World's Oldest Miniature Golf Course (Gone)

Lake George, New York

Recognized by the PMGA as mini-golf course #1, although it insists that the course was built in 1929, while the attraction claims that it's been here since 1927. It's a tiny place, crowded into a tree-shaded street corner and surrounded by the walls of neighboring buildings. By the early 1990s (see photo) it was a mess: dank, moldy, overgrown, claustrophobic, primitive, with only greens and holes and no hazards. "Most people come in, take a look, then walk away," said the kid at the ticket booth. "It's an official historic landmark. We're not allowed to improve it."

The rules for landmarks must have changed during the Clinton years, because the course has since been completely renovated, with waterfalls, chainsaw sculptures, and new astroturf greens. An express KFC/Dunkin Donuts has parasitically clamped itself over the golf course entrance, perhaps explaining the attraction's rejuvenation.