Miniature golf has long relied on erupting volcanoes, spinning windmills, and hulking fiberglass T. Rexes to keep courses interesting. The Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg looked at that successful formula and thought, “Let’s try Dale Chihuly instead.”
Through August 30, the museum has transformed one of its galleries into Putt-a-palooza, a nine-hole indoor miniature golf course golf inspired by artwork in its permanent collection. The course was designed by Tom Loftus and Robin Schwartzman, a husband-and-wife team based out of Minneapolis whose business A Couple of Putts designs and consults on mini golf courses. For the pair, who have teed off on more than 600 miniature gold courses worldwide, playability wasn’t all they had in mind for the Westmoreland course.
“Along with visually interesting holes, we wanted a way for people to learn about artwork,” Schwartzman says. “Players might remember that painting more or that sculpture more because they played through it. So it’s secretly educational.”
Take a Swing at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art’s Putt-a-palooza
According to the Erica Nuckles, the Westmoreland’s Director of Learning, Engagement, and Partnerships, the museum’s interest in mini golf grew out of one of the museum’s biggest summer successes. Last year, the Westmoreland filled one of its wings with a giant cardboard maze built with local artists, drawing record attendance during what is typically a low-key season.
Looking for another immersive experience, the museum challenged Loftus and Schwartzman to transform pieces from the permanent collection into individual holes. After suggesting a selection of works, the Westmoreland took a hands-off approach.
“We trusted their expertise. They came up with all kinds of creative ways to express the artwork through gameplay, making it fun for visitors to figure out which artwork inspired each hole,” says Nuckles.
Highlights include a vibrant fuchsia-and-red loop-the-loop the designers based on Chihuly’s monumental pink glass chandelier, which hangs in the museum’s north entrance. The movement and unpredictability of Tim Prentice’s kinetic outdoor sculpture Wind Frame—with shimmering stainless steel tiles that flutter in the breeze—led to a hole that resembles Plinko, where players drop their ball through a vertical maze of pegs instead of putting across a traditional green.
After every hole, players leave the putting green to hunt through the museum for the painting or sculpture that inspired it, answer a trivia question, and then head back for the next tee. The result is equal parts miniature golf, scavenger hunt, and art appreciation.
For Loftus and Schwartzman, the best miniature golf experiences aren’t necessarily the hardest ones—because players don’t reminisce about the course with the impossible putt. Instead, they remember the huge dinosaur, the swinging obstacle, or the concessions stand’s homemade ice cream. At Putt-a-palooza, they just might remember the art.
“Mini golf is way more fun if you have something memorable,” says Loftus.
More Miniature Golf Around Pittsburgh
If Putt-a-palooza puts you in the mood to pick up a putter, here are some of the Pittsburgh area’s coolest miniature golf courses.
Forsythe Miniature Golf
920 Forsythe Road, Carnegie
Summer Hours: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; noon to 9:30 p.m. Sunday
Price: $5-$8
You’re here for: A dose of nostalgia at one of the country’s oldest continuously operating miniature golf courses—followed by fantastic ice cream sandwiches. Each sandwich is made to order, letting you choose the ice cream, cookies, and toppings.
Kniess’ Miniature Golf
3005 Babcock Boulevard, Pittsburgh
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Price: $5.50-$7
Good to know: Second rounds are discounted. Cash only.
You’re here for: Memorable holes and whimsical animal statues at this longstanding North Hills favorite. One hole winds through a treehouse beside an elephant, while another sends your ball beneath an airplane.
Scally’s Golf Center
265 Hookstown Grade Road, Moon Township
Hours: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday Glow Golf until 11 p.m.
Price: $7-$8
You’re here for: Straightforward play on an 18-hole course dotted with jungle animals, plus a driving range, Par 3 course, batting cages, and a snack bar with soft-serve ice cream.
Par 2 Golf Monroeville
4259 Northern Pike, Monroeville
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Price: One 18-hole course for $6 per player, or all three courses for $12
You’re here for: Fifty-four holes of miniature golf followed by an old-school arcade that still spits out paper prize tickets. Plus frozen treats to celebrate your best score—or soften the blow of your worst.
Fun Fore All Family Fun Park
8 Progress Avenue, Cranberry Township
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Price: Free-$9
You’re here for: Making a day of it. Two miniature golf courses stay open year-round, weather permitting, while rock climbing, duckpin bowling, an arcade, and other attractions keep everyone busy. Adults can even cap the day with a beer from local brewery ShuBrew.
Mars-Bethel Golf
540 Route 228, Mars
Hours: Opens at 10 a.m.; closing time depends on customer traffic and weather.
Price: Free-$10
You’re here for: Aliens, UFOs, and one of the area’s quirkiest themes. Play a round of traditional miniature golf or cornhole golf, then reward yourself with ice cream from the on-site stand.
Putt-a-palooza
221 North Main Street, Greensburg
Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday: noon to 7 p.m.
Dates: Through August 30
Price: Free-$10
You’re here for: The region’s most unconventional round of miniature golf. After finishing each hole, head into the Westmoreland’s galleries to track down the painting or sculpture that inspired it, answer a trivia question, and then return for the next tee.
Story by Lauren Davidson
Featured Photo From Westmoreland Museum of American Art
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