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Episode Description

On this edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with Robin Schwartzman and Tom Loftus from A Couple of Putts to discuss their journey from a first date at a sculpture-garden course to competing on ABC’s Holey Moley and founding the American Mini Golf Alliance (AMA). This dynamic duo has traveled to over 14 countries and played more than 600 courses, transitioning from enthusiastic reviewers to sought-after design consultants.

“Mini golf is on par with what I think people do with restaurants these days. They don’t want to just go to the same chain in every city… They want to go to something that’s totally unique and have that special experience.”

Tom Loftus

Tom and Robin argue that the best courses offer more than just a game; they provide a physical escape from our screen-saturated lives. Whether it is through localized themes—like the world’s largest paintball—or high-tech projection mapping that responds to the ball’s movement, successful FEC operators must prioritize intentionality in their design.

Key Takeaways

1. Design for the Ball’s Journey – Successful course layouts prioritize intentional gameplay where every obstacle serves a purpose. Interaction between the ball and the environment creates a narrative flow.
2. Embrace Local Identity – Unique community stories outperform generic pirate or dinosaur themes. Local landmarks and historical quirks provide a memorable “sense of place” for every guest.
3. Balance Challenge with Delight – Accessible design prevents frustrating bottlenecks and promotes guest satisfaction. Frequent “surprise and delight” moments, like easier hole-in-ones, encourage repeat visits.
4. Leverage Community Competition – Local leagues and charity tournaments transform one-time visitors into loyal regulars. These events drive weekday traffic and generate organic marketing through local news coverage.

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