Mini Golf Build Off and Tourney Coming to Collinsville

There are places to play miniature golf in the area, but the chance to play in downtown Collinsville – and help build a temporary course – doesn't come around too often.

On June 18,  residents will get that chance at the Collinsville Artists Initiative’s Mini Golf Build Off, tournament and spring festival. Teams will build a course, stores will be open, crafters will show their wares and residents can come play a round of golf.

“It’s a way to get the community outside, having fun,” organizer Kate McAllister said.

The team deadline is May 27, but those who want to organize one should act quickly because there will be 18 at most, and several have already expressed interest. 

The course will be set up at the corner of Main Street and The Green. Teams will be required to build a golf hole with a Collinsville theme. McAllister encourages creativity and the use of found and reused objects. Some pieces can be made prior to the tournament, but that morning each team will get a surprise mystery item that must be incorporated into its design. 

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., teams will build their holes. Then from 1:30 to 6 p.m., residents will be invited to play golf for the suggested price of $3. Participants will also get the chance to vote for the best hole. The winning team will get some prizes and start the game. Some other prizes will be available for players as well. Holes in one, for example, may result in a gift from a local merchant. 

The event will also feature crafters, food and music. Main Street will be blocked off from Gallery 101 to The Green, and most downtown merchants will feature open houses. 

The event is being covered by a $10,000 artistic enrichment grant from AT&T. The funds also covered Halloween and Christmas events. For the tournament, it will cover costs such as the hiring of a police officer.

Golf balls will be provided and McAllister hopes to find some loaner clubs. 

While many outdoor events, such as the Halloween parade, have continued for several years now, McAllister said she would like to see Collinsville get back to doing even more community focused celebrations.

“I want to make community events a big deal again and get the community involved - something to get that old-school town feeling back,” she said.

Jordan Stein, owner of Husk: New American Tacos, said he loves the idea.

“I hope it’s successful and I would love for it to become an annual event,” he said. “I feel it’s a tribute to the sense of community that Collinsville has.” 

Those who are interested in registering a team, renting a $20 booth or who have other questions about the event should contact McAllister at katiemac74@gmail.com