By Shari Roan
The 36-hole Main Beach Putt-Putt course will reopen this weekend after construction of a new clubhouse. The refurbishment ensures the iconic venue — one of the longest continually operating franchises of Putt-Putt Golf Courses of America — will continue to thrive for many more years.
The reopening will be celebrated with two upcoming tournaments: the Florida State Open on Labor Day Weekend and the five-day National Putt-Putt Championship in October. However, the course will continue to revolve around the needs of local residents who love the game, says Tom Miller, the venue owner.
“I think what is cool is it’s the last thing left that all the locals — people who have lived here a long time — remember,” Miller says. “Everybody remembers Putt-Putt. They had their birthday parties there when they were kids.”
The Main Beach Putt-Putt was one of the first franchises to open, in 1959. During the peak of Putt-Putt popularity, 300 to 400 courses were operating across the United States, Miller says. There are only about 25 Putt-Putt of America franchise courses remaining.
“When I grew up on the west side of Jacksonville in the ’70s, there was a Putt-Putt on Blanding Boulevard and one on Beach Boulevard,” Miller recalls. “My mother would drop me off as a kid. I would play in tournaments on Saturdays. I’ve always been an old soul, and I love old, nostalgic kinds of things.”
When the Main Beach Putt-Putt franchise became available about seven years ago, Miller jumped at the chance to operate the course. “It’s a family-fun kind of business. I do it because I love Putt-Putt.”
The clubhouse was constructed in 1959, with an addition built in the 1970s, Miller says. The building roof leaked, however, and was damaged during heavy rains last fall. Miller decided to demolish the building and has constructed a fresh, modernistic-looking structure that includes a concessions window along with seating.
“The rain problems became an opportunity to get rid of the old building and put a nice, new building on the same footprint. The 36 holes of Putt-Putt are exactly the same,” he says, noting that the franchise has a patented course layout that cannot be altered.
The venue serves a range of favorite snacks, including Kona Ice, Hershey’s Ice Cream, Nathan’s hot dogs and Pepsi fountain beverages. The Main Beach Putt-Putt is one of the few franchises in the country that is open every day during the summer months. During the school year, the course will be open on weekends as well as holidays and spring break. A schedule of hours is available by calling the venue at 904-261-4443. The course is located at 6 N. Fletcher.
Main Beach Putt-Putt is also available for private parties, Miller says. Moreover, many local businesses participate in league play on Monday nights. League play begins Sept. 8.
The venue will host about 100 golfers for the Florida State Open beginning Saturday. The high-profile Professional Putters Association National Championship begins Oct. 20. The five-day event will include the PPA Tournament Players Championship and the PPA National Seniors Championship, both 72 holes of concurrent competition, with senior competition limited to players 60 and older, on Oct 20. The PPA Hall of Fame Championship, a 72-hole competition on both courses, is scheduled for Oct. 21. The PPA National Doubles Championship, a 54-hole competition of better ball, alternate shot and stroke play, is scheduled for Oct 22.
