TWAIN HARTE MINI-GOLF TIP (CHEAT) SHEET by Thomas Atkins
For over 20 years I have been playing at Twain Harte’s Miniature Golf Course. Over time I have developed names for the holes and have made up my own handicap system. Here are a local’s tips for this entertaining 18-hole course.
Hole/Name Par Handicap
#1 (The Hula Girls) 2 7
Tip: Don’t get distracted by the Hula Girls! Focus! Just get past them!
#2 (The Gopher Hole) 2 17
Tip: Use caution. The hole may reject your ball.
#3 (The Clock) 3 5
Tip: It’s all about timing. Hit the ball when the pendulum is in the middle.
#4 (The Funnel) 3 8
Tip: I haven’t figured this one out yet. Just don’t be short! Get it to the funnel…it will take care of the rest.
#5 (The Volcano/Ant Hill) 3 1
Tip: Good luck.
#6 (The Rainbow) 2 15
Tip: Some just pick their favorite color to follow. I’d say following the yellow is your best bet.
#7 (The Balls) 2 6
Tip: One strand of balls is shorter than the others…aim for that one…or else, just power through.
#8 (The Twofer) 3 4
Tip: First of all, get it up the ramp. Then you have two options: go for the hole on the right.
#9 (The Ramp) 3 11
Tip: Aim for the far left of the ramp. The ball needs as much speed as possible to reach the hole.
#10 (The Yellow Brick Ricochet) 2 14
Tip: Make sure to hit the brick. A few ricochets later may result in a hole in one!
#11 (The Wooden Ricochet) 2 13
Tip: Aim for the front of the wood or just after it for a triple ricochet hole in one!
#12 (The Narrow Ricochet) 2 9
Tip: Aim for the middle of the brick…or you’ll get caught in the Narrows.
Hole/Name Par Handicap
#13 (The Open Field) 2 18
Tip: This one can break left or right depending on where you hit it from. Although I rank it as the easiest hole on the course…there is some kind of optical illusion going on.
#14 (The Gold Mines) 3 2
Tip: Some people have mastered the risky jump over Gold Mine Mountain…but if you can manage a straight shot through the left tunnel…you will strike it rich.
#15 (The Outhouse) 3 12
Tip: Wait your turn in line…and be thankful this has replaced the barn.
#16 (The Tire) 3 10
Tip: Hit the ball with enough speed to defy gravity. I have yet to see a hole in one without a ricochet.
#17 (The Curve) 2 16
Tip: It is deceiving to stay along the curve…there is a bump in the cement! It is best to do a double ricochet.
#18 (The Windmill) 3 3
Tip: Ignore the “last-hole-pressure”…and all the people watching. Remember that the windmill doesn’t rotate evenly so study it before you hit it.
#19 (Bonus Hole: The Clown) Free Game (bell) Nice try (clown)
Tip: Hit it straight at the hole. Not too hard…but not too soft. At least get it past the trench! Those with nerves of steel will be rewarded with a free game! For the majority of the putters who over putt or under putt, show good sportsmanship by looking the clown in the eye (it may be best to give the putter to Rich first before you are overtaken by a Happy Gilmore fit of rage). Then treat yourself to an ice cream bar or some candy at the counter and thank Rich and Marylyn for a wonderful mini-golf experience!
