Pros 
Cons A Course with Character: Fairmount Glen’s Appeal
Fairmount Glen Miniature Golf in Syracuse, NY, consistently earns a solid 4.5-star rating, and it’s easy to see why many people recommend it. The course itself is frequently praised for its unique and creative hole designs. Players report it's fun and offers a good level of challenge, keeping things interesting for both casual and more competitive mini-golfers. It's a well-mapped course, easily navigable, and a round typically takes just over an hour even during peak times like a busy Saturday afternoon. Convenience is also a plus – Fairmount Glen is open daily from 10 AM to midnight, accommodating various schedules.
The course caters well to families, being explicitly marked as "good for kids." While it doesn’t offer a restaurant on site, it does sell snacks. Payments are modern and easy; debit and NFC mobile payments are accepted, and while credit cards aren’t currently supported, the convenience of other options is appreciated.
Here’s a quick summary of the facilities:
| Feature | Available |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair Accessible Entrance | No |
| Wheelchair Accessible Restroom | No |
| Restaurant | No |
| Debit Cards | Yes |
| NFC Mobile Payments | Yes |
| Credit Cards | No |
| Good for Kids | Yes |
The Stairway to (Potential) Trouble
A recurring theme in reviews revolves around the course's physical layout. The location itself is described as “cute and slightly unusual,” imbued with a certain charm. However, access to the course requires navigating a set of stairs. This isn’t a problem for everyone, but several reviewers specifically cautioned those with small children or mobility issues to exercise extreme caution. One review even reported children falling on the stairs! This is a significant accessibility concern, especially as the course doesn’t currently offer wheelchair accessible entrances or restrooms.
This physical challenge extends to how the course feels when crowded. The layout isn’t ideal for large groups, and it can quickly become congested, creating a sense of needing to rush through each hole. Patrons have mentioned feeling pressured to finish quickly due to groups waiting behind them.
Staff Interactions: A Major Point of Contention
While the course itself receives largely positive feedback, the staff consistently comes under fire in customer reviews. A substantial number of concerns center around a specific employee – described as a “long-haired kid.” Multiple reviews allege this employee was consistently rude, yelled at patrons, and generally exhibited a dismissive and unhelpful attitude.
Reported incidents include reprimanding people for retrieving balls from flowerbeds, scolding individuals for taking “the wrong” way, and refusing to allow groups to skip a hole due to congestion. One review expressed concern the employee might be the owner’s son, citing the numerous complaints and the perceived entitlement in his behavior.
However, not all experiences were negative. Some visitors noted the staff weren’t friendly, but also weren't rude. There was even anticipation amongst some after reading recommendations about a specific "emo kid" working the booth, although he apparently was not on duty during their visit. This wide disparity in experiences suggests inconsistency in staff training or attitude.
Scoring & Beyond: Modern Touches & Local Appeal
Beyond the traditional mini-golf experience, Fairmount Glen offers a tech-savvy twist. Players can track their scores using a dedicated app, accessed through a QR code provided at the course. This adds a modern element to the game and encourages friendly competition.
The course’s location is also a benefit. It’s conveniently situated on Onondaga Road in Syracuse and benefits from word-of-mouth recommendations, as evidenced by a review mentioning a referral from a server at the Cheesecake Factory. Several reviewers note it's their "favorite course in the area" and appreciate the "reasonable prices." Despite the staff-related concerns, Fairmount Glen clearly holds a strong appeal for local families and mini-golf enthusiasts looking for a fun outing.