chance yesterday to be part of a great birthday party. Even though it was hot, a great time was had by all. Since there was limited shade in the yard, we set up in the driveway, through the garage and back onto the patio. It was a unique opportunity to set up the course and it worked out great. Plenty of shade and a chance to play both indoors and out.

Iowa Ren Fest

2010-06-06T05:55:00.001-07:00

Over Memorial Day weekend we took part in the Iowa Renaissance Festival (and Gathering of the Celts) in Middle Amana, IA. We used our wooden course to stay in the Renaissance theme. Wooden golf clubs and wooden golf balls helped to complete the historic illusion. The weather was excellent (although a little on the warm side on Saturday and Sunday) and the crowds were good. Many were surprised to see a miniature golf course at a Ren Fest event, but they soon saw how it fit into the theme and they quickly got into the spirit. A hearty "Huzzah" to all the Ren Fest attendees.

Tanager Summer Fest

2010-06-06T05:37:00.001-07:00

We had a great time at the Tanager Summer Fest yesterday (despite a late arrival by a thunderstorm). They put on a great festival and we were proud to be a part of it. We had a very large crowd (see pic) and it was a fun time for all. We were pleased at how our course held up to the numbers and how it held up in the rain as well. We hope to be a part of this event from now on.

Two Events In A Row

2010-04-26T20:18:00.001-07:00

We had two great school events this past weekend. The first one was Friday afternoon. We got to participate in the Harding Middle School ChargerFest. We had hoped to be able to set up int he parking lot, but due to the rain, the event had to be moved indoors. We set up in the gymnasium balcony (our second balcony layout).

Then on Saturday night, we were at the West Marshall High School - After Prom Party in State Center. Once again the rain was a factor, but the event had been planned inside, so it didn't hinder our set-up. Fun was had by all, but I think all the adults were ready to go home by the time the party finished at 4:00 am.

Miniature Golf Goes to College

2010-02-23T16:30:00.000-08:00

Our latest event was joining Mount Mercy's participation in the National Recreation Intramural and Recreation Day on Monday, February 22nd. We set up in the balcony of the Hennessy Recreational Center. The long, narrow set-up gave us a chance to utilize the flexability of our course. We recieved very positive feedback as participants had a great time.

A special thanks to the team that helped us set up and take down the course. The group was composed mostly of students and they did a great job.

Another Great Church Event!

2010-02-08T14:00:00.000-08:00

We had the opportunity last weekend to be a part of St. Paul's United Methodist Church youth fundraiser - The PGA (Praise God Always) Open. They not only had the golf tournament, but they also sold T-Shirts (see pic) and held a luncheon in their "clubhouse". It was a great event to be part of and a fun time was had by all.

Obstacles at a Glance - The Maze

2010-01-31T17:29:00.001-08:00

The Maze is a terrific finishing hole. If you miss the center alley, the side rails can bring the ball rolling straight back to it's starting point. It's perfect for the final hole because it can keep the scores in question, right up to the end. You can easily run up several strokes or hit the perfect shot for a hole in one.

Obstacles at a Glance - Acapulco

2010-01-30T08:31:00.000-08:00

The Acapulco (so named by the designer because it reminded him of a water slide he once saw in Mexico), is another challenging hole. With its unique spiral design, it requires just the right amount of speed. Too little speed and the ball just rolls back down the spiral and you are back to where you started. Too much speed and the ball sails into waiting sunset. Either way, it's bound to be the talk of the round.

Obstacles at a Glance - The 360

2010-01-23T16:11:00.000-08:00

This is probably the most recognizable of the miniature golf obstacles, the loop-the-loop (or as it's called with our course, The 360. This has been a staple of the miniature golf course for more than 80 years. Even after all that time it continues to entertain (and occasionally frustrate) miniature golfers around the world.

Obstacles at a Glance - The Tower

2010-01-22T18:38:00.000-08:00

I've decided to give a brief description of the different obstacles that come with our miniature golf course. Along with some thoughts regarding each one.

First up is The Tower. Although this obstacle looks innocent enough, it has proven to be one of the more challenging holes of the course. The combination of accuracy (hitting between the turrets) and speed (up, but not over the hill) needed for this hole has invited the most skillful player to test their putting prowess.

First Corporate Event of the New Year

2010-01-13T19:25:00.001-08:00

We had our first corporate event of the year last Friday in Chicago. An insurance company rented the course for their holiday party. A great time was had by all. We set the course up to meander around the cubicles and offices. They were very organized and held their own mini-golf tournament (complete with prizes). They were a great group to work with and gave excellent feedback regarding the challenge levels of the individual obstacles. The winner (most challenging) was The Tower (see picture). We had a great time and look forward to a return trip to Chicago.

Miniature Golf with a Renaissance Flair

2009-12-26T14:48:00.000-08:00

The dates for the 2010 Iowa Renaissance Festival have been announced. They will be held on May 29th, 30th, and 31st (Memorial Day weekend) at Middle Amana Park (Medici Grove) - Amana Colonies, IA. See link to the Festival in the links section.

This is especially exciting for us because we will be joining the Festival as a vendor for the first time. Our hand crafted wooden miniature golf course will be making its debut there as Mulligan's Wee Bit O' Golf. As fans of Renaissance Festivals for the past 30 years, we are thrilled to be able to take part. We are also hoping to join the Des Moines Renaissance Festival in September, but we are still in negotiations. I'll keep you updated on this.

