‘Something for everyone’: Bluffton’s first mini golf course taking shape at Buckwalter Place

Visitors at Buckwalter Place may have noticed a little lighthouse rising from the parking lot near Publix. The titular lighthouse will be the focal point of Lighthouse Lagoon Mini Golf — Bluffton’s first such course.

The owners, father and son Billy and Collin Hubbard, of Bluffton’s Coastal Realty Group, hope to open by November.

The duo felt that Bluffton needed more places to go for outdoor activities.

“I was born and raised here,” said Billy Hubbard. “Even still, there’s not a lot to do here. Mini golf is something that everyone can do. So, we’re excited to bring something for everyone.”

The course will feature 18 holes and will be themed around the lowcountry including palmetto trees and other natural amenities of the area. The lighthouse is colored to resemble the one on Hunting Island.

Construction began in May with the goal of being open before the end of the summer. However, supply chain issues and a construction worker shortage caused the opening to be delayed.

So far, the holes are all completed, only needing the “grass” carpet to cover them.

The first nine will be wheelchair accessible, the Hubbards said.

Besides the holes, the site will feature a yet to be constructed, roughly 1,300-square-foot building where guests can get their clubs and golf balls, concessions and have access to restrooms.

Along with the “clubhouse” building, an 840-square-foot pavilion will provide seating for up to 40 guests. The owners hope that with pavilion space, Lighthouse Lagoon will be host to birthday parties, corporate events and other gatherings.

“It’s for everybody, kids, families, young professionals, even retirees,” said Collin Hubbard. “Everybody can play mini golf.”

The owners also talked about the possibility of weekly tournaments eventually.

Lighthouse Lagoon will be on one acre, making it small when compared to courses found at places like Myrtle Beach. But that’s the appropriate size for 18 holes, Billy Hubbard said.

Prices have not been set for the course, but will be “pretty compatible” and “certainly affordable,” according to Hubbard.

This story was originally published September 1, 2022 at 8:56 AM.