Massachusetts, September 1, 2025
News Summary
Two friends from Brookline and Maine are on a mission to play every public mini golf course in Massachusetts. With 66 courses completed by August and plans for more over Labor Day, their journey mixes fun, exploration, and a lighthearted competition. They prepare and document their experiences, aiming to highlight the joy of this accessible pastime across the state.
Brookline — Mini Golf Duo Aiming for All 81 Courses Across Massachusetts
In a pastime that reads like a road-trip game show for the golf-curious, two friends have turned miniature greens into a multi-year mission. The pair, a 32-year-old from Brookline and a 40-year-old from Lewiston, Maine, set out to play every public mini golf course in Massachusetts and have been steadily checking holes off the list. Their tally stood at 66 courses as of August, with plans to tackle five more over Labor Day weekend on their way to an 81-course total.
From hospital engineering to a state-sized putting map
The quest began three years ago when both men worked in the engineering department at a major children’s hospital in Boston. Fatigued by routine and hungry for low-stress adventure, they landed on the idea of seeking out every mini golf venue the state has to offer. The project is part travelogue, part pastime, part friendly competition — and all played with putters rather than full clubs.
Tracking active courses has been a puzzle. One of the travelers has compiled what he believes is an accurate list of 81 public mini golf courses in Massachusetts. Course openings, seasonal closures, and inconsistent public listings have made it tricky to pin the number down, but 81 is the working total for their journey.
A mix of backgrounds and a shared appetite for putting
Both participants bring some golf experience to the map. The older player competed in high school golf, while the younger has played casually with friends. Neither is trying to pass as touring pros — the trip is about fun, exploration, and taking in the quirks of courses across the commonwealth. One of the pair even jokes about not listing golf as a resume skill, keeping expectations modest and the mood light.
Highlight holes and momentum-makers
Some courses stand out. A garden-style course in Georgetown earned top marks for beauty and tricky design, where a hole-in-one on the 16th during their first round there helped lock in their enthusiasm to keep going. Little moments like that, amid ramshackle seaside tracks and carefully landscaped mini-greens, have fueled the tour.
Tips from serious casuals
Their travel kit now includes small practical items and mini-golf etiquette essentials: bring patience, respect the course, and carry a personal putter for side-by-side feel comparisons. Seasonal hacks pop up too — a leaf blower becomes indispensable in the fall for clearing debris off greens, and good footwear beats slip-prone sneakers on wet turf.
Above all, they stress a positive attitude. Mini golf is accessible to all ages and skill levels, and that makes it a great way to explore towns and neighborhoods you might otherwise skip. Their website documents each stop with course descriptions, practical notes, and whether a given layout is worth a return visit. Their final planned stop on the map is a cliffside and island favorite on Martha’s Vineyard, though the date for that wrap-up has yet to be set.
Friends, family, and the long haul
Reactions from friends and family have ranged from entertained to skeptical, especially when the time commitment is laid out. But for enthusiasts who understand the appeal of a well-designed putt and a cleverly placed windmill or ramp, this tour is a perfect mix of low-pressure competition and friendly tourism. The duo will keep sharing their finds as they chip toward the full 81-course goal.
FAQ
How many mini golf courses are in Massachusetts?
The current working total used by the pair on this tour is 81 public mini golf courses. This number is based on compiled listings and local research, though seasonal openings and closures can affect the count.
How many courses have they played so far?
As of August, they have played 66 courses and planned to visit five more over Labor Day weekend.
When did this project start?
Their mini golf quest started about three years ago, during a period when both were working together in a hospital engineering department and craving more adventure.
Are these serious golfers?
Both have some golf background: one played competitively in high school and the other played casually. The tour is more about exploration and fun than top-level competition.
Any tips for someone wanting to try this?
Be positive, respect the course, take your time with shots, consider carrying a personal putter to compare feels, and bring small tools for seasonal cleanup like a leaf blower in the fall.
Quick Reference Table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total public courses (working total) | 81 |
| Courses played as of August | 66 |
| Planned Labor Day weekend visits | 5 |
| Project start | About 3 years ago |
| Final planned course | The Cove Golf and Grill on Martha’s Vineyard (date TBD) |
| Notable tip | Bring a leaf blower for fall debris and a personal putter for feel comparisons |
| Documentation | Tour is tracked on a dedicated website listing each course and notes |
For anyone who loves tracking stats, chasing quirky courses, or just wants a low-pressure way to tour towns and shorelines, this mini golf tour reads like a map-based scavenger hunt. Keep an eye on updates as they inch toward the full 81-course goal and close out their unique chapter of Massachusetts mini-golf exploration.
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Additional Resources
- Wicked Local
- Turn to 10
- iBerkshires
- Patch
- Only In Your State
- Wikipedia: Miniature Golf
- Google Search: Mini Golf in Massachusetts
- Google Scholar: Miniature Golf History
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Minigolf
- Google News: Miniature Golf MA
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
