Golf is a fascinating topic because it is fairly hard to label. Is it a sport? An activity? A hobby? A combination of all three? It is also incredibly difficult to play. I swung my first club when I was a teenager and instantly fell in love with the game. That being said, I am a terrible golfer. Furthermore, it is one of the most time-consuming activities on the planet. A half-round of golf is still going to run you a couple of hours, not including checking in at the clubhouse and warming up. Because of that, I only make my way out to a course a few times a year. As I’m writing this, I am now realizing that is probably why I’m a terrible golfer. Nevertheless, it is a very fun sport, activity, hobby, or whatever you wish to call it, to participate in. Mini golf is the approachable and family-friendly version of golf. Not to brag, but I am actually fairly decent at playing mini golf. Fortunately, Oregon has some very entertaining mini golf courses for the whole family to enjoy. 

In the bustling beach town of Seaside, Oregon, is Captain Kid Amusement Park. This place has a small rollercoaster, go-karts, and yes, a mini golf course. Most of the holes on this course are straightforward and not overly complex, which is great for families with younger kids. Because of this, it can also be a major confidence booster for adults who may not have the best putting skills. Its location in the Seaside makes for a great place for families to stop while spending a few nights at the coast. Jumping over to the other side of the state in La Grande is the Riverside Greens Mini Golf Course. What I like most about this course is that it is high-end, tournament-quality mini-golf. There are bridges, waterfalls, and neon lights for when playing at night. As I get older, I become more and more infatuated with outdoor water features, and this course has several of them. 

Those looking for mini golf in Central Oregon should check out the course at The Village within Sunriver Resort. This 18-hole course is outdoors but has a roof above to protect you from the rain and sun. This course is fairly difficult and will definitely put your skills to the test. Another option at Sunriver Resort is their Gray’s Trail 18-Hole Putting Course, located behind The Lodge restaurant and next to the Meadows Golf Course. This is not a typical mini golf course, but rather a mostly flat, 18-hole putting course. A nice bonus is that children five and under are free. This course also does night play where there are neon light markers. I played there last year and had a blast doing it. Another Central Oregon mini golf spot is the Sun Mountain Fun Center located in Bend. Here they have bowling, bumper cars, laser tag, and so much more. Their mini golf course is set in a natural environment with a great blend of easy to difficult holes. 

Tualatin Island Greens is a fantastic golf course and driving range. They also have a wonderful, family-friendly mini-golf course. Located in Tualatin, this shaded 18-hole course will take you on a putt-putt journey full of twists and turns. Its location, being right next to the actual golf course, further adds to its charm. In Wilsonville, there is Bullwinkle’s, and they have a fantastic mini golf course. What I like most about this particular one is that you essentially are playing through a cute village filled with mini-cottage houses. If you and the family are driving near Bullwinkle’s, I suggest you make a pit stop to play a round of mini golf. A really cool mini golf course in Portland is Glowing Greens. Not only do they have mini golf, but they also have axe throwing and an escape room. This indoor putt-putt location is a neon, blacklight course with amazing designs. You will feel like you are playing mini golf in a different universe. 

Mini golf traces its roots back to England in 1912. Ever since then, it has become a favorite for date nights, friendly outings, and family activities. There are also professional mini golf players, something I only recently heard of, and they have a dedicated fan base. I admittedly watched quite a few videos of these pros on YouTube. At its core, however, mini golf is meant to be a lighthearted activity that is guaranteed to bring about laughter and maybe even some competition with others. Even the more mediocre putt-putt courses are still fun to play on. What matters most is getting out and spending time with those closest to us. Mini golf is a perfect way to bring people together.