I can only describe my reaction as sheer horror, upon discovering that the Golf Gardens mini-golf course in Avalon on Catalina Island was closed for construction in May 2009.  This was my first trip back to the Southern California island locale in a number of years, and a quick loop around this unique and historic putt putt course was at the top of my list.  I suddenly had visions of it re-opening in the months ahead with flashing lights, windmills, and perhaps even the bashed-in clown face from Happy Gilmore.  But fate has taken a different turn, and the newly revamped course appears true to its roots in every respect.  Here are some fresh images of this remodeled gem:

For those of you who haven’t sampled this leisurely stroll with putter in hand, I can only relate that it’s worth the 22-mile boat ride from Los Angeles for this experience alone.  The course first opened back in 1973, and there isn’t a single piece of machinery or an electrically powered feature on the entire grounds.  Gravity, iron, stone, and a mile or so of PVC pipe are at work here, and that’s all you really need for a magical round of mini-golf in the tropics.

My understanding is that the course was shut down for renovations for a number of months, during which time they replaced the astroturf and gave the landscaping a full face-lift.  Fortunately, they didn’t mess with the ingenious designs that have long made this spot in Avalon a must-play destination.  The spiraling par 6 seventh hole remains a stiff challenge and a rarity in mini-golf – the opportunity to take a huge backswing and rip a putt as hard as possible.  Beware of strategically placed overflows that can drop you back to an outer ring or the missing corner bumper at the end of the tee shot.  This course is full of subtleties that will drive you mad the first time around, and make you think before you draw the putter back.  Similarly, holes like the 10th and 13th present multiple levels of turf and a maze of underground pipes that redirect your ball according to the relative difficulty of the prior shot performed.  It’s all laid out perfectly with some great elevation changes and is just what you’d expect on the charming and laid back island of Catalina.

The Golf Gardens is located in the quaint town of Avalon, at the eastern end of Catalina Island, 22 miles off the coast of Southern California.  You can find the course 1/2 mile from the beach at the Island Plaza and it’s open everyday, including evenings in the summer.  18-holes on 1 acre, since 1973.  Par is 51 and the course record is a 10-under 41.  Rates are a meager $7 for adults and $4 for kids under 8.

Links:
Golf Gardens website (more photos, etc.)
Trip Advisor reviews of Golf Gardens

Also see:
World Minigolf Sport Federation