(hit "refresh" to get the most recent version of this page; click on photos for larger images)
Parkside Whispering Pines Miniature Golf
Rochester, NY |
 |
 |
 |
|
The Whispering Pines just might be the oldest operating mini golf course in America. It opened in 1930 as the "White Maples" (another source says "Tall Maples"), named after the four large maple trees on the property. When those trees were cut down in the 1940s, the place was renamed after the pine trees that replaced them.
When the course first opened, crushed stone was used for the "greens". The stone needed to be raked and rolled throughout the day. The basic layout of the course hasn't changed over the years. This course is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For more, see this website. [map]
|
Fairmount Glen Miniature Golf
Syracuse, NY |
 |
 |
 |
|
Fairmount Glen was built and owned by Robert R. Taylor of the Taylor Brothers. Built in the 1940s, this place claims to be the second oldest mini golf in the country. It has 18 holes with classic, well-cared for obstacles (pinball, windmill, etc.). There is a stream dividing the course and it is well-shaded with trees. It is open 10am to midnight every day, in season. For more, see this website. [map]
|
Cortland Golf
Cortland, NY |
 |
 |
 |
|
Cortland Golf, like Fairmount Glen shown above, was also built and owned by Bob Taylor. The tiger statue is from an Esso gas station. Cortland Golf was built right next door to a 1950s-era A&W drive-in. The restaurant burned down around 2000 and was completely rebuilt. [map]
|
Murphy's [gone]
Saratoga Springs, NY |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Murphy's opened in 1945 and claimed to be the oldest combination miniature golf and driving range in the country. Most of the figurative elements and hole themes were original. Murphy's closed in 2014 and it is unlikely that it will reopen. By 2018, the course was completely overgrown with weeds.
|
| RoadsideArchitecture.com |
Copyright. All photos at this website are copyrighted and may only be used with my consent. This includes posting them at Facebook, Pinterest, blogs, other websites, personal use, etc.
Tips & Updates. If you have suggestions about places that I haven't covered, historical info, or updates about places/things that have been remodeled or removed, I'd love to hear from you: roadarch@outlook.com.
|