In the meantime, come out and join the fun at the Iowa Renaissance Festival and try your hand at a round of miniature golf. We have tried to stay as authentic as possible. However, since there is no evidence that miniature golf existed during the time period that covers the Renaissance Festival, we have obviously had to take some creative license. However, we will be using wooden golf balls and wooden golf clubs so in that sense we will be keeping with the period technology. We could have used stone golf balls, as history indicates these were also commons during the Renaissance time period, but we felt that wooden balls would be a safer option considering the number of children that attend the festival. Huzzah!!

Around the World in 80 Putts

2009-12-23T20:54:00.000-08:00

Check out our latest link. It will take you to the children's book that I wrote a few years back. My oldest son, Adam, is the illustrator. It had always been a dream of mine to write a children's book, so it was exciting to see this happen. I'm also currently working on a miniature golf themed card game.

History of Miniature Golf - Part 2

2009-12-20T12:32:00.000-08:00

There was a gradual transition from the basic putting courses into what we commonally think of as a traditional style miniature golf course (windmills, loop the loops, castles, etc). The Tom Thumb courses were started in the 1927 by Garnet Carter. They used landscaping and artificial greens composed of cotton seed hulls, sand, oil and dye invented by Thomas McCulloch Fairbairn in the early 1920's.

Then in the post depression era of the late 1930's Joseph and Robert Taylor came out with miniature golf courses that had not just banks and curves and landscaping, but the obstacles that many of us associate with miniature golf. They had windmills, castles, wishing wells, loop the loops, etc. They evenutally went into business manufacturing courses and obstacles, and by the mid 1950's many miniature golf courses had obstacles that had been ordered from the Taylor Brothers catalog.

Families Helping Families Christmas Event

2009-12-19T20:16:00.000-08:00

Had a great opportunity to participate (in a small way) in the Families to Families Christmas event. We donated two holes to the event and they were a big success! It was exciting to see the kids and adults experiencing the joy of miniature golf.

History of Miniature Golf - Part 1

2009-12-13T13:48:00.000-08:00

Like many sports around the world, there are numerous opinions on when and where miniature golf (as well as golf) first started (and who actually invented the game). There are paintings of the Chinese Emperor Xuande playing a game that looks very similar to miniature golf in the mid-15th century.

There is also evidence of a "golf like" game played in the Netherlands in the 13th century.

And of course, many have placed the origins of golf on the links at St Andrews in Scotland during the 16th or 17th centuries.

However, it is commonly agreed that the establishment of the Ladies Putting Course at St Andrews in 1867 (so named because women at the time were considered to gentile to play "real" golf), was the first to connect the idea of miniaturizing the game of golf. While it may be just a putting green, the 'Himalayas' putting green - so called because of its hummocky nature laid out as it is on ancient sand dunes.

For more on the evolution of the classical Miniature Golf course (windmills, clowns, etc) stay tuned for The History of Miniature Golf - Part 2

Welcome to my Miniature Golf Blog

2009-12-12T17:57:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my miniature golf blog. I own and operate my own miniature golf course rental business (Miniature Golf To Go), but I also have a life-long love for miniature golf. I still remember the first miniature golf course that I ever played - The Silver Boot in Clear Lake, IA. It was an traditional-style mini golf course of the 50's and 60's. It had all kinds of mechanical obstacles; the barn with doors that opened and closed, the castles with the draw bridge that went up and down, and of course the clown with the mouth that opened and closed. None of the obstacles were fancy, in fact a couple of them had to be moved by hand. But it still remains one of my all-time favorite courses. Unfortunately it closed down years ago.

Since then I have played many courses all over the country. In fact, whenever my family and I go on vacation, one of the first things we do when we get to our destination, is to look for a miniature golf course.

So I decided, why not start a blog about miniature golf. So here it is. I plan to post reviews of miniature golf courses I have played (and or will play in the future). I also want to add links to other miniature golf sites (as well as my own, of course). And I would love to hear from all of you miniature golf enthusiasts as well. Tell me about your favorite miniature golf course, or your funny (or interesting) stories about miniature golf.

Michael Young - Miniature Golf To Go

Miniature Golf To Go

Augustana College

Around the World in 80 Putts

Be a Tourist In Your Own Backyard

2011: The Year in Review

Miniature Golf On-line

Baggo Has Arrived!!!

10 Craziest Mini Golf Courses on Earth

Coralville UMC Grand Opening Block Party

Mini Golf Lego

10 Reasons to Choose Miniature Golf To Go

Day Care and Class Reunion

Tanager Place Summer Fest 2011

Eat Mor Chickin

Prom Time

Indian Creek Family Fun Night

Back to Chicago

Chicago Birthday Party

Meet Gniblick the Gnome and Brassie the Bear

I've posted another video on YouTube for Miniature Golf To Go. My two new mascots; Gniblick the Gnome and Brassie the Bear decide to beat the winter blues with a nice round of miniature golf (indoors of course).

33 minutes ago · LikeUnlike ·

YouTube Video

Lincoln Children's Zoo

Des Moines Ren Faire

Boy Scouts of America

Winding Staircase Festival

Poweshiek County Fair

Happy Birthday!!

Iowa Ren Fest

Tanager Summer Fest

Two Events In A Row

Miniature Golf Goes to College

Another Great Church Event!

Obstacles at a Glance - The Maze

Obstacles at a Glance - Acapulco

Obstacles at a Glance - The 360

Obstacles at a Glance - The Tower

First Corporate Event of the New Year

Miniature Golf with a Renaissance Flair

Around the World in 80 Putts

History of Miniature Golf - Part 2

Families Helping Families Christmas Event

History of Miniature Golf - Part 1

Welcome to my Miniature Golf Blog

33 minutes ago · ·