New mini-golf course offers fun and ‘piece of paradise’ for
Morgan Hill
Morgan Hill – One family’s dream became a reality last week, when a new miniature golf course opened. And the new recreation site is being welcomed with open arms by local residents.
“We looked at what’s missing in Morgan Hill and it became naturally apparent to have a mini-golf course for families to enjoy. We just opened and already very many happy families have come in and are saying good things about this place. It’s humbling to hear that,” said Yogi Patel.
Patel, his wife Ami, and members of his family operate the family business, called El Toro Mini Golf, at 16825 Condit Road.
Patel said the course has been described as a “resort” and “a piece of paradise” by some of his first customers, who were pleasantly surprised at what they found. The mini golf course just opened to the public Aug. 5.
Ever since the family incorporated as PM & Sons in 1998, Patel said he and his family thought of having a mini golf course located in the land that his father owns just off the U.S. Highway 101 exit on Condit Road. His father, Pravin, also owns All American Growers, Inc. nursery in San Martin. A course with a natural setting, incorporated with lots of plants and flowers from the nursery just seemed ideal to them.
Construction of the new mini golf course broke ground last fall. A ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening was held Aug. 3. Patel is planning to hold a grand opening soon.
The course was partially designed by Harris Miniature Golf of New Jersey, a company, which is “the biggest and the best in the U.S.,” according to Patel. “We worked together to design the course with landscaping, boulders, rocks. This is not a Golfland with windmills and castles. It has a natural landscape theme.”
The 18-hole course, which is spread over 1.6 acres, has 14 holes which are Par 2 and four holes which are Par 3. Ten of the 18 holes are handicap accessible.
There are courses that are challenging as well as breathtaking. Patel said a main attraction is the seventh hole, which has a beautiful waterfall, palm trees, with a view of El Toro in the background. If you don’t make the shot across the bridge, your ball will be swept away on the water slide. Along with wild water hazards, the course is lush with greenery and colorful flowers.
The mini golf course is open seven days a week, from 10am to 10pm. There also is a coffee lounge which serves beverages to patrons and has a party area for birthdays, and school and church functions.
The Viand, an international restaurant which will serve Asian, Indian, Mediterranean and Latin American dishes, will be located on the second floor of the main building. The restaurant is scheduled to open in six to seven weeks and will serve dinner from 4 to 10pm.
It costs $8 to play a round of golf; $7 for children under 52 inches.
Patel, a 1991 graduate of Live Oak High School, takes pride in the fact that he is offering good entertainment for the Morgan Hill community.
“I find golf very peaceful. It’s an opportunity for families to enjoy being together. I find it fulfilling that we’re doing something for the community, providing something that is wholesome for families to enjoy in a safe environment,” Patel said.
Rose Meily is a staff writer. Reach her at 779-4106 or by e-mail at rm****@*************es.com.
