Putt-Putted Out

By Scott Smith in News on Aug 15, 2006 5:10PM

Chicagoist tends to be a bit of a punk ass when it comes to the ‘burbs, especially those to the west. Rare is the moment where we pass on an opportunity to make a snide remark about the carefully groomed lawns and oversized homes found in those enclaves that so often bear the words “park”, “lawn”, “oak”, or “ville” in their names.

But it is with a heavy heart that we read today about the closing of the Twin Links Mini Golf Course in Mount Prospect, IL.

As we’ve noted before, the city proper lacks for quality mini golf courses. (Don’t even talk to us about the one in Millennium Park. If you don’t have a windmill rocking your greens then you’re dead to us). So the ‘burbs have always been a haven for those that appreciate Masters-level play with Astroturf, colored balls, massive fiberglass clown faces and wooden guillotines.

After 42 years, no more will residents around Randhurst Mall hear the distinctive plink of aluminum from the batting cages or the cheers of someone getting the high score on the Galaga machine. Owner Mark Malouf sent the last dimpled ball through a wooden guillotine last Sunday at the site that’s hosted Chicago sports legends, wedding parties and Chicagoist’s brothers and sisters. Memorabilia from the course was also raffled off, which means someone’s basement is now sporting a sweet-looking castle with an automatic drawbridge.

Sigh. Guess there’s always Wright’s Barnyard.