So we know that golf is hugely popular in Myrtle Beach, with well over 100 golf courses in a 25 mile strip of the Grand Strand. But most people are not aware that Myrtle Beach is also very serious about its miniature golf, as they claim to be the miniature golf capital of the world. It is home to the United States Pro MiniGolf Association that is affiliated with the World MiniGolf Sport Federation.

Who knew that miniature golf was a competitive sport. There are many professionals that take the sport very seriously while make a living from playing this fun game. They even have two major U.S. Tournaments, the Masters and the U.S. Open. Seriously, I’m not joking!

There are at least 50 miniature golf courses in the Myrtle Beach, SC area making it a tough choice deciding which ones to try. They all have their own special themes from dinosaurs, erupting volcanoes, tropical scenery and probably the most common, pirate ships. There’s not enough time or space to mention all of Myrtle Beach miniature golf courses here, so we’ll just mention a few of the favorites.

Mt. Altanticus Miniature Golf in Myrtle Beach may not be the fanciest course in town, but people seem to return to this one after trying the others because it is one of the most fun courses to play. A unique feature that makes this course stand out from the rest, is that it rises to multi levels. The top level providing the 18th hole is four flights high. You’ll find plenty of benches along the way to rest or to wait for the group in front of you to move on, so it should not be too strenuous. The awesome view from the top makes it worth the climb. The upper most level provides a panoramic scene of the ocean and Ocean Blvd. That, along with the palm trees and tropical flora, make this a very scenic choice for entertainment. Look for the Loch Ness monster, dodo’s and minotaurs scattered among all the caves, huts and tiki torches.

Since this is one of the favored courses in town, it can get fairly crowded, but the fact that they have two courses helps to alleviate the long waits. Things usually move pretty fast. The caves at Mt. Atlanticus are actually inside with air conditioning providing very welcome relief from the hot sun or even light rain. Shaved ice and cool drinks found along the way help to refresh golfers as they make their trek to the top.

The price to date is $8 for adults with just an additional $2 allowing all day play at both courses until 6 pm. Play golf, visit the gift shop, take breaks for snacks and enjoy a leisurely fun day for just $10. Or play a round or two in the morning, take a break to go out for lunch, then come back in the afternoon for more golfing fun. What a deal! Be sure to try the extra 19th hole at the end. It’s quite a challenge, but if you make it you get a lifetime pass to play anytime at Mt. Atlanticus. The staff is great and things are kept up well. It’s no wonder that this is a family tradition for many that frequent Myrtle Beach.

Mt. Atlanticus Miniature Golf
707 N Kings Highway
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-444-1008
http://mtatlanticus.com/

Captain Hook’s Adventure Golf in Myrtle Beach offers a spectacular trip into Never-Never Land with Captain Hook, Peter Pan and the Lost Boys. Both kids and adults have loads of fun making their way through this pirate island. At every turn there are villains, secret caverns, hidden treasure, bones and even animated crocs. With two exciting courses, you might start with the 18-hole Lost Boys Course that takes you on a trip to Skull Island. It’s not just the kids who choose this one so they can go through the “smoking skull head.” When that course is finished, most want to continue on to the second course that provides a greater challenge through Hook’s Challenging Course. This course winds its way into the menacing pirate ship.

For many mini golfers, Captain Hook’s is just the ultimate. The scenery is fantastic, and guests rave over how new looking and clean it stays. The water features offer a nice distraction and the air conditioned caves are always welcomed. General pricing for 18 holes of golf at Captain Hook’s is $7.50 for adults and $7.00 for kids. Watch for coupons and before 6pm specials too. Smoking skull head or pirate ship, it’s a tough choice. Whether you choose just one of the courses or venture into both, you’re going to love it.

Captain Hook’s
2205 N Kings Hwy
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
843-913-7851
http://www.myrtlebeachfamilygolf.com/captain_hooks.aspx

MayDay Golf in Myrtle Beach will take it’s guests through the thrill and excitement of airplanes, helicopters and pure survival. The adventure begins with a plane trip to the tropics for a golf excursion. Something suddenly goes wrong and you find your crew stranded on a tropical island. As you travel through the Mayday Mountain Course you’ll enjoy golfing under the wings of the Big Yellow Airplane, walking upon rushing water and hilly terrain. The Rescue Falls Course reveals unexpected waterfalls and a rescue helicopter. The fun had in these courses while survivors make their way back to civilization often leave them wondering if they really want to escape.

MayDay keeps a very clean and neat atmosphere for travelers to spend some enjoyable time stranded on a dreamy tropical island. It may not be quite as challenging as some of the other courses, but the scenery is great and it has a good bit of shade. Kids really seem to love this one with the bright yellow airplane and red helicopter themes. MayDay was featured in 2004 on the Travel Channel’s “MiniGolf Madness” show.

The adult price is $9 for 18 holes or $12 for all day; children’s prices are $8 or $11. With these reasonable fees, it would be easy to make a day of it. They also have the Snack Shack for ice cream, frozen drinks, snacks and other cold refreshments.

MayDay Golf
715 Highway 17 N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582-2907
843-280-3535
http://www.maydaygolf.com/

There are so many wonderful miniature golf courses in Myrtle Beach to choose from. We’ll mention just a few more. Dragon’s Lair, located at Broadway on the Beach, must receive mention. Follow the story as you travel through this home for dragons. Kids find it entertaining to read a new part of the story at each hole. The dragon breathes fire as he come out of the volcano and shares his part of the story with adventurous golfers. Hawaiian Village provides a fun time with its mining town theme. The full size train engine is the main feature. And finally, Lost Treasure offers a train ride through mining caves, waterfalls and ancient ruins on the way to the top of the course.

Though miniature golf professionals may frown on the names mini golf, putt-putt or goofy golf, to most of us it just means loads of laughs and a great time to spend with family and friends. It’s a great activity for all ages. You just cannot help having fun with the friendly competition and the animated holes and wondrous scenery. Be sure to try out at least one or two of these spectacular courses during your visit to Myrtle Beach. Mini golf enthusiasts love to see how many courses they can get to during their visit. I wonder which one will be your favorite.

If you’ve been to any Myrtle Beach miniature golf courses be sure to share your comments about them in the comment section below! To see other attractions, check out our list of the best things to do in Myrtle Beach, SC. If you’re looking for hotels in Myrtle Beach, take a look at our list of the best Myrtle Beach hotels. If you are looking for vacation rentals or condos in Myrtle Beach, then take a look at our list of the best condos for rent in Myrtle Beach, SC. To see some great places to eat, visit our list of the best places to eat in Myrtle Beach, SC. Finally, be sure to check out our list of the best Myrtle Beach coupons.