The Economics of Everyday Things 115. Miniature Golf
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Nov 17, 2025 
Guests Mike Mattsinger, owner of Surf's Up Mini Golf, and the Conaboy siblings, Sal and Katie, from Harris Miniature Golf, share their passion for the miniature golf industry. They delve into the intricacies of designing courses, discussing historical evolution and modern trends. Mike reveals the surprising costs of building a mini-golf course, while Sal and Katie explain the art of creating memorable holes. With a surge in demand post-COVID, they highlight how running these venues combines entrepreneurship with fun, making mini-golf an appealing investment.
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Big Attractions Drive Foot Traffic
- Mike Mattsinger built Surf's Up with a 15-foot animatronic octopus and surfing-themed holes to create a memorable attraction.
- He spent roughly $2 million total including land, construction, and a tiki bar to launch the course.
Modern Courses Favor Space And Water
- Modern courses average ~18,000–25,000 sq ft and often include multiple water features to enhance play and theme.
- Harris has built courses worldwide and tailors complexity to site and market demand.
Match Theme To Market
- In tourist-heavy areas, match competing courses with heavier theming to attract visitors.
- In smaller markets, prioritize return on investment over expensive gimmicks.