A New Twist on Mini Golf

Most of us have putted our way through the tried-and-true holes of a mini-golf course, like windmills and loop-dee-loops. For a different and modern take on miniature golf, we decided to check out Urban Putt in downtown San Jose.

This 18-hole, indoor miniature golf course covers 13,000 square-feet of space. You enter the building into a large mezzanine featuring a modern bar and long, clear tables filled with 1,000 golf balls each. You pick up a ball and your club and enter the course through a cave-like entrance. The course features futuristic and historic themes at each hole.

Many are an ode to familiar Silicon Valley landmarks. You’re encouraged, but not required, to purchase a drink at the bar to take with you through the course. (We didn’t try their craft cocktails, but they looked pretty fancy…and expensive!) The holes resemble movie sets more than typical mini-golf holes. Our favorite holes included a crashed alien spaceship and a re-creation of the nautilus submarine from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Silicon Valley-themed holes include a quantum-computer time machine, a giant circuit board, Shoreline Amphitheater, and the San Jose Sharks. A three- dimensional mountain range complete with Lick Observatory borders the course. You can putt your way through a hole that pays homage to the Winchester Mystery House.

It features heritage wallpaper, a self-playing piano, and mysteriously disappearing holes. There are short descriptions at many of the landmark holes, explaining the historical significance of each site. Urban Putt is family-friendly from 4:30 to 8 p.m. When we were there around 7 p.m.

on a Friday night, there were many families with children excitedly running through the course, as well as couples and friend groups. After 8 p.m., the venue is only open to guests ages 21 and up. Urban Putt is open Tuesdays through Sundays. Hours vary, so check their website at urbanputt.com for specifics. For adults, it costs $11 for nine holes, and $20 for 18 holes. The prices are $9 and $18 for children ages four to 12, and free for children under age four. We made reservations for a tee time, but they accept walk-ins depending on availability.

Urban Putt is located at 201 S. Second Street in San Jose. We parked at the Park SJ lot at Second and San Carlos Street. The first 90 minutes of parking is free. You can also take Light Rail, from the Winchester Boulevard train station in Campbell. There’s a stop along the green route just a short walk from the entrance of Urban Putt.