Places We Miss: Putt Putt Golf And Games

If you were a kid in Lubbock, your life probably revolved around Joyland and Putt-Putt Golf And Games.

The “Slightly Dangerous” Go-Karts Were Part Of The Fun

I remember my last visit to Putt-Putt very clearly.

I was there for a kid’s birthday party and got the opportunity to race around the “slightly dangerous” go-kart track. Okay, maybe it wasn’t actually dangerous, but it definitely felt that way.

I’ve described the ride before as “feeling like you’re in a shopping cart that was pushed downhill.”

And yes, I’m just going to say it: as someone who later worked at one of the largest amusement parks in America, I’m not entirely convinced those carts were completely safe.

Which honestly made them even better.

The Miniature Golf Was Built Around Giant Rocks And Animals

Now let’s talk about what put the other “Putt” in Putt-Putt.

The miniature golf course itself revolved around giant artificial rocks, winding pathways, and those unforgettable fiberglass animals scattered throughout the property.

I kind of remember the course being just a tiny bit underwhelming as an actual golf experience, but it was still incredibly fun because of the atmosphere. You weren’t there because it was Augusta National — you were there because it felt like an adventure.

And honestly, those giant animals are what everybody remembers anyway.

Batting Cages And Arcades Rounded Out The Experience

The lineup at Putt-Putt was rounded out with batting cages that always seemed slightly intimidating and way faster than they probably actually were.

There was also the arcade, which for many kids became the real main event. Tokens, flashing lights, racing games, air hockey, and whatever random machine happened to eat your money that week.

Of course there were birthday party rooms, after-game celebrations, and endless groups of kids running around unsupervised during summer nights.

It was loud, chaotic, and absolutely perfect.

The Fiberglass Elephant Still Lives In Lubbock

One of the most memorable pieces of Putt-Putt can actually still be seen today in Lubbock.

The original fiberglass elephant from Putt-Putt still stands proudly in front of AS Dent Shop at 3034 Slide Road after being painstakingly refurbished by my friend Mathew Lopez.

Places We Miss: The Buffalo Beano Company

It’s become a weird little survivor of old Lubbock nostalgia.

And honestly, it feels fitting that the elephant survived.

Because an elephant never forgets…

…and neither will Lubbock.