Those that don’t golf can mini golf, and those that can’t mini golf should mini golf anyway. It’s a fun way to spend a couple hours regardless of skill. Here in Orlando, adults, kids, large groups, and small groups will flock to these little courses. It’s an incredibly popular activity on nice days and there are so many places from which to pick.
One such place is Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf on International Drive. Themed with sunken ships, barrels, and fake pirates, it is very family friendly and has appeal. The hours are 10am-11pm daily, and two separate courses can be bundled into a price package if chosen. At $12.50 per course or $20.50 for both, it is on par with most other miniature golf establishments and a reasonable price to pay.
On a fall afternoon, a friend and I picked Pirate’s Cove for a slight diversion. It appeared to be nice enough, and Orlando Magazine had once voted this course “Best in Florida” for miniature golf. We decided to put our putters to the green and see if we felt the same after a round.
THE GOOD
My first impression was a good one, and it was a direct result of the staff. Approaching the counter, we walked in slightly uninformed and inexperienced. We didn’t know which course to select. We didn’t even know which putter to select, and our indecisiveness made everything more of an issue. Regardless, the woman that assisted us was really patient and took all the time needed to help guide our decisions. Sending us off with smiles, I had to acknowledge that if all the other employees were like this woman, this small location had nailed customer service.
Customer service wasn’t the only thing they nailed. The landscaping was lovely. I had expected to find the course slightly neglected. After all, this wasn’t a major enterprise. Knowing that there was no massive corporation with huge resources for upkeep, I thought that I would have to overlook a degree of disrepair. I was very wrong. It actually caught me a little off-guard just how well the grounds were kept. Beautifully manicured shrubbery and flowerbeds were set against a course of footbridges, caves, and waterfalls. At times I found myself not keeping up with my partner because I had to stop and look around.
In addition to the landscaping, the course itself struck a nice balance between “leisure” and “challenge.” In general, if I find something too easy, then I become bored. Contrarily, I get frustrated and cranky if I can’t show some degree of skill. This miniature golf course walked a fine line rather gracefully with some holes that were a direct putt and others that required a bit more calculation.
Speaking of calculating, people who would rather not bother with a scorecard have the option of utilizing the Pirate’s Cove web app. The app tallies the scores as each player’s strokes are recorded at the holes. It also gives a bit of pirate lore for added enhancement. This seems like a nice option for those that don’t want to fuss with holding that tiny pencil and paper card at each hole, and it is an option that I’ve never seen available anywhere else.
THE BAD
As great as the experience was, not all of it came up smelling like roses. In a very literal sense, things smelled quite foul at a hole that was placed in a dank cave. I’m not sure if it was due to the waterfall that cascaded off of a protruding ledge, or if feral animals were to blame. What is certain, though, is that there was an objectionable odor that hurried us through that hole without regard to our score.
There was also a complete absence of interactive features. There were no sound effects when you finally sunk your ball. Animated elements were missing too. There weren’t even flashing lights for completing the final hole. I realize that all these things on a mini golf course are a bit hokie, but there is something fun about making the putt and being rewarded with the course responding to you. However, with Pirate’s Cove you have to content yourselves with an inner satisfaction.
The final drawback is that Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf is neither handicap accessible nor stroller friendly. Part of the beauty and charm of the place is that it actually does feel like a small “adventure” getting to each hole, but the downside is that it excludes anyone who is unable to walk. You trek to the tops of waterfalls. You cross bridges that hang over streams. You descend winding stairs as well. There were a couple times that I felt myself breathe a little harder as I climbed to the next spot. In terms of mini golf, it is a bit physically challenging beyond the mere goal of playing in par, and there is no route for wheelchairs or strollers. Instead, the main center has an arcade, a small picnic area, and a couple curiosities to explore for those that get left behind.
THE TRUTH
In spite of these few deficits, in the end I have to concede that Pirate’s Cove is one of the best miniature golf courses I have experienced. It is sat right in the center of International Drive, and yet somehow you still feel as if you’ve escaped the bustle at times. This, alongside a friendly staff and the enjoyable pace of the actual game, really did give it high marks on my personal scorecard. I am not certain I’m willing to endorse it as “Florida’s Best” for mini golf, but I can clearly tell you that it ranks right up there.
