Arrrrg!!!
Somebody just missed a three-foot putt. But when the ball rolls out of the hole and par couldn’t be saved, it still amounts to a fun-filled experience at Sea Isle City’s landmark Pirate Island Mini Golf.
With this week’s break in the hot humid weather, it seems like a perfect time to check out the swashbuckling themed layout. And our intrepid SeaIsleNews.com reporter/cameraman did just that recently.
Located at 33
rd Street and Landis Ave., Pirate Island has been a go-to mini golf destination since 1994, when former 76ers President and reality TV star Pat Croce and his partner Mark Benevento unveiled what has been called one of the “10 Craziest Mini Golf Courses on Earth” by EntertainmentDesigner.com.
Palm tress and waterfalls help give Pirate Island the tropical feel.
Croce has long been associated with a love of everything pirate, and there was little doubt what theme the golf course would embrace when its plans came together.
“Mark was very adamant about the golf experience,” Croce told Sea Isle Times in an interview. I was more leaning toward the creative experience and together it created one dynamite miniature golf family experience.”
The course incorporates suspension bridges, animated pirate figures, waterfalls, palm trees, and of course a detailed, replica pirate ship.
On the night we visited, the Tucker family from Havertown Pa. played in front of us they were clearly enjoying themselves. The course was busy, but not so crowded that we had to wait or get bogged down. Everyone moved right along the clean and beautifully-maintained course.
Chris Tucker puts while Aubrey, Nate, and Matt watch.
Mom Chris, sons Nate and Matt, daughter Aubrey and Grandmother Dee Fontana were back at Pirate Island for their second time that week. They must be doing something right!
We also met employees Andrew White a student at St. Augustine Prep, and Kenny Carson, a Rowan University student, who were clearly enjoying working there and helping the golfers to enjoy their experience.
Speed kills on this hole. Chris chose to use the falls to slow things down.
All in all it amounted to a great night’s entertainment at a reasonable cost.
Pirate Island is open from 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. in season. Questions? Call (609) 263-8344.
“Pirate Island gives people a chance to do something with their families that they don’t usually do,” Croce said in the interview. “Life is short, so why not make memories?”
Naturally, the last hole at Pirate Golf is on a ship.
