WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA – One of Walnut Creek’s most playful little spots is sadly getting ready for its last round.
Putter’s Mini Golf, the outdoor course at 1275 S. California Boulevard, has announced that its final day will be Sunday, November 29. In a message to customers on the business’s website, owners Sean and Carolyn say the property is destined for condominium development.
The course shares a parking lot with The Habit Burger, with its entrance beside the former KFC building near Botelho Drive. Its handmade obstacles offer a chance to squeeze a little friendly competition into an afternoon downtown. The location’s website lists 21 holes and three golf challenges.
For families who have made it a regular stop, the announcement is a sad one.
The owners say they knew redevelopment was in the property’s future when they moved in. They have been searching for a replacement location, but haven’t found one that fits both the business and its budget.
That search will continue. For now, though, there is no new home to announce.
Putter’s has an origin story that feels especially fitting for its homemade charm.
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According to the business’s history page, Sean Howard moved from a Seattle apartment to a Walnut Creek house in 2019. With a garage and power tools finally available, he tried building a miniature golf hole.
One hole became several. During the pandemic, he kept building.
The backyard project eventually became a public attraction, opening on downtown Walnut Creek’s Cypress Street on September 18, 2020, in the depth of the pandemic. When the street returned to vehicle traffic, Putter’s moved to South California Boulevard.
In their farewell message, Sean and Carolyn reflect on watching young golfers grow up and guests who once visited on first dates return with children. They also thank the families who made Putter’s part of their birthday celebrations.
There is still time to visit before the farewell.
The current posted price is $12 per person per round. No reservation is needed, and friendly dogs are welcome.
Regular hours are Wednesday through Friday from 2 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 to 7:30 p.m. The course is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and operations are weather permitting. Players can begin a round up to 30 minutes before closing.
The business also has a reminder for anyone holding an unused gift card: come use it while there’s still time.
