GlowGolf Fun Spot for Families

Monday, May 7th, 2007

Glowgolf fun spot for families

By Alex Paul
Albany Democrat-Herald

If you think you’ve perfected your putt, try doing it in the dark.

That’s the challenge of the new Glowgolf indoor glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course that opened recently at Heritage Mall.

It’s not completely dark. Luminous obstacles glow bright blue, red, orange and yellow under black lights around the 18-hole course. The black light also makes large murals jump out in almost 3-D fashion. The experience is similar to “cosmic bowling.”

Dianna Fries of Brownsville is the manager of the Albany Glowgolf course and says reception from mid-valley residents has been outstanding.

“It’s so family-oriented,” Fries said. “This is a place where parents can bring their children. We have such a variety of customers, from children to teenagers to senior citizens. We had a group of 24 senior citizens who came in the other day after going out to eat at Red Robin. It’s fun for all ages.”

Unlike outdoor miniature golf courses, the indoor course uses fluorescent golf balls, putters, course obstacles and wall decor to “create a one-of-a-kind miniature golf experience” according to the company.

Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for children ages 5 to 12 or $3 for kids 4 or under. Seniors pay $7 each, and family passes are available.

Admission includes three times around the 18-hole course. Fries said it can take as little as 20 minutes or as much as two hours to go all the way through, depending on how serious a person is about it.

On a recent morning, when area students were out of school, Amanda Hickey, 10, was trying her luck on the course along with her brother, Hunter, 7, and Paige Kuhns, 11.

“Some of the holes are really challenging,” Paige said as Amanda added, “But it’s really fun. I really like how the balls glow.”

Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.

Glowgolf is based in Wichita, Kansas. Area manager John Wright said that after spending some time in the Pacific Northwest, he determined it would be a good area for indoor golf courses. Courses now operate in Kansas, Washington state, Colorado, New Mexico, Nebraska, Arkansas and Tennessee.

In addition to the golf course, there is an area set aside for birthday parties and other group events.

Glowgolf is located next to the Heritage Mall food court. The phone number is 928-6938.