Top 3 Miniature Golf Courses in the U.S.

Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf – Bay Lake, Fla.

A favorite among both families and serious putters, this Walt Disney World course features two 18-hole layouts — one whimsical and one more challenging — with classic Disney Fantasia theming and fun obstacles. Golf Magazine has ranked it among the top courses in the country.

Can Can Wonderland

Can Can Wonderland – St. Paul, Minn.

Recognized nationally as one of the best mini-golf courses (often ranking near the top in nationwide polls), this artfully designed indoor course was shaped by community input and local artists. It combines creative thematic holes with an arcade and entertainment space, giving players a full experience beyond just golf.

Miners Falls Mini Golf – Munising, Mich.

Frequently listed at or near the very top of “best mini golf in America” lists, Miners Falls offers a scenic and challenging 18-hole course that blends natural beauty (waterfalls, ponds, rock features) with thoughtful design and playability — a standout for both enthusiasts and families.

Other Notable Mentions

If you’re planning a road trip or want to explore more great courses:

Mt. Atlanticus Miniature Golf (Myrtle Beach, S.C.) — a legendary themed course with water features and a “free play for life” 19th hole.

Par-King Skill Golf (Lincolnshire, Ill.) — often called the “World’s Most Unusual Mini Golf” due to its creative moving obstacles and giant replicas.

Winter Summerland Miniature Golf – Bay Lake, Fla. — another Disney favorite with clever seasonal theming.

Par-King Skill Golf

Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club Breaks Ground on New Clubhouse

$20-plus million-dollar project to expand clubhouse and Arroyo Grille, add wedding/event space and create a signature turn experience

Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa, Ariz. and the Ak-Chin Indian Community recently began site work on a new 24,000 square-foot clubhouse and event facility with construction set to begin in March. Scheduled to open in spring of 2027, the new building will include a contemporary “food hall”, an enlarged Arroyo Grille, new private dining rooms and a banquet room, a larger golf shop, enhanced kitchen space, a new bridal suite, and an indoor golf simulator room featuring the latest GOLFZON simulator. The simulator room will serve a dual purpose during weddings, converting into a space for groomsmen to gather and relax. To view a fly-through of the new clubhouse, click here.

The new clubhouse was designed by Meyers + Associates Architecture of Columbus, Ohio. Arizona-based PIMMEX-CHASSE is handling the construction, while Troon Design and Development, led by industry leader Cindy Anderson, is assisting the Ak-Chin Indian Community’s Capital Projects team with project management.

Utilizing a palette of heavy exposed timber, natural stone, stucco, decorative concrete, and various other natural materials, the clubhouse’s exterior design is rooted in the spirit of creating a timeless and authentic sense of place with a color palette of desert sand, ochre, and red. The color palette serves as a nod to the natural beauty of the region, while warm, earthy tones will be artfully applied to various exteriors, creating a harmonious relationship with the landscape. New outdoor spaces will include multiple patio dining areas, a beautiful event lawn for outdoor events, a fire feature, a reimagined putting green, and a one-of-a-kind Halfway House between the 9th green and 10th tee that will offer a distinct experience, allowing golf carts to drive through a building with food and beverage items available in a market-like presentation.

“This exciting project is another example of the Ak-Chin Indian Community’s dedication to creating a truly remarkable guest experience at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club,” said Ak-Chin Community Chairman Gabriel Lopez. “We are committed to continuing the tradition of providing best-in-state golf experience, expanding the amenities around our community, and delivering the region’s preeminent dining and event destination.”

The new building is designed around a central axis that serves as the spine from which all public spaces can be accessed. This spine not only serves a practical purpose for circulation but also acts as a conduit to framing views of the property. From the entry lobby, guests are led through the new food hall and event space, around the signature bar, out to the covered patio and fire feature, and down to the event lawn to take-in the panoramic desert and golf course views. The building is designed with covered areas that blur the boundary between interior and exterior space, allowing guests to enjoy the beauty of the site while remaining protected from the elements.

“Our engagement with the Ak-Chin Community and the leadership at Southern Dunes has been an exceptional experience in collaboration,” said Meyers + Associates Principal Architect and Owner, Chris Meyers. “We were able to exemplify the community culture and maximize the potential of the existing facilities with a total transformation that will offer an outstanding experience to all who visit.  The focus of the project was to enhance the culture of the Ak-Chin Community and offer a facility that brings people together for celebrations, dining and an exceptional golf experience.” 

The new clubhouse and facilities will provide visitors with a premier experience at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes by enhancing dining options and create additional entertainment opportunities. By increasing the size of the clubhouse to include multiple dining options and a larger banquet facility, the club will be able to provide more value to guests and enhance their time on property. The increase in facilities will also provide additional capacity for Ak-Chin Southern Dunes to host larger events, including weddings and golf tournaments.

