Pros 
Cons A Glowing Review: What Players Are Saying About GlowGolf
GlowGolf in Lake Grove, NY, presents a unique, indoor miniature golf experience, and customer feedback paints a generally positive, though somewhat nuanced, picture. With a 3.4-star rating, it appears to be a popular choice for families and groups, particularly on inclement weather days. Many reviewers highlight the fun and affordable nature of the attraction, but concerns around space and maintenance pop up repeatedly. It’s clear that GlowGolf provides an enjoyable, if not flawless, diversion. The "one price for 54 holes" deal consistently receives praise, though the reality of playing the same 18 holes three times is understood by most visitors.
Here's a breakdown of recurring themes:
- Positives: Affordability, fun atmosphere (blacklight, music), good for kids, challenging holes, friendly staff, perfect rainy-day activity.
- Negatives: Small space, occasional maintenance issues (broken obstacles, torn tee boxes), potential for closures during operating hours, perceived lack of cleanliness, can become crowded.
- Value: The Groupon deal is heavily recommended as a way to maximize enjoyment and savings.
Course Conditions and Playability: A Hole-by-Hole Perspective
While the overall impression of GlowGolf is positive, the condition of the course itself generates mixed reviews. Several patrons specifically mention that most holes are in “decent shape”, but note identifiable issues. The recurring complaints center around two specific problems: a damaged tee box on one hole and a malfunctioning octopus obstacle on another. This suggests targeted maintenance might be needed.
However, the fact that these issues don't entirely ruin the experience is frequently mentioned. A customer specifically notes being grateful that it isn’t as poorly maintained as other mini golf locations on Long Island. The course's difficulty level is welcomingly challenging for both adults and children, contributing to the experience.
Here's a table summarizing commonly mentioned aspects of the course:
| Feature | Feedback |
|---|---|
| Hole Variety | Unique and fun; 18 unique holes |
| Difficulty | Challenging, good for all ages |
| Maintenance | Mostly decent, some damaged areas |
| Obstacles | Generally fun, one reported malfunction |
| Course Length | Short (19 holes can be completed in 30 minutes) |
Space & Capacity: Is There Room to Swing?
One of the most consistent critiques leveled against GlowGolf is its limited space. Reviewers consistently remark that the location feels “cute but very small” and that it's "not enough space to support a busy day". This can lead to a congested playing experience, especially when multiple groups are present.
While the 54-hole play format (three rounds of the 18-hole course) provides good value, it also exacerbates the space issue. A reviewer points out they initially expected the location to be larger. Others note it gets "a little hard to play when there are more than a few groups of people there."
This isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, especially for small groups or those seeking a quick activity. However, customers anticipating a sprawling mini golf experience may be disappointed. The indoor setting limits expansion possibilities, making effective crowd management and potentially staggered tee times crucial.
Operational Quirks & Customer Service
Beyond the physical aspects of the course, several reviews touch on the operational side of GlowGolf. A recurring, and somewhat concerning, issue highlighted multiple times is the occasional unscheduled closure during normal operating hours. Customers report encountering a "closed for break" sign without prior notice. This seems to stem from the fact that only one person is typically on staff at a time, leading to temporary closures for meal breaks.
On a positive note, the staff are consistently described as “friendly”. Despite the operational inconsistencies, interactions with employees appear to be pleasant. A novel perk mentioned is the chance to putt for a free admission after completing the 18 holes. This adds a little extra incentive for return visits.
Here's a quick list of operational observations:
- Staffing: Typically one employee on duty.
- Closures: Unexpected closures for employee breaks have occurred.
- Customer Service: Reported to be friendly.
- Promotions: A chance to win a free admission with a final putt.
- Contact: Phone number available for inquiries: (631) 265-0218.