Pros 
Cons A Boardwalk Blast: First Impressions of Lighthouse Point Miniature Golf Club
Lighthouse Point Miniature Golf Club in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, consistently receives a solid 4.2-star rating, and a recent look at reviews reveals why it’s a popular spot for families. Situated right on the boardwalk at 801 Boardwalk, the location is undeniably a draw. Many visitors comment on the overall enjoyable experience and friendly staff, making it a welcoming environment, especially for first-timers. It's a place where you can easily spend an evening, particularly playing at night, as several reviewers noted the heightened fun factor under the lights.
But Lighthouse Point isn't without its quirks. While consistently praised for its clean appearance and generally well-maintained condition, a recurring theme in the feedback concerns the course design. Several patrons point out a frustrating tendency for golf balls to roll off the course, particularly near the water features. The lack of sufficient barriers to contain errant shots is a common complaint – it seems a rogue putt can easily end up swimming or escaping into the parking lot! Despite this, most agree that the annoyance doesn’t detract too much from the overall fun, especially for younger players. As one review stated, ages 4 and up can definitely participate and have a good time.
Course Variety & Family Appeal
One of the most appreciated aspects of Lighthouse Point is its dual-course setup. With 36 holes spread across two distinct courses – one generally considered easier and another more challenging – it caters well to mixed-age groups and varying skill levels. This is a huge plus for families, as evidenced by a review detailing a daughter’s birthday celebration where both grandparents and grandchildren thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Here's a quick breakdown of what makes it appealing to different groups:
- Young Children (4+): The easier course provides a manageable and fun experience.
- Older Children/Adults: The more challenging course offers a satisfying test of skill.
- Families: The dual layout allows everyone to play together without frustration.
- Repeat Visitors: The option to play both courses adds replay value.
The layout is described as “well layed out” offering a decent experience for the price, but be prepared for potential water hazards!
The Ups & Downs: Amenities & Service
The staff at Lighthouse Point Miniature Golf Club consistently receives high marks. Reviewers frequently describe them as “friendly,” “helpful,” and even a “friendly older gentleman” manning the cash register. Cleanliness is also a point of consistent praise, with the course generally being described as “very clean” and “relatively well kept up.”
However, it’s not all smooth sailing. Some recent visitors were disappointed to find that the water attractions weren’t functional during their visit, impacting gameplay on certain holes. Another common issue raised is the lack of modern conveniences, specifically:
- Cash Only: The club doesn't accept card payments, requiring patrons to have cash on hand.
- No Ball Return: Players must manually retrieve their balls at the end of each game, including the final 18th hole—a minor inconvenience, but notable.
- No Free Game Incentives: Unlike some courses, Lighthouse Point doesn't offer a chance to win a free game based on a hole-in-one.
| Feature | Status |
|---|---|
| Staff | Friendly |
| Cleanliness | Very Good |
| Water Features | Sometimes Non-Functional |
| Payment Options | Cash Only |
| Ball Return | Manual |
| Free Game Prizes | None |
Pricing & Overall Value
The biggest note of contention centers around the cost. Several reviewers described the pricing as “very costly for what it was,” particularly when combined with the aforementioned issues like non-functional water features. While the fun atmosphere and friendly staff are appreciated, the price point doesn’t always seem to align with the overall experience, especially if some elements of the course aren’t working. Keep in mind the standard operating hours: 5–9 PM on Fridays, 12–9 PM on Saturdays and 12–5 PM on Sundays. The course is closed Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Despite the price concerns, the overwhelming sentiment is positive. Many customers state they "would come here again," citing the good fun and clean environment. Lighthouse Point Miniature Golf Club appears to be a solid, if slightly imperfect, option for a family outing or a casual evening of putt-putt on the Jersey Shore—just be sure to bring cash and maybe a spare ball or two, just in case! You can reach them at (732) 892-0600.