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Parkside Whispering Pines Miniature Golf
Rochester (Sea Breeze), NY |
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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 they 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. For more, see this website.
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Fairmount Glen Miniature Golf
Syracuse, NY |
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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.
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Cortland Golf
Cortland, NY |
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Cortland Golf, like Fairmount Glen shown above, was also built and owned by Bob Taylor. Cortland Golf was built right next door to a 1950s-era A&W drive-in (which burned down around 2000 and was completely rebuilt).
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R-Tee Golf
Chenango Bridge, NY |
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R-Tee Golf features a driving range and this delightful mini golf course. The brickwork and obstacles, especially the pinball and windmill holes, are classic Taylor Brothers. The course was designed by Steve Alger in the mid-to-late 1980s. He worked for the Taylor Brothers and continued the course designs when they stopped.
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Murphy's
Saratoga Springs, NY |
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Murphy's opened in 1945 and claims to be the oldest combination miniature golf and driving range in the country. They have always been Murphy's and are still family-operated. Most of the figurative elements and hole themes are original.
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Sir Goony Golf
Lake George, NY |
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Sir Goony Golf was built in 1970 and has two wonderful classic courses. This place is now competing against other modern courses in town, including a Pirate's Cove which is just across the road. For more, see their website. For more about Goony Golf, see this page.
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Clifton Park Golf
Clifton Park, NY |
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Clifton Park Golf features a mini golf course with animals and storybook characters. The 18-hole course is nicely shaded and landscaped. The driving range and mini golf opened in the 1980s. For more, see their website.
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