Matt About Town: Mini golf, major fun. DC’s most historic mini golf course to reopen in early September

DC's original mini golf course makes a triumphant return

Did you know the oldest, continually operating mini golf course is right here in D.C.?

In today’s episode of “Matt About Town,” WTOP’s Matt Kaufax went to Southwest D.C., where he got an exclusive sneak peek at the new and improved putt-putt greens at East Potomac Golf Links, which is reopening soon after some major renovations.

The mini-course offers some major fun, with some unique D.C. flavor to top it all off.

On the surface, the course is a great place to bring friends, family, a date, and spend some time finding your swing — one putt at a time. But what makes these greens so singular, what makes them stand out above the rest, is the history behind the course.

First opened in 1931, the EPGL mini golf course was built during a period of time historians refer to as the “miniature golf boom,” where the sport became incredibly popular.

So popular, in fact, that thousands of courses opened up all over the U.S.

But then came the Great Depression, and the closure of most mini golf courses across the country. All except for one historic spot at Hains Point in East Potomac Park.

Come along with Matt as he learns more about the amazing history behind this course, and plays a few holes with some familiar faces!

The EPGL miniature golf course will have its grand opening on Sept. 5!

“Matt About Town” airs every Tuesday and Thursday on WTOP at 7:45 a.m., and runs throughout the rest of the day on 103.5 FM. His video pieces are always posted on wtop.com.

You can also find Matt’s videos on Instagram (@wtopnews and @mkaufax) and TikTok (@wtopnews and @mattabouttown_).

If you’ve got an idea for a feature story Matt should cover, reach out via the WTOP “contact us” page to submit your idea.

You can also contact Matt directly. His contact information is listed below. 

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Matt Kaufax

If there's an off-the-beaten-path type of attraction, person, or phenomenon in the DC area that you think more people should know about, Matt is your guy. As the features reporter for WTOP, he's always on the hunt for stories that provide a unique local flavor—a slice of life if you will.

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