Goony Golf

Little did I know that this would be
my last time at our beloved Goony.

If you've ever driven down "Old 10," as we locals like to call it, you've undoubtedly seen the large green dinosaur perched on the eastbound: the iconic, dare we say quintessential Goony Golf. But it appears as if the grass has been less green at Goony these days. And so I'm absolutely heartbroken to report the closing of the best damn mini golf course in the North Metro.

Goony was mini golf at its best. And though most of the holes were not terribly unique, and the greens not incredibly well-maintained, there was always something special about Goony. The fact that Goony offered three different courses, including two more simple, classic mini golf courses as well as a much more difficult "championship" course, definitely set it apart from most local mini establishments. The whimsy of the more simple courses, the extreme difficulty of the executive course, and the reduced prices for playing more than one course made an evening or afternoon at Goony a must for us each summer. 

Cousin Bowl 2016 (championship course)

It's worth spending some time here to talk about the championship course at Goony, even though it seems unlikely that some may ever get a chance to play it, which is a shame. While the two easy courses where relatively simple aim and putt holes (with many opportunities for a hole-in-one), the executive course was an absolute nightmare in all the best ways. The holes were long and winding. The geometry was way off in many cases. Some of the holes where damn near unplayable without taking a dip in the water. And though the level of difficulty was always infuriating it was also fun -- fun to be really challenged by a mini golf course for once!

I have extremely fond memories of playing the regular courses with my family as a child (although that iconic green dinosaur seemed much bigger back than then it did in adulthood!). Goony's executive course was also one of the courses that Ryan and I cut our teeth on back in the day. So Goony was not only fun for us to play but held quite a bit of sentimental value as well. Unfortunately, Ryan and I are out of state now ourselves, making one last go at Goony impossible. But if you get a chance -- GO. And give that good dino a pat for us.

Goodbye Goony! We loved you!