TBO.com - Tampa Bay Online
Miniature Golf Chain Replacing Missing Links
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Published: April 28, 2008
PORT RICHEY - There are more than 1,000 golf courses scattered across Florida, catering to every level of experience from the novice to the master player.
Fortunately, for those who lack the money, skills and time, there's an alternative, a more casual game with its unique putter-clubs and eccentric obstacles: miniature golf.
But where are all the mini-golf courses?
Enter Tyson Vozza, vice president of development for Congo River Golf & Exploration.
The Orlando-based mini-golf enterprise, founded in 1987, is expanding the number of venues for the popular pastime, starting with a new 18-hole course on U.S. 19 in Port Richey, down the highway from Gulf View Square mall, slated to open next month.
"It's great outdoor family fun," Vozza said. "And there's a huge demand for it here."
Congo River Golf is designed along an African exploration theme, with waterfalls, caves, rope bridges and other roadside attractions. The theme is derived from the explorations of Henry Stanley and David Livingston, who charted the Congo River in the mid-1800s.
Along with miniature golf, the course will have a video game arcade and party facilities.
There will also be a novelty bound to set it apart: For a small fee, guests will be able to use stringed bamboo poles to dangle pieces of chicken into a pit of juvenile alligators.
The chain operates six miniature golf courses across the state: two in Orlando and one each in Daytona Beach, Altamonte Springs, Kissimmee and Clearwater.
Vozza said the company plans to expand to other parts of the state.
"Families are always looking for something to do, especially when it comes to outdoor recreation," he said. "We believe the market is strong for this kind of business."
Congo River Golf is celebrating its 20th anniversary by giving away more than $100,000 in cash and prizes, including guest passes, over the next several weeks, Vozza said.
Originating in Scotland, miniature golf grew in popularity after the Great Depression, becoming associated with roadside attractions, family outings and teenage fun.
In 1930, there were an estimated 20,000 courses in the country. Today, that number has shrunk to about 4,000. Only a handful are left in the Tampa Bay area.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Congo River Golf
WHERE: Locations in Clearwater, Orlando , Daytona Beach, Altamonte Springs, Kissimmee. Coming soon to a location on U.S. 19 South in Port Richey
FIND OUT MORE: Call (727) 797-4222 or go online to www.congoriver.com.
Reporter Christian M. Wade can be reached at (727) 815-1082 or cwade@tampatrib.com.
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