The Great Bypass - 1988

1988

Great news! There's a new business coming to Sheldon!

Normally I don't get excited about these things, not the way my parents do anyway, but this is different. This business is good for kids too. It's a mini-golf course! It's going to be called "Putt-a-Round" and it's going to be a full course, 18 holes, concession stand, everything.

It's not actually going to be "in" Sheldon; just outside of it, probably about a half-mile east of Country Club Road. But that's okay. I don't even know where the next closest mini golf course is; you probably have to go to Sioux City or at least Spencer, so this is great news. We'll be able to play mini golf a lot more now! I've only even played mini-golf one time, when we were on vacation. So to have one practically in Sheldon, that's awesome!

*****

Mom and Dad take us out to Putt-a-Round the week after it opens. They wanted to avoid the huge crowds, which I understand. It was so cool; we drove out east on Highway 18 and turned off to the left just after leaving town. The course is surrounded by lots of leafy trees, and there's wooden mulch between the holes. It's really nice! It's still pretty packed even though it's the second week. Lots of families, teenagers, people that seem like they might be on a date.

The whole family plays; we split into two groups because six is just too many for one group. Mom plays with the boys and Dad with the girls.

The 19th hole is funny. It's like a trick shot. If you can make it you get to play another round for free; otherwise it swallows your ball and you're done. None of us make the trick shot.

Mom and Dad buy us each one treat at the concession stand. We beg them for another round but they say no. We knew it was pretty much a lost cause anyway.

On the way home it is getting dark, but Putt-a-Round has tall, bright lights and will stay open until 10:00. I can't wait until the next time we get to go, even though I know it might be a while because it costs a lot for six people to play mini golf.

Before I go to sleep I make sure to thank God that Sheldon now has a mini-golf course, right outside town.

To be continued.