In the spring of 2027, the golfer's experience at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes will also be entirely new. From check-in at the new bag-drop to routing through the expanded clubhouse, golfers will enjoy updated amenities and expanded offerings ranging from new merchandise options to new food and beverage varieties. Additionally, the new Halfway House will deliver a more efficient experience for golfers as they make their way around the course. The Market at the Halfway House will offer grab-n-go food and beverage options, with air-conditioned restrooms and an ice and water station. The advantage of providing these services independent of the clubhouse means less time at the turn (equating to quicker rounds) and improved customer service.

“We’re proud to partner with Southern Dunes, the Ak-Chin Indian Community, Troon, and Meyers + Associates on a project that’s raising the bar both on and off the course,” stated PIMMEX-CHASSE Business Unit Leader Eric Noble. “From the expanded clubhouse and halfway station to the upgraded cart barn and event lawn, every element is designed to elevate the player and community experience. We’re excited to have officially kicked off Phase 1 construction with the parking lot expansion, marking an important first step in bringing these improvements to life.”

For more information on Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, visit www.akchinsoutherndunes.com.

Multiple Explore Branson (MO) Golf Courses Earn Honors to Tee Off 2026

Branson Hills Golf Club

Eight playing venues in the SW Missouri Ozarks destination recognized for their excellence by national media

Branson Golf continues its ascent as a top destination in America by traveling players and media, a fact illuminated by the plethora of honors that member courses continue to earn. The latest accolades include a Top 10 U.S. ranking for the championship course at Branson Hills Golf Club and all three Big Cedar Resort par-3 short courses rated among the Top 12 nationally in that category (Cliffhangers, Mountain Top, Top of the Rock). With four other 18-hole layouts already holding best-in-kind distinction – LedgeStone, Buffalo Ridge, Payne’s Valley, and Ozarks National – eight of the golf destination’s 11 courses are critically acclaimed for their high quality. 

Designed by Chuck Smith with erstwhile U.S. Amateur champion Bobby Clampett, Branson Hills garnered a no. 10 ranking in the newly released “Golfers’ Choice 2026 – America’s Top 50 Public Courses.” To determine the list, more than 226,000 GolfPass reviews were submitted by golfers throughout 2025.

“Big Cedar has catapulted the destination into elite status among traveling golfers, and Branson Hills earning a top 10 finish among U.S. Public courses underscores the many high-quality playing options there,” said Jason Scott Deegan, the managing editor of GolfPass.com who has reviewed nearly 1,200 courses in 28 countries.

Golfers submitted more than 226,000 reviews of roughly 7,500 courses via GolfPass during 2025. These votes factor several categories including Value, Conditions, Layout, Pace of Play, Staff Friendliness, and Off-Course Amenities, to determine an Overall Rating.

LINKS Magazine released this week its list of “15 Best U.S. Short Courses” with three destination members included – Cliffhangers (no. 10; co-designed by Johnny and John Paul Morris), Top of the Rock (no. 11, Jack Nicklaus), and Mountain Top (no. 12, Gary Player).

Stated LINKS in its write-up of the three short courses at Big Cedar Lodge: “Each one offers a distinct take on the format, starting with Cliffhangers, the newest and most adventurous of the bunch. The 18-hole par-3 layout lives up to its name, carved directly into limestone cliffs. Top of the Rock leans more traditional, though the setting hardly plays it safe. The 9-hole course weaves through lakes, cliffs, exposed rock ledges, and downhill tee shots that tumble toward the water below. So revered is the routing (and so dramatic the design) that it’s the only par3 course ever used for a PGA Tour-sanctioned event. Lastly, there’s Mountain Top, a walking-only par-3 loop that feels like an ode to the Ozarks. The 13-hole course offers a more accessible, family-friendly experience.”

Golf Digest rates the three Big Cedar 18-hole courses among its “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses” and Golfweek rates five Branson Golf destination courses among Missouri’s top 10 in the state (Ozarks National, Payne’s Valley, Buffalo Ridge, Branson Hills, and LedgeStone), including the top four. LedgeStone is a Tom Clark creation filled with unforgettable holes named for design aspects that help define them – Sidewinder, The Shelf, and The Plunge are examples.

The destination is easily reached by vehicle thanks to its middle America location (one-third of the U.S. mainland population is within an 8-hour drive). Those who prefer flying have many flights from which to choose via Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF).

Visitors can create any number of stay-and-play itineraries due to the destination’s vast array of lodging options and proximity of each course to one another. For more information about Branson Golf and a menu of family friendly things to do in Branson, visit www.explorebranson.com 

Apes Hill Barbados Voted Favorite Caribbean Course by GolfPass and GolfNow Players

GolfPass has released its Golfers’ Choice list of recreational players’ favorite warm-weather courses and Apes Hill Barbados ranks No. 1 in the Caribbean.

