>> Back to Tacky Places
Coal Country Miniature Golf

Big John, at
Coal Country Miniature Golf
Fairmont, West Virginia

Bob putts through a cutting drum
The hazards for the course were created from equipment used in coal
mining, including drills for cutting into coal seams, ventilation fans,
and various methods for shoring up the ceilings. Central to the course
is an approximately 30-foot metal statue of a coal miner ("Big
John") who is constantly rotating. On the seventh hole, you need
to putt between his feet as they go around.
We visited this mini-golf course in Fairmont, West Virginia on August
24, 2008. It was surprisingly well kept up. The "greens" were
in good condition, and all the hazards and trick lies worked as they
were supposed to. It was a pleasant way to spend an hour in the sun.
The only downside is that there aren't a lot of other attractions in
the area. But if you happen to be passing through Fairmont on I-79,
just take the Rte. 310 exit away from downtown, and turn at the second
left onto Hopewell Road. You can't miss it, or "Big John."
Thanks to Bob Smakula, for the tip.
More information at http://www.coalcountrywv.com/.
More
photos on my Flickr site.