Why is Myrtle Beach Known as the Mini Golf Capital of the World?
Myrtle Beach's rich history and creative mini golf courses offer unforgettable fun for all ages.
The History of Mini Golf in Myrtle Beach
The journey of mini golf in Myrtle Beach began in 1930 with the construction of the first course on the corner of 9th Avenue North and Kings Highway. This early start laid the foundation for what would become a long-standing tradition in the area. Over the decades, Myrtle Beach has cultivated a reputation for its elaborate and creative mini golf courses, attracting enthusiasts from around the globe.
Why Myrtle Beach is the Ultimate Mini Golf Destination
With over 30 unique courses, Myrtle Beach offers a variety of themes that cater to different interests. From swashbuckling pirate adventures and tropical oases to prehistoric dinosaur encounters and adventurous treasure hunts, there's something for everyone. Each course is meticulously designed to provide not only a challenging game but also an immersive experience that transports players to different worlds.
A Hollywood Highlight
Myrtle Beach’s mini golf fame even caught Hollywood’s attention. In 1994, the last feature film directed by Dennis Hopper, Chasers, was shot here. A memorable scene in the film involves a Navy transport van barreling through an intersection and driving halfway up a volcano at "Hawaiian Rumble". The New York Times highlighted this course's unique appeal, describing it as "local color" perfect for a fight scene. This course, which features a 40-foot volcano that erupts with flames every 20 minutes, is also the home of the annual Mini Golf Masters tournament, organized by the United States Pro Mini Golf Association (USPMGA). The tournament draws top players and adds to the area's mini golf prestige.
The Myrtle Beach Mini Golf Trail
For those looking to explore multiple courses, the Myrtle Beach Mini Golf Trail is a must. This trail provides a digital pass that offers discounts and rewards, turning your mini golf adventure into a high-tech treasure hunt. As you check-in at different courses via GPS, you can accumulate points to redeem for prizes, making the experience even more enjoyable and rewarding. A local favorite, Mt. Atlanticus, was designed by James "Poddy" Bryan, known as the Father of Modern Miniature Golf, features two 18-hole courses with putting greens five stories high, overlooking the ocean. If you get a hole in one on the very challenging 18th hole, your polaroid can be added to the wall of fame!
Experience the Magic
The mini golf landscape in Myrtle Beach continues to evolve with new additions like Red Dragon Cove and PopStroke keeping the tradition alive. PopStroke, designed by Tiger Woods, combines mini golf with top notch dining and entertainment, setting a new standard for mini golf challenges! Whether you're a seasoned mini golfer or a casual player, Myrtle Beach's mini golf courses offer a perfect blend of fun, challenge, and adventure. With themes ranging from pirate ships and volcanoes to jungles and dinosaurs, every game promises a new and exciting journey. So grab your putter and get ready to explore the enchanting world of mini golf in Myrtle Beach—see what the mini golf capital of the world is all about!
For more information and to start planning your mini golf adventure, visit the Visit Myrtle Beach Mini Golf page.
Myrtle Beach native, Kathryn Hedgepath, loves to share her hometown’s history with visitors and newcomers to the Grand Strand. She is the creator and narrator of the Myrtle Beach History Trolley and Step-On Tours, and the author of the book, Myrtle Beach Movies, that tells the stories behind the motion pictures that were made or premiered in Myrtle Beach. She has traveled in 40 countries on 6 continents and uses her experience to convey our local history through a world lens. Kathryn returned home from NYC in 2002 to marry her beloved husband, Jenks, after a career in television and publishing (and even worked in Space Shuttle Operations at NASA Headquarters in DC for a semester before starting grad school at Georgetown University). Her first career job was as Personal Assistant to television icon and wildlife expert, Jim Fowler, of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom fame. Her dad, Myrtle Beach’s first veterinarian, arranged the job interview when Jim Fowler came to Myrtle Beach for a speaking appearance at a veterinary conference in 1991.
Explore the Trail Today!
Get ready to tee off with your passport to more than 30 of the most fun miniature golf experiences around. Immerse yourself in exciting themed landscapes, from swashbuckling pirate adventures and tropical oases to glowing inter-dimensional challenges and out of the world encounters. Get our digital pass to unlock great discounts and one-of-a-kind rewards that will make you the coolest putt putt patron in town. Sign up for the FREE Myrtle Beach Mini Golf Trail pass today or click here for more details .