From Scottish Rebellion to Glowing Monsters: The Story of Mini Golf episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 14, 2026 · 15 MIN

From Scottish Rebellion to Glowing Monsters: The Story of Mini Golf

from Pop Culture Passport - Exploring Quirky & Cool Travel Destinations in the USA · host Beth Schillaci - The Roaming Yeti

Send us Fan MailEpisode 153What do Scottish women, rooftop golf courses, fairy-tale castles, and glowing monsters have in common?They're all part of the surprising history of miniature golf.This week on Pop Culture Passport, we're tracing the story of one of America's favorite summer traditions, from a quiet act of rebellion at St. Andrews in Scotland to the rooftop mini golf craze of 1920s New York City, through the Great Depression, and into today's elaborate themed and blacklight courses.Along the way we'll visit:Whispering Pines Miniature Golf in Irondequoit, NY — the oldest continuously operating miniature golf course in AmericaTom Thumb Golf and the fairy-tale vision of Garnet and Frieda CarterNew York City's incredible rooftop mini golf boomThe rise of Putt-Putt GolfModern Monster Mini GolfWhether your favorite course has windmills, castles, pirates, or glowing monsters, miniature golf has been bringing generations together for more than 150 years.The next time you pick up a putter, you'll know the remarkable story behind the game.You ready? Let’s roam.Get your free Field Notes Travel & Snack Journal by signing up for the newsletter.Connect with me on social: Facebook or Instagram.Like this episode? Share it in your stories and tag me @the_roaming_yetiLove the show? Leave a 5-star review, and let me know where you'd like us to roam next.Ready for more from The Roaming Yeti now? Visit our website.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Aug 14, 2026

Embed this episode

Send us Fan Mail Episode 153 What do Scottish women, rooftop golf courses, fairy-tale castles, and glowing monsters have in common? They're all part of the surprising history of miniature golf. This week on Pop Culture Passport, we're tracing the story of one of America's favorite summer traditions, from a quiet act of rebellion at St. Andrews in Scotland to the rooftop mini golf craze of 1920s New York City, through the Great Depression, and into today's elaborate themed and blacklight cours...

Distinct summary based on available episode metadata or transcript content.

Ready to play

From Scottish Rebellion to Glowing Monsters: The Story of Mini Golf

0:00 15:14

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Pop Culture Passport - Exploring Quirky & Cool Travel Destinations in the USA?

This episode is 15 minutes long.

When was this Pop Culture Passport - Exploring Quirky & Cool Travel Destinations in the USA episode published?

This episode was published on August 14, 2026.

Can I download this Pop Culture Passport - Exploring Quirky & Cool Travel Destinations in the USA episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!