Pros 
Cons A Mixed Bag of Experiences: What Golfers are Saying About Ella Sharp Mini Golf
Ella Sharp Mini Golf in Jackson, Michigan, boasts a solid 4.2-star rating, but a deeper dive into recent reviews reveals a more nuanced picture. While many visitors praise its affordability and charm, others express concerns about maintenance and upkeep. It appears Ella Sharp Mini Golf provides a good value for the price, especially for groups and families, but expectations should be tempered regarding pristine conditions. The general consensus points to a course offering plenty of fun, especially for less experienced players, but the details matter.
Here’s a breakdown of what people are saying:
- The Positives: A recurring theme is the course’s affordability. At just $5 a round (though one reviewer noted only getting 17 holes!), it represents a budget-friendly outing. Many celebrate the welcoming atmosphere, with multiple individuals specifically praising the friendly staff. It's also been described as a "cute little gem" and a "wonderful place," with one reviewer sharing a particularly heartwarming story about their 84-year-old mother with dementia enjoying a round. The course layout itself is also appreciated, with mentions of beautiful features like flowers, a waterfall, and rivers (though, as we'll see, the condition of those rivers is contested). Comfort features like places to sit and rest are also a plus. The snack bar is noted as having reasonable prices and being well-stocked.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Families repeatedly highlight Ella Sharp Mini Golf as a great spot for all ages. One user specifically mentioned planning a return trip with their kids. The course appears to be suitable for varying skill levels, with "challenging angles" noted without being overwhelmingly difficult.
- Accessibility: The course's appeal extends to those with mobility concerns, as exemplified by the experience of the reviewer whose mother with dementia enjoyed the activity. This suggests a relatively accessible layout compared to some more challenging mini golf courses.
Course Conditions: A Point of Contention
The biggest area of disagreement among reviewers centers on the condition of the Ella Sharp Mini Golf course. While some describe it as “well kept,” several others paint a less rosy picture. The key issues appear to be related to water features and general maintenance.
| Feature | Positive Feedback | Negative Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Water Features | Mentioned as aesthetically pleasing (rivers, waterfall) | Dried up, packed with dead leaves, "disgusting water" in holes |
| Hole Condition | Greens well-kept | One hole closed due to disrepair |
| Overall Upkeep | N/A | Concerns about groundskeeping by the Ella Sharp Park foundation |
One particularly alarming, though unverified, review claimed a son "fell into the water and never came back" – a statement that should obviously be taken with extreme caution. More consistently, reports detail dried-up riverbeds filled with debris and stagnant, unclean water in several holes. These issues lead to frustration and dissatisfaction for some patrons, with one reviewer stating they "will not be coming back again." The Ella Sharp Park foundation's commitment to maintenance appears to be questioned by at least one user.
Gameplay and Hole Design: Challenges & Quirks
Ella Sharp Mini Golf strikes a balance between accessibility and challenge. Reviewers note the course isn’t overly complex, lacking features like windmills, which some see as a positive. The course encourages a thoughtful approach without being intensely frustrating for beginners.
- Challenging, But Not Impossible: The course is consistently described as “fun but challenging”, offering enough difficulty to keep things interesting for more experienced players without being disheartening for casual golfers.
- Variety of Holes: Although no windmill is present, holes present "challenging angles," suggesting varied layouts and a need for strategic shots.
- Hole #8 Highlighted: One reviewer specifically called out the 8th hole as "really cool," indicating at least some holes are noticeably well-designed and memorable.
- Hole Count Discrepancy: It’s worth noting one customer experienced just 17 holes during their round, despite paying for 18. This could be a temporary issue or a consistent problem worth investigating.
Price & Practical Information for Visitors
Ella Sharp Mini Golf offers a straightforward experience with essential amenities. Understanding the details of what's available can help visitors plan their outing effectively.
- Pricing: The most consistently mentioned aspect is the incredibly affordable price of $5 per round.
- Hours: Ella Sharp Mini Golf maintains consistent hours throughout the week: 12 PM to 8 PM from Monday through Sunday.
- Onsite Services: The course offers onsite services, specifically a snack bar stocked with refreshments and snacks.
- Location: Situated at 2800 4th St, Jackson, MI 49203, the course is easily accessible within the city.
- Contact: Potential visitors can reach the course at (517) 788-4696.
- Playtime: Expect to spend around an hour playing a full round - a good timeframe for a quick and affordable activity.