From Scottish Rebellion to Glowing Monsters: The Story of Mini Golf

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Episode 153

What do Scottish women, rooftop golf courses, fairy-tale castles, and glowing monsters have in common?

They're all part of the surprising history of miniature golf.

This week on Pop Culture Passport, we're tracing the story of one of America's favorite summer traditions, from a quiet act of rebellion at St. Andrews in Scotland to the rooftop mini golf craze of 1920s New York City, through the Great Depression, and into today's elaborate themed and blacklight courses.

Along the way we'll visit:

• Whispering Pines Miniature Golf in Irondequoit, NY — the oldest continuously operating miniature golf course in America
• Tom Thumb Golf and the fairy-tale vision of Garnet and Frieda Carter
• New York City's incredible rooftop mini golf boom
• The rise of Putt-Putt Golf
• Modern Monster Mini Golf

Whether your favorite course has windmills, castles, pirates, or glowing monsters, miniature golf has been bringing generations together for more than 150 years.

The next time you pick up a putter, you'll know the remarkable story behind the game.

You ready? Let’s roam.

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