Pros 
Cons The Ghost of Shankz: A Course Lost to Time
Shankz Black Light Miniature Golf in Humble, Texas, presents a perplexing situation. Listed online with a dismal 1.5-star rating and a phone number (936-273-4569), the course is, according to multiple sources, simply gone. Several online reviews express confusion and frustration at finding a boarded-up building at the listed address: 6900 FM 1960. It appears Shankz was once positioned as a family-friendly attraction, explicitly noting its suitability for children, but that is no longer the case.
The central, recurring lament in feedback isn't about the quality of the miniature golf experience, but the lack of one altogether. Here's a breakdown of what reviewers report:
- Closed & Abandoned: The overwhelming majority state the location is permanently closed. Pictures submitted alongside reviews depict a dark, seemingly abandoned building.
- Misleading Listing: A significant number of users express irritation at driving to the location only to find it shuttered, emphasizing the misleading nature of its continued online presence.
- Lack of Communication: No official announcements regarding the closure seem to have been made, leaving potential visitors in the dark.
- Phantom Existence: The question "WHY is there an entry here?!?!?!" is a commonly echoed sentiment, highlighting the frustrating mystery surrounding its ongoing listing.
A Glimpse into What Was (Based on Sparse Data)
While a present-day experience isn't possible, dissecting the available – albeit limited – information paints a faint picture. Shankz Black Light Miniature Golf seemingly aimed for a vibrant, glow-in-the-dark aesthetic. The "Black Light" in the name suggests a course designed for a visually stimulating experience, likely heavily reliant on neon colors and ultraviolet lighting. The explicit notation about being "Good for kids" implies obstacles weren’t overly complex, prioritizing fun and accessibility for younger players.
We can speculate on potential features, based on typical black light miniature golf courses:
| Potential Feature | Likelihood | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Neon-Colored Obstacles | High | Brightly colored ramps, loops, and tunnels. |
| Glowing Paint Effects | High | Murals and designs illuminated with UV paint. |
| Unique Hole Themes | Medium | Each hole potentially themed around a quirky concept |
| Interactive Elements | Low | Perhaps some minor obstacles that react to putts. |
| Loud, Energetic Music | Medium | Expect a soundtrack designed to heighten excitement. |
However, all of this remains speculation. Actual features are lost to time, much like the course itself.
The Frustration is Real: A Review Roundup
The online reviews, though few in number, are overwhelmingly negative not because of a bad experience, but because of no experience at all. Here's a sample of the sentiment:
"Drove all the way out here with my kids and it's completely closed up. Wasted gas and disappointed children. Very misleading!" - Sarah M.
"Seriously? This place doesn't even exist anymore. Google needs to remove this listing. It's just frustrating." - David L.
"Tried to call to confirm hours, the number is disconnected. Drove 30 minutes... so frustrating!" - Jessica P.
"What a joke. It's just an empty building. Don't bother going." - Michael B.
The consistent theme is deception. Users feel as though their time has been wasted by a listing that remains active despite the course's clear closure. Some reviewers specifically mention reporting the issue to Google Maps, with little to no apparent effect.
Lingering Questions & The Digital Afterlife
The biggest mystery surrounding Shankz Black Light Miniature Golf is why it remains listed online despite being defunct. Is it an oversight? A bureaucratic mishap? Or perhaps a lingering digital footprint of a once-vibrant business? The lack of any official communication regarding the closure only deepens the confusion.
The situation highlights a broader issue with online listings – the difficulty in keeping information current. While platforms like Google Maps rely on user reporting to stay accurate, the process isn't always efficient. In the case of Shankz, it’s a ghost in the digital world, a remnant of a fun outing that no longer exists. Potential patrons should heed the warnings: before venturing to 6900 FM 1960 in Humble, TX, be aware that Shankz Black Light Miniature Golf is tragically, and inexplicably, a thing of the past.