The self-described quirky business began after World War II, when the original owner Glenn Dismukes returned from service to Austin looking to create a joyful place for families to spend time together, said Julio Massad, the current owner and husband of Dismukes’ daughter, Margaret Dismukes-Massad.
Dismukes opened the business, then called Varsity Links, in 1948.
In the ‘60s, Dismukes rebranded it as Peter Pan Mini Golf, inspired by the Jolly Green Giant dressed in leaves and ankle boots on the original Green Giant can of peas.
Peter Pan Mini Golf is embellished with over a dozen cartoon structures, almost all of which were built by Dismukes. Tributes to Peter Pan, such as Tinker Bell and Captain Hook, and nods to Austin, including the Capitol building, Pennybacker Bridge and a giant taco sculpture, can be found throughout the 18-hole course.
Dismukes built the structures by hand, first by creating a metal skeleton, and then covering them with polyfoam—an easily sculptable material—and finally covering them with cement for durability.
After Dismukes died in 1994, Peter Pan Mini Golf hired local artist Cheryl Latimer to restore old structures and design new ones.
Massad said Peter Pan Mini Golf has remained a place to hang out for people of all ages, often being the go-to place for first dates and anniversaries. Massad said he has received several calls from people planning on proposing to their significant other. After 75 years of business, Massad said the secret to staying afloat has been sticking to its roots and reminding customers of “what Austin used to be.” “We keep it really simple. No high tech, no bells and whistles. And it appeals to 5-year-olds and 80-year-olds,” he said. “It’s just simple fun.”Peter Pan Mini Golf has a small parking lot, so carpooling or taking a rideshare is recommended.Customers can bring their own drinks and food, but no glass is allowed.