The Golfers’ Choice list was generated by golfer reviews on GolfNow and GolfPass throughout 2025. It reveals the top courses in warm-weather states and countries including those in the Caribbean, Australia, Mexico, and the states of Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas.

“The batch of warm-weather international destinations and state lists we release for Golfers’ Choice every year is perhaps the most important,” said Jason Scott Deegan, managing editor of GolfPass. “Everybody has golf on their minds this time of year. Either you’re stuck in the cold weather dreaming of teeing it up in a warmer location or you’re lucky to be enjoying peak season in great golf hot spots.”

The Golfers’ Choice top voted Caribbean courses are:

No. 1 - Apes Hill Club – Apes Hill, St. James

No. 2 - Casa De Campo, Teeth of the Dog – Casa de Campo, La Romana

No. 3 - Royal Turks & Caicos Golf Club – Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

No. 4 - La Estancia Golf Course – La Romana, La Romana

No. 5 - Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club – Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla

Unlike golf course rankings published by industry insiders, the Golfers’ Choice lists are completely consumer driven – by recreational golfers, for recreational golfers. The reviews accumulated by GolfPass and GolfNow come from golfers of various ages, handicaps and budgets, making the Golfers’ Choice lists a true showcase of the golf course characteristics that are the most important to avid golfers across the country.

Designed by Ron Kirby, the 18-hole championship course at Apes Hill features unforgettable holes that wind through the heaving island terrain. Views of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea and fairways framed by tropical foliage resonate with the layout’s jungle golf brilliance.

An exclusive resort and residential community, Apes Hill has an island-green 19th hole, an award-winning 9-hole short course (Little Apes), and a tech-driven Golf Performance Centre to help players hone their game. After golf, Apes Hill’s elevated lifestyle, where the resort’s position 1,000 feet above sea level offers sweeping views and cooling trade winds, provides an array of things to see and do. Morning yoga amid the treetops. A stroll along tropical walking trails. A match on a floodlit Padel or tennis court. Or moments of tranquillity in the newly opened beach club. Every element is designed to harmonize sport, wellbeing and leisure within the resort’s lush, natural setting. 

Apes Hill is renowned for its commitment to caring for the land and sea. It has garnered World Golf Awards for its green friendliness, both for golf and the resort. Apes Hill also earned certification from Audubon International for its enviro and sustainability best practices. These include a bioswale system, a rain catchment reservoir, and farm gardens that produce fresh fruits and vegetables.

For more information, please visit www.apeshill.com 

What are the Worst Golf Courses in Each State: Massachusetts

The Bottom of the Barrel: Massachusetts’ Most Criticized Golf Courses

Massachusetts punches well above its weight in quality golf — from classic Donald Ross designs to world-class championship tracks. But even in the Bay State, not every course gets rave reviews. A 2025 national ranking of the worst golf courses in the United States included three Massachusetts layouts, highlighting everything from poor turf to inconsistent playability and outright neglect.

1. Leo J. Martin Golf Course — Weston, MA

Frequently cited as the worst golf course in America, this municipal layout tops many dubious lists.

Despite its accessible green fees — around $27 for 18 holes on weekdays and $19 for nine — players have been blunt about conditions. Reviewers point to dead grass patches on fairways, putting surfaces overrun with weeds and dirt, and greens that “feel more like fields than putting surfaces.”

Some players have even warned of twisted ankles and unpredictable play across uneven turf — testament to inconsistent maintenance that leaves much to be desired. Yet the course persists as a budget-friendly option for those chasing low cost over quality.

State officials have acknowledged the problems and slated improvements — including a new irrigation system and turf maintenance plan — with work expected to continue into 2026.

2. Norwood Country Club — Norwood, MA

While perhaps better known locally as an affordable 18-hole club with a driving range, Norwood Country Club has attracted surprisingly harsh reviews from some players and ranking lists that landed it among the lowest in the nation.

Online commentary about the course paints a picture of uneven fairways and slow, bumpier greens — conditions that, while not catastrophic, fall short of what many golfers expect from a traditional “country club.”

Different sources vary on its exact reputation (user ratings cluster between mediocre and fair), but its inclusion in national worst-course roundups underscores a sentiment from some players that the experience doesn’t justify the cost — particularly when nearby alternatives can outperform it both in conditioning and overall enjoyment.

3. Ponkapoag Golf Course — Canton, MA

A course with a long history but mixed modern reviews, Ponkapoag Golf Course has been featured on worst-course lists and social commentary because of its inconsistent playing surfaces, especially its greens.

Many golfers praise the layout and classic challenge of this nearly 90-year-old course, but admit that poor turf conditions — particularly on greens — drag down the experience. Some describe conditions as patchy or “more dirt than grass,” and others note that improvements are still a work in progress.

Despite its flaws, Ponkapoag maintains a loyal following among those who appreciate its design and low prices. It’s a classic instance of potential vs. condition — the bones of a great course are there, but maintenance issues keep it from reaching its full promise.

Why These Courses Get the Wrath of Golfers

Public and private courses alike land on low rankings for a few recurring issues:

- Poor turf health – Fairways and greens that seem neglected or patchy can turn fun rounds into frustrating ones.

- Inconsistent playability – When shots don’t behave predictably, golfers notice quickly — whether they’re scoring or just trying to walk 18 holes.

- Expectations vs. reality – Even budget courses come with expectations, and when the experience doesn’t match low-cost promise, dissatisfaction grows.

Yet even among these “worst-rated” courses, there’s nuance. Affordable access, historic layouts, and loyal local players still find reasons to return — and improvements are often underway. In the end, whether a course makes headlines for its turf or its charm depends on what kind of golfing experience you’re chasing.

In Massachusetts golf, as in life, beauty and frustration often share the same landscape — and every round tells a story worth telling.

Jon Rahm Turns Down DP World Tour Deal, Casting Doubt on 2027 Ryder Cup Future

Two-time major champion Jon Rahm has rejected a compromise from the DP World Tour that would have cleared a path for him to continue playing LIV Golf without jeopardizing his membership — a decision that now clouds his Ryder Cup future.

The proposal would have allowed Rahm to compete in LIV Golf events without further penalty if he paid outstanding fines for playing without release, participated in designated DP World Tour tournaments and dropped his appeal. Rahm declined.

As a result, his eligibility for the 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland remains uncertain, pending the outcome of his appeal of fines tied to his participation in LIV events without the tour’s required conflicting-event releases.

The DP World Tour confirmed Saturday that eight LIV players — including four-time Ryder Cup veteran Tyrrell Hatton — accepted similar terms. The others are Laurie Canter, Thomas Detry, Tom McKibbin, Adrian Meronk, Victor Perez, David Puig and Elvis Smylie. All but Smylie are eligible for Ryder Cup consideration.

Those players received conditional releases to compete in LIV events during the 2026 season after agreeing to settle their fines, meet additional tournament obligations and withdraw any pending appeals. The tour said the agreements are tailored to each player and require more than the minimum events necessary to maintain membership, along with participation in promotional activities.

Rahm has been firm in his stance against paying fines. Ahead of the 2024 Spanish Open, he said, “I am not a fan of the fines and don’t intend to pay them.” His appeal — which has yet to be heard — allowed him to remain eligible for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, where Europe prevailed.

In April 2023, U.K.-based dispute resolution service Sports Resolution ruled that the tour, as a membership organization, had the authority to fine players for competing in LIV events without release. If Rahm’s current appeal fails and he refuses to pay, he risks losing membership — and with it, Ryder Cup eligibility.

Rahm left traditional tours for LIV ahead of the 2024 season while reigning as Masters champion, a move that came during fragile negotiations between the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Those talks have since stalled, and the tours now appear headed in separate directions.

Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy recently referenced the lingering fines, noting that European players had long emphasized their willingness to sacrifice financially to compete in the Ryder Cup.

The PGA Tour has introduced a “returning members” pathway after Brooks Koepka came back following four seasons on LIV. The option was extended to major champions who joined LIV — Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith — but all have remained with the rival league.

Elsewhere, former Masters champion Patrick Reed opted not to renew his LIV contract and has returned to a full European schedule. With two victories already, he is positioned to reclaim PGA Tour status next season.

For Rahm, however, the standoff continues — and with it, uncertainty about whether one of Europe’s most accomplished players will be part of its next Ryder Cup campaign.

How Does Golf Psychology Keep You From Choking?

You know what’s crazy? You’ll miss a four-footer for par…But after the hole’s over? You roll that same putt in like it’s automatic. So what changed? It’s not the stroke. It’s the story in your head. Dr. Jeremy Jamieson, a psychologist at the University of Rochester, says most golfers don’t choke because they’re stressed — they choke because they’re stressed about being stressed. Your racing heart? Sweaty palms? That’s not weakness. That’s your body gearing up to perform. Performance coach Jim Murphy says the real fear isn’t the putt — it’s what missing means. Rejection. Judgment. Ego. Here’s the fix: Stop trying to calm down. Instead of thinking, “Why am I nervous?” Think, “Good. My body’s ready.” The best way to handle nerves on the golf course? Accept them. Because the moment you stop fighting the feeling…The hole stops looking like a thimble.