Sunday, September 12, 2004
Cox's Putt-A-Round miniature golf course
New River Field Guide
Recent columns
- The Field Guide has led readers on five years of adventures
- New River Deli in Pembroke is still down-home
- Sal's of Radford fame comes to Blacksburg
- Bridge makes a big difference in Heritage Park
However, a talented - or lucky - putter might easily earn that money back, because there are prizes to be won on each of the 18 holes. These include free drinks, a personal pan pizza, a doughnut, a free day of tubing on the New River and - if you actually want it - a free goldfish. Furthermore, the course is one of the most attractive you'll find, with trees, shrubs, streams, bridges, water lilies and goldfish, instead of giant fiberglass animals.
The course actually did have a dog statue (next to a fire hydrant) for some time. But if I remember correctly, it was done in by vandals.
There still is a statue of Jesus, and on hole No. 3, your ball must go through a church to get to the hole.
But for those who enjoy a competitive game of golf - and I am one of them - decorations are secondary to the quality of the course.
Still, for $5 you have the right to expect well-maintained holes, and Cox's delivers. The carpets are new and never once interfered with game play during a recent round that my wife and I played. The lack of wrinkles and bumps allows for some serious putting. If only all mini-golf courses took the same care of their carpets.
The Cox course, however, may bedevil those accustomed to the angles and straight lines of a regulation Putt-Putt course.
These holes are curvy and organic and, in some places, include irregularly shaped rocks that can play havoc with your ball.
The most disappointing hole is the last. It looks like a standard hit-the-ball-into-the-clown's-nose but in fact may be the single most difficult miniature golf hole in the universe.
Next you can choose between a patio table and a nearby gazebo to sit down and mull over the game. What with the rocks and weird angles your score may not be so nice, but at least you can add it up in a pleasant setting.
Bottom Line: That last hole aside, Cox's offers ample rewards for its challenges.
Note: Cox's Golf Driving Range, Putt-A-Round and Batting Cages is on Prices Fork Road between Blacksburg and Prices Fork.
Next Week: Saturday night means classic cars at Kmart.
