Myrtle Beach is a preferred vacation destination known for a variety of attractions, from beaches to family-friendly activities to golf, and now there is a latest offering based on one other long-standing pastime – miniature golf.
Visit Myrtle Beach, town’s tourism office, has the Myrtle Beach Mini Golf Coursewith greater than 30 miniature golf courses along the destination’s 60-mile Grand Strand.
“The idea for the Myrtle Beach Mini Golf Trail was born out of our love of mini golf,” said Karen Riordan, president and CEO of Visit Myrtle Beach. “More than a million rounds of mini golf are played here annually, so it’s obvious how much this nostalgic experience is appreciated.”
This South Carolina city is named the “Miniature Golf Capital of the World.” According to Riordan, Myrtle Beach hosts a mini golf masters tournament every October on the Hawaiian Rumble in North Myrtle Beach, courtesy of the U.S. Pro Mini Golf Association.
The history of miniature golf in Myrtle Beach goes back nearly a century, and the story is basically due to miniature golf course designer James “Poddy” Bryan, who left his mark on the realm.
The Myrtle Beach native was Sports illustrated because the “father of modern mini golf”. Bryan’s work is claimed to have had a major influence on the event of mini golf within the region.
Bryan made his miniature golf debut within the Sixties when he introduced a jungle course that laid the muse for his successful profession. Bryan can also be the grandson of certainly one of the early leaders of the corporate now often known as Burroughs and Chapin, the corporate behind lots of Myrtle Beach’s top visitor attractions.
“Bryan’s visionary approach revolutionized the game, transforming it from mundane ‘carpet golf’ into a sprawling, multi-level adventure,” said Riordan. “His designs not only took the sport to new heights, but also established Myrtle Beach as the ultimate destination for miniature golf enthusiasts.”
Bryan designed roughly 20 courses within the Myrtle Beach area and over 200 nationwide. His notable miniature golf course designs in Myrtle Beach include Tropical Village, Pelican Points and Rainbow Falls.
His last design in Myrtle Beach was Mt. Atlanticus Minotaur Golf, which opened in 1998. It continues to be in operation.
“Although Bryan passed away in 2002, his legacy lives on and continues to shape the miniature golf landscape in our region,” Riordan said. “Even as new courses emerge, our community’s commitment to providing exceptional miniature golf experiences remains.”
Myrtle Beach’s miniature golf trail includes Ripley’s Crazy Golf, Captain Hook’s Adventure Golf, and Broadway Grand Prix.
The route features a Digital passport system This allows players to log into each course using their mobile device. Players can win great prizes by collecting points.
Myrtle Beach can also be often known as a preferred golf destination and has greater than 80 championship courses designed by golf legends corresponding to Arnold Palmer, Robert Trent Jones and Greg Norman. Mini golf is a fun offshoot of the game.
“Unlike traditional golf, where precision and distance are key, mini golf invites you to lose yourself in its whimsical obstacles and themed wonderlands,” explained Riordan. “What sets mini golf apart is its universal appeal. Here, everyone, from experienced golfers to beginners, can share in the thrill of the game.”