Pros 
Cons A Glowing Experience...Or Not? First Impressions of Glow Golf
Glow Golf, located at 6829 E Kellogg Dr in Wichita’s Eastridge neighborhood, is generating a wide range of opinions from its patrons. The miniature golf course, proudly identifying as Black-owned, LGBTQ+ owned, and women-owned, aims to provide a unique, glow-in-the-dark experience. However, recent reviews paint a picture of a somewhat inconsistent offering. While many appreciate the novelty and the attached amenities like Nelson’s Kitchen, others express serious concerns regarding crowd control, maintenance, and customer service. The current rating of 2.5 stars reflects this divided sentiment.
Here’s a breakdown of what visitors are saying:
- The Good: Positive feedback frequently highlights the fun atmosphere and attentive staff. Several reviewers explicitly praised the food from Nelson’s Kitchen, noting it's a logical benefit given the same ownership. Some patrons enjoyed the additional games provided – Jenga and Connect Four – adding to the entertainment value beyond just miniature golf. One visitor called it an “AMAZING” experience, specifically praising the food.
- The Mixed: A common theme is that Glow Golf is “smaller than expected,” but still enjoyable. It appears the experience is heavily influenced by when you go. Visiting during a party can lead to a hectic environment, although the layout does allow for some separation between groups. One amusing, albeit frustrating, anecdote involved young children “borrowing” golf balls – stemming from a playful intent rather than malice.
- The Not-So-Good: A significant number of reviewers report negative experiences. Issues include the course appearing poorly maintained (“things that you could make at home, things were breaking”), loud music hindering conversation, and, most prominently, a lack of supervision leading to uncontrolled behavior from children.
Decoding the Atmosphere: Noise, Heat, and Service
The ambiance at Glow Golf appears to be a significant point of contention. Several reviews center around discomfort stemming from the environment.
- Temperature: The most frequently mentioned issue is the heat. Multiple people describe the space as “very hot” and lacking adequate air flow. This makes for an uncomfortable experience, particularly during warmer months.
- Sound Levels: Loud music is consistently cited as a problem. Reviewers have struggled to hear each other even when standing nearby, making conversation difficult and detracting from the overall enjoyment. One patron stated their wife “could barely hear” them.
- Service Quality: While some found the staff “nice and attentive,” others complained of poor service and a lack of proactive engagement. A particularly concerning review details arriving and waiting 15-20 minutes without anyone approaching to take their money. Another review strongly condemns the service suggesting its provided by teenagers who "do not know basic service".
Here's a quick comparison:
| Aspect | Positive Feedback | Negative Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Staff | Nice, Attentive | Rude, Untrained |
| Temperature | N/A | Extremely Hot, No Air Flow |
| Noise | Enjoyable Music (with requests accepted) | Excessively Loud |
| Engagement | Welcoming | Ignored, No Assistance offered |
Ball Trouble & Behavioral Concerns: The Core Complaints
Beyond the atmospheric issues, a recurring theme in the negative reviews revolves around the behavior of other patrons, specifically children, and the perceived lack of intervention from Glow Golf staff.
- Stolen Balls: A substantial number of reviews describe instances where children were taking golf balls from players mid-game. While some reviewers interpreted this as innocent playfulness, many were frustrated by the disruption and the lack of staff intervention to address the issue. One user lamenting about paying for "nothing" after confronting the staff.
- Unsupervised Play: The absence of clear rules or consistent enforcement appears to contribute to the problem. The feeling is that the course is often left to its own devices, leading to chaos and a diminished experience for those attempting to play a genuine round of miniature golf.
- Overall Impact: This lack of control fundamentally impacts the enjoyment for many. Paying for a service and then being unable to utilize it due to external factors is a key driver of the negative sentiment. Reviewers express feeling like they “paid for nothing” and advise others to “go anywhere else.”
Beyond the Putt Putt: Amenities & Local Connection
Despite the criticisms, Glow Golf does offer a few appealing aspects beyond simply playing miniature golf. The presence of Nelson’s Kitchen is frequently cited as a bonus, providing convenient food options for visitors. The course’s strong commitment to diversity – identifying as Black-owned, LGBTQ+ owned, and women-owned – is also appreciated by some.
- Nelson's Kitchen: Being under the same ownership as Nelson’s Kitchen clearly benefits Glow Golf, providing a convenient and well-regarded dining option. Multiple reviewers specifically praised the food quality.
- Additional Games: The availability of Jenga and Connect Four provides entertainment alternatives for waiting players or those seeking a break from miniature golf.
- Community Support: The business’s commitment to inclusivity by identifying as Black-owned, LGBTQ+ owned, and women-owned has resonated positively with some local patrons.
- Music Requests: The fact that the establishment accepts music requests adds a level of personalization to the experience, if you can hear it over the volume.