This Little Putt-Putt Course Is A Big Hit In Sylvan Lake
- Details
- Category: Inside Golf
- Published: 2026-08-31
By Gord Montgomery, Senior Writer, Inside Golf
It’s said golf is a game of a lifetime and for the most part, it is. Yet, for kids under six, a big golf course can be intimidating. Sure, they can whale away at a ball looking to hit it down that big lawn in front of them, but what about when they get to the green? Kids still need to know how to downsize those mighty hacks and perhaps the best way to do that is to learn putting skills on a small course (AKA) miniature golf.
This sport is gaining in popularity all the time and one spot in particular — Lakeside Go-Karts and Mini Golf in Sylvan Lake, AB — shows that in the brightest of lights.
While the little cars there lead the branding, it seems the mini golf challenge is likely the driving force for most families. This miniature golf business is the second oldest in the community and, from all appearances, it’s well-established, well-run, and well, a whole lot of fun!
In The Sport Of Mini Golf, A Player Not Only Needs To Have A Smooth Putting Stroke, They Need To Know How To Play The Angles Presented On Holes That Include Not Only A Dogleg But Hazards Around The Hole Sound You Have Too Heavy A Hand With Your Opening Volley. (Photo by Gord Montgomery