Aloha Mini Golf (Island Course) – Myrtle Beach, SC

Played on October 12, 2019

Reviewed by Mr. Tee. Special appearances by Pat Sheridan of The Putting Penguin, Randy Rice, Nathan Lamplough, and Allan Cox. Plus brief cameos of all of the putters that participated in the 2019 USPMGA (United States Pro Mini Golf Association) Mini Golf Masters.

Back in 2019, I had a chance to take in the Masters as a spectator, and then over the duration of my trip to Myrtle Beach, I was able to play all three of the official Masters courses with putting pals. My experience on each course with new friends got me excited to play in the 2020 Masters but the challenges of travel due to COVID pushed out my debut chance to putt amongst the best mini golfers to the future. The first course I visited on my trip in 2019 was Aloha Mini Golf and will be the first of the Masters courses I’ll review.

Rating

Birdie – The 18-hole Island course is played 4 times over the first two days of the annual US Pro Mini Golf Masters tournament. Both of the Aloha Mini Golf outdoor courses circle around a massive volcano that regularly rumbles and blasts out plumes of fire for dramatic effect. Tropical plants, large water features near the front of the course, and well placed tropical-themed obstacles help provide an immersive experience. No surprise that the course was impeccably maintained due to the international tournament being hosted at the time of my visit but I get the sense that all of the Aloha courses are kept up in a way that is appealing to those who want a consistent putting experience. The subtlety of the hole design makes it an ideal course for a competition but after a while, the holes feel a bit simplistic. Ultimately, this course and overall mini golf complex is a most worthy visit amongst the droves of mini golf options in town.

Parking lot entrance of the 3 mini golf course complex

Upper-level balcony view of the courses during the 2019 Masters

Pat from The Putting Penguin showing Randy Rice and me how to play the Masters Island course

Randy taking aim and Pat documenting on hole #2

Randy and I finished up a hotly contested round on a subtly challenging course

The massive volcano, foliage, and obstacles hit the Hawaiian theme on the button

Short holes make for many hole-in-one opportunities but aces are not as easy as they looks

Randy and I had the pleasure to finally meet Allax Cox (aka The Putter King) from Australia on his first return to the Masters in years. Watch Allan’s video below to see how to ace all 18 holes on the Island course.

Australian long-time pro mini golfer Nathan Lamplough showing us how to ace #17

Decorated mini golf champ Olivia Prokopova lines up her putt to finish the round. Watch her ace the putt in our video below.

Aloha Mini Golf Website

Pros

Smartly executed tropical theme
Massive volcano rumbles and displays real fire throughout the day/night
Lighting at night makes for an idyllic evening of putting
A course where you can measure yourself against the best mini golfers in the world
Several holes feature well placed and built obstacles
The turf and holes are well maintained

Cons

All of the holes are relatively short and samey

Nerdy Notes

18 holes, Par 36.
Pricing – One round of 18 holes (9-5pm) – $9.30, One round after 5pm – $10.24. All day pass (9-5pm) – $13.95. All locations (including Hawaiian Rumble & Hawaiian Village) one round each – $23.36 All 3 locations, all 5 courses – $32.55
All day passes valid 9am-5pm
Rubber covered putters
Arcade and gift shop that includes a number of mini golf goods like trophies, ball, coloring books and more
Small bar and beverage service on the lower and upper level of the facility
Arcade/clubhouse includes live tropical birds. This is a trademark feature of all of the courses operated by Bob Detweiler, founder of the USPMGA. The other courses are Hawaiian Rumble and Hawaiian Village.