For generations, miniature golf has been a popular choice for family outings, birthday parties and couples' nights out.
For those looking to go mini-golfing around the Mon Valley area, there are a few hotspots to check out.
Bill's Golfland
Bill's Golfland in Rostraver offers family fun and good food at affordable prices.
The miniature course is a well-shaded, challenging one for kids and adults alike. Bill's Golfland also has a pro-size driving range, complete with state-of-the-art synthetic-grass mats and natural-grass hitting areas, including five target greens, sand-bunker practice area, covered and heated tees and a fully stocked pro shop.
“We remodeled the range back in 2005 and 2006,” says Jerry Fronzaglio of Bill's Golfland. “We've been open since 1963.”
Prices at Bill's Golfland range from $4 for a small basket of golf balls that holds about 30 balls; $7 for a large basket that holds around 60 golf balls; and $11 for a jumbo basket that holds around 115 balls.
While Fronzaglio contends that the driving range is what earns Bill's Golfland most of its repeat customers, the miniature golf course is a popular draw for families and the occasional passers-by traveling on Route 51.
The business also offers dek hockey, a form of street hockey that is usually played on dry land, all year long. Bill's Dek Hockey offers leagues for all ages in dek hockey and roller hockey.
Away from the outdoor area there is an arcade featuring video games, pinball and ping-pong.
The restaurant at Bill's Golfland, which is open year-round, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner options. The company website lists a complete menu and monthly specials page.
“A lot of our business comes from people who are already here for something else,” Fronzaglio says. “People eating in the restaurant may see someone on the driving range and think, ‘I'd like to be out there, too,' and then they head out to the golf course.”
Bill's Golfland offers rental equipment and hosts special events like birthday parties and tournaments. Group rates and gift certificates also are available.
“We run a clean, family-oriented operation at Bill's Golfland,” Fronzaglio says.
Bill's Golfland is off Route 51 at 210 Bills Lane in Rostrave. Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. March to October. Details: www.billsgolfland.com.
Family Funscape
Another option is Copperhead Canyon, part of Family Funscape in Elizabeth. “Our summer hours are usually our busiest time, but nights and evenings are already booming,” says George Knight, manager of Family Funscape.
Copperhead Canyon is a miniature golf course with 18 holes and a practice green that spans more than 1.2 acres. Large rocks — some of which contain petrified tree fossils — and shrubbery make up the landscape, complete with two water systems with fountains and a large waterfall.
“We're changing some of the landscaping (currently),” Knight says of the mini-golf course, mentioning the addition of different trees and shrubbery. “It's already a unique 18-hole course.”
Another attraction at Family Funscape is the Extreme Zone, featuring an inflatable obstacle course and a new discovery ropes course.
“It draws quite a bit of attention,” Knight says of the discovery ropes course. “It's the only one in southwest Pennsylvania.”
Prices for miniature golfing at Copperhead Canyon range from $7 for adults, $6 for children 12 years of age and under, and $5.50 for those who are 65 years of age or older. Groups of 12 people or more, which require advanced booking, qualify for a group rate of $4.50 per person.
“The name — Family Funscape — says it all,” Knight says. “You've got the family and the beautiful scenery together. It's a pleasure for everyone.”
Family Funscape is at 7350 Hutchinson Road, Elizabeth. Summer hours: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday. Details: www.familyfunscape.com.
Dave Evans is a freelance writer.
