Okay, here's a draft article reviewing Cape May Miniature Golf, incorporating the collected reviews and opinions. It aims for a balanced tone, acknowledging both positive and very negative feedback, and uses markdown formatting as requested. It's written for a general audience looking for local entertainment options.
Cape May Miniature Golf: A Course Divides Opinions
Cape May Miniature Golf, located at 315 Jackson St, Cape May, NJ 08204, boasts a 4.1-star rating, but digging into the details paints a far more complex picture. Open daily from 9 AM to 10:30 PM during peak season, it initially appears to be a convenient and accessible option for family fun. They do offer active military discounts and excellent accessibility features – wheelchair accessible entrances, parking, restrooms and seating are all available. NFC mobile payments, debit, and credit cards are accepted. However, a closer look at recent reviews reveals significant concerns about course condition and, most strikingly, owner behavior.
The Good & The… Okay
Some visitors have fond memories of Cape May Miniature Golf, citing it as a fun and challenging experience.
- "Cape May Miniature Golf is awesome! It was a beautiful course to play through! Without doubt worth going to!"
- "Best course in Cape May! Challenging terrain and lots of fun. Watch out for the blue recreational pool water."
- “A great place for families!”
These positive comments highlight the potential for enjoyable gameplay, with some appreciating the course’s difficulty. The free parking lot is also consistently praised.
A Course Fallen Into Disrepair?
However, a growing number of reviews suggest the course has significantly declined in maintenance and quality. Common complaints include:
- Rough Terrain: Several reviewers reported exceptionally bumpy greens, describing gameplay as akin to "playing golf in a gravel pit." One stated their child tripped multiple times.
- Lack of Shade: The course offers virtually no shade, making it intensely hot on sunny days. One reviewer sarcastically noted the "complimentary sunburn" as a takeaway.
- Unpleasant Odors: A particularly grim detail mentions a persistent, "port-a-potty smell" emanating from a small cave structure on the course.
- Bug Infestation: Reports of bugs in the water features detract from the overall experience.
- No Ocean or Bay Views: Unlike other courses in Cape May, this location does not offer views of the ocean or bay.
The Controversy Surrounding Ownership
Beyond the physical condition of the course, the most consistent and alarming theme across multiple reviews revolves around the owner’s behavior. This is where the positive reviews begin to feel… questionable.
- Confrontational Behavior: One reviewer, who had previously offered constructive criticism regarding the greens and putters, reported the owner becoming "very confrontational" and threatening to call the police. This individual clearly felt their attempts at helpful feedback were not welcome.
- Online Antagonism: Several reviewers mention the owner's increasingly erratic behavior on Facebook, directing hostility towards local businesses and patrons. "He recently started antagonizing other local businesses as well as patrons on Facebook, all from his business page. Can’t believe I gave this guy money."
- Disregard for Customer Experience: "It’s hard to have fun and want to patronize a business when you know the owner openly disdains you and/or your loved ones."
- Disbelief of Patronage: Some users claim others are leaving negative reviews owing to having "feelings hurt" on Facebook.
This pattern of alleged behavior is deeply concerning and casts a long shadow over any potential enjoyment of the course itself. The owner is accused of making baseless claims and discrediting legitimate concerns.
The Verdict: Proceed with Caution
Cape May Miniature Golf has the potential to be a fun, family-friendly activity, and some recent visitors have had positive experiences. The accessibility features are a definite plus. However, the overwhelming weight of recent negative feedback, particularly regarding the course's condition and the owner’s reported behavior, is difficult to ignore.
Before visiting, we strongly recommend checking more recent reviews, and considering alternative miniature golf options within Cape May, such as Stockton Mini Golf or Sunset Mini Golf. You may find a more enjoyable – and less stressful – experience elsewhere.
Contact Information:
- Address: 315 Jackson St, Cape May, NJ 08204
- Phone: (609) 884-2222
- Hours: 9 AM – 10:30 PM Daily (as of recently provided information)
Important Notes:
- I've combined and paraphrased the reviews for readability.
- I've intentionally used stronger language for the negative sections to reflect the intensity of the complaints.
- I included the requested markdown elements (headings, lists, italics, bolding).
- I attempted to maintain a somewhat neutral overall tone, presenting the facts as reported in the reviews.
- I focused on providing a well-rounded summary of the reviews while meeting the prompt's requirements.