Pros 
Cons A Sea of Disappointment: The Current State of Island Golf Mini Golf
Island Golf Mini Golf in Kissimmee, FL, promises a fun, indoor escape. However, recent reviews paint a drastically different picture, dragging its overall rating down to a concerning 1.8. While the facility is accessible, boasting wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking, and accepts both credit and debit cards, the core experience – the mini golf itself – is overwhelmingly reported as deeply flawed. The primary culprit? A recent and unfortunate resurfacing of the courses. Instead of traditional turf, Island Golf has opted for a rubberized surface described repeatedly as having “no friction.” This isn’t a slight exaggeration; players consistently report balls bouncing endlessly, rolling for extreme distances unpredictably, and generally being impossible to control.
- The Frictionless Fiasco: Numerous reviewers highlight the issue of zero friction, noting balls returning to the tee-off point after being struck.
- Playing Surface Material: The surface is universally likened to “rubber playground material” or “polyurethane” – materials simply unsuitable for the nuanced game of mini golf.
- Unintentional Challenges: Players have resorted to comical attempts to make the game playable, including blindfolded play, one-handed strokes, and simultaneous putting, simply to add some level of amusement to the ordeal.
From Fantastic to Frustrating: A History of Decline
One reviewer notes that the course was previously “fantastic,” emphasizing the stark contrast between past experiences and the current state. The resurfacing, intended to improve the courses, has instead rendered them nearly unplayable. The issues aren’t merely about difficulty; they’re about a fundamental breakdown in the core mechanics of mini golf, defeating the purpose of the activity. The “river island courses” are specifically called out as being particularly problematic.
Here's a quick comparison based on reviewer feedback:
| Feature | Before Resurfacing | After Resurfacing |
|---|---|---|
| Playing Surface | Traditional Turf | Rubberized Surface |
| Ball Control | Good | Extremely Poor |
| Playability | High | Very Low |
| Overall Experience | Positive | Negative |
This sudden shift has left customers feeling utterly let down, especially considering the price of admission. It seems good intentions met a disastrous execution, turning what was once a desirable recreation spot into a source of frustration.
Beyond the Surface: Amenities & Ambiance – A Mixed Bag
While the mini golf itself receives near-universal condemnation, some aspects of Island Golf receive scattered praise. The music selection is consistently mentioned as a highlight, with one reviewer shouting out Peter Gabriel’s "Sledgehammer" as a particularly well-chosen track. The facility does offer restrooms, meeting a basic customer need. However, the lack of a restaurant is a noted omission, especially considering visitor longevity is likely to be significantly shortened due to the frustrating gameplay.
It’s worth noting the ironic enjoyment some find in critiquing the experience. One account details "reading the reviews while waiting for the next disaster(hole) to start," acknowledging a morbid entertainment value in witnessing the shared misery. The lone “crater hole” offering a guaranteed drop-in from close range is seen as a cynical concession to the course's inherent difficulty, more evidence of an awareness of the issues than an attempt to resolve them.
A Call for Change: What Needs to Happen
The overwhelming consensus among reviewers is clear: Island Golf Mini Golf needs to address the playing surface immediately. Suggestions range from a full replacement with traditional astro-turf to a complete overhaul of the current system. Several reviewers emphatically state they will not return until these changes are made, and warn others to seek alternatives, specifically recommending the mini golf option on Irlo Bronson as a superior choice.
“One star is 2 too many. It’s not turf/grass but rubber playground material. No ball control it just bounces all over, not even remotely fun.”
This sentiment is echoed repeatedly. Island Golf appears to be caught in a vicious cycle: the poor surface leads to frustration, leading to negative reviews, leading to decreased attendance, and ultimately, to the continued neglect of the core problem. The facility's accessibility and payment options are positives, but they are overshadowed by the fundamental unplayability of the mini golf courses themselves. Addressing this crucial issue is paramount to rescuing Island Golf from its current, downward spiral.