Putt-Putt Fun Center
Putt-Putt, LLC (founded in 1954 as Putt-Putt Golf Courses of America, Inc.) is an American franchiser of Par 2 miniature golf businesses in several states as well as locations abroad. The franchise was originally branded as Putt-Putt Golf, but with franchise expansion into family entertainment centers, many locations are currently branded as Putt-Putt Fun Centers. Concept. In reaction to low-quality miniature golf courses then available, founder Don Clayton introduced a branded, "no-frills, all-skills" miniature golf concept: Standardized holes are constructed of smooth concrete covered with short nap outdoor carpet  and bordered by 2x4" extruded aluminum barriers. Every hole is designed to be par-2, but with hole-in-one always possible with skilled putting. The franchise offers over 100 standard, copyrighted hole designs. With the focus on consistent holes and skilled play, Clayton formed the Professional Putters Association, which only competes on franchise courses. The original white and orange facilities were intentionally spartan; no landscaping other than grass and welded pipe fencing and no building other than the kiosk. However, beginning in 1986, animal statuary and other landscaping features began to be included in the franchise, but only as a  decorative motif, and never a part of any of the copyrighted holes. In the 1990s, the chain expanded its franchising options to include broader family entertainment features, including game-rooms, bumper boats, batting cages, and raceways. Miniature golf vs. Putt-Putt. There are several significant differences between Putt-Putt's brand of miniature golf and other versions: