As developments move in, mini-golf courses fade out
By MAURA HALPERN
Published June 9, 2004
ST. PETE BEACH - Red and orange pencils still litter the grounds.
But instead of tanned travelers putting colored golf balls, the only signs of life are three pigeons hopping between holes 4 and 5.
As recently as last week, Ruins de El Dorado Adventure Golf was a bustling miniature golf course with man-made caves and cacti.
What lies beyond the two 18-hole courses is evidence of El Dorado's death: the valuable backdrop of Boca Ciega Bay.
A sign advertises Boca Sands, which soon will turn El Dorado's ruins into its own gold mine. The luxury condominium complex will house 64 units, many of which will cost more than $500,000.
The mini-golf course at 5301 Gulf Blvd. shut down June 1, continuing a trend of coastal business icons losing their foothold in the sand to condo and resort developers.
"We always knew the land costs were going to far exceed its use for a mini-golf course," said Deborah Nicklaus, former owner of Ruins de El Dorado and co-owner of the Sirata Beach Resort, located across Gulf Boulevard. "It's the last open water view of St. Pete Beach available, so it was prime for a condominium project."
The land has been under contract for the past year with Central Coast Developments. The sale had not been completed as of Tuesday, so no sale price was available. According to county records, Nicklaus had purchased the property in 1996 for about $1.5-million.
Paul Hemingway, managing director of the Professional Miniature Golf Association, said Ruins de El Dorado's fate is common in coastal vacation destinations such as Florida, Myrtle Beach, S.C., and the New Jersey shore.
"These businesses don't bring in enough traffic to substantiate a revenue," Hemingway said from his office in Wisconsin. "What generates the most dollars per square foot is not a mini-golf course but the $800,000-apiece condos that are pushing these guys out of the way."
Hemingway said the lack of revenue flow often causes courses to give way to what the industry calls "family entertainment centers."
"What you're finding is that courses nationwide have become more diversified - with video games, bumper boats and go-karts," he said. "These places generally make more money."
Three mini-golf courses that lined St. Pete Beach are now down to one.
First to go was Paradise Miniature Golf, which once occupied the Corey Avenue site of the new City Hall.
Polynesian Putter, the lone survivor, is a more traditional course without elaborate windmills, but instead has lush tropical trees and plants that offer putters some shade.
The course, about three blocks south of Ruins de El Dorado at 4999 Gulf Blvd., shares land with the Sea Palms Motel. Both properties are owned by Renate Ostrovskis.
"I've been approached many times for the property and it's a struggle, but we manage through. I really want to keep it for the kids," said Ostrovskis, who opened the course in 1972 with her husband. "Hopefully, since we're the only one left, it will be a little easier."
Gulf Golf has been a miniature golf haven since 1959, and owner Bill Edwards predicts it will still be there in another 45 years.
"I've received offers for the property for five times what I originally paid for it, but I've turned them all down. It's a landmark that belongs in Treasure Island and I want to leave it that way," Edwards said of the course.
Deborah Nicklaus said she is concerned condo residents and resort visitors will run out of recreational activities.
"Here you are promoting families to come visit, but what are they going to do after dinner?" Nicklaus said. "The activities are very limited, and it can be a big problem."
Ostrovskis said she hopes her course will continue to fill this void.
"We always keep our prices low ($4 per round) and our location is beautiful," Ostrovskis said. "We've survived 32 years and we'll do it again."
