By Rob Adams
Sentinel Reporter
Eagles normally aren’t allowed at Greenwich Library, unless in book form or in some other media.
Yet on Friday night, eagles were permitted at the library, along with aces, bogeys, and some birdies as well.
The library transformed itself into an 18-hole miniature golf course on Friday and Saturday. The event on Friday was an After Hours evening for adults age 21 and above. For $25, players could enjoy adult beverages and appetizers while trying to conquer the course.
On Saturday, the golf course was open to families who wanted to escape the winter blues with the warm thoughts of standing on a mini-golf course. Free hot chocolate was provided by Eltons Cafe in the Library.
“Tee Off Mini Golf is an unexpected juxtaposition of the Library’s extensive collection of books, CD’s, DVD’s, the Flinn Gallery and more, and a whimsical sport, offering an engaging experience for the entire community,” said Barbara Ormerod-Glynn, Director of Greenwich Library. “Our hope is that the event attracts regular Library patrons and residents who may not have visited us in a long time, reinforcing that the Library is truly the hub of the community.”
The 18 holes were sponsored by businesses, schools, and organizations from the Greenwich community.
In an interview on Friday on WGCH Radio, Nancy Klein, Director of Development for Greenwich Library, said the golf course was a large undertaking.
“All three floors are being used,” Klein told the Greenwich Sentinel Radio Hour program “And Now This.” “Local businesses and schools have sponsored a hole. They’re here decorating their holes, and creating all sorts of fun obstacles with props and signage.”
Klein said that other libraries have tried the concept of a mini golf course, and that intrigued Greenwich Library.
“We’ve been talking about it for a while,” she said. “We thought, what a great way to get people to come into our library. It’s such an interesting way to explore spaces in the library that you may not have been to ever, or for a long time.
“We’re really using the space. We have a great hole that goes down the main staircase. It will be an almost guaranteed hole-in-one.
“It’s like a summer activity in the middle of winter.”
Miniature golf (also known colloquially as “putt putt golf”), dates back to the nineteenth century.. The modern game of golf itself is said to have originated in Scotland in the fifteenth century. In 1867, The Ladies Putting Club of St. Andrews was formed by playing only on the putting green. By 1916, a golf course in Pinehurst, North Carolina – another famous golf hotbed – called Thistle Dhu was more in line with the modern mini golf course. Miniature golf exploded soon after, with over 150 rooftop courses in New York City alone.
The game is especially popular with families, as young kids can feel like they’re playing golf with their parents, without having to worry about hitting an tee shot over 200 yards. Miniature golf, with its whimsical collections of hazards, such as windmills, lighthouses, small ponds, and bridges, evoke thoughts of a warm summer night.
Or an indoor treat at Greenwich Library.
“It’s a community happening,” Klein said. “It does take a village, and we are able to have the whole community vibe because everybody who is connected with anything in Greenwich is participating.
Asked for what she thought was the toughest hole on the course, Klein laughed.
“I am not a golfer, but I would say there are some fun obstacles,” she said.
