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We played this course on Memorial Day Weekend 2002 and at that time it was extremely new. So new that the parking lot and clubhouse weren't even finished yet, but more on that later. The first
thing you notice about this course is its interesting location. The complex, which includes a driving range and batting cages, is at the far end of an access road that borders a minimum-security prison
and finds a mental institution at its entrance. Although there is no real danger from these two places, just be glad that, if the unthinkable does happen, no matter what part of the complex you're
enjoying, at least you're wielding a weapon. (Unfortunately, this course doesn't integrate elements of its surrounds into he theme of the course. For instance, a model of Alcatraz in the middle of on of
the ponds would be fun. We didn't take any points off for this in our ratings, but it would have resulted in bonus points if they had done something.) The next thing that struck us right off the bat was
how much the course resembled the Golf Center of Connecticut in Shelton, a course we played a week earlier. After studying the elements, layout and hole design, we agreed that the courses were built by
the same company. This doesn't have much bearing on our ratings, aside from allowing us to draw comparisons to explain our ratings. Like Golf Center of Connecticut, it has nine holes that are
handicap-accessible, which is becoming a nice trend in courses.
So let's explain our ratings, starting with atmosphere. Overall, it's a beautiful course, with elements of the "island" theme throughout. Although, obvious done by the same company that did Golf Center of
Connecticut, this course has a much better and more elaborate theme throughout. There's a tree-house, a volcano, a pirate ship (although not as cool as the one at Pirate's Cove), miniature totem poles,
Easter Island heads sticking out the ground, etc. It does lack in a few key mini-golf areas though. First, they need better scorecards. The flimsy ones they had didn't even have their name on it, let
alone any other information about the course, such as address and whatnot. It also made you write in the par of each of the holes since they used the same card for both courses. Unlike most 36-hole
courses, Mulligan's doesn't offer any sort of discount for playing both courses, and your only change to win a free game is by dropping your ball into a "Plinko" (from the Price Is Right) style ball
return. Although this is nifty, we'd rather enjoy the challenge of getting a hole in one on a bonus hole to win a free game.
One item that what a positive aspect in both the creativity and atmosphere department is that the managers of the course can change the hole placement on most holes without disfiguring the course in any
way. Most courses that do this just fill in the unused hole, leaving a bumpy, uneven patch to putt over. Instead, Mulligan's places a rock obstacle over the unused hole, so that you wouldn't even know
that it's there and it adds another obstacle to the hole. The only drawback to this idea is that you can't position the rocks to create a certain bounce because it's possible for anyone to move them by
accidentally kicking them or something. You'd have to anchor them in the unused hole in some way.
Now for a last few notes on the course. Many of the holes present you with an option of paths to putt the ball. One was usually harder and one easier. Normally on courses, the harder road, if chosen, gave
the better chance as getting a hole-in-one or very close. However, on this course, taking the harder road doesn't seem to get you anything but a higher score. As best we can guess, these harder options
are put there simply for the people who feel that they must show off their exceptional putting ability. The course overall is worth the play and is definitely above average. Given some time in operation,
they may clear up some on the little details and you'll find yourself playing mini-golf at a truly exceptional course.
Pat Sheridan (2002), The Putting Penguin
Best score reported:
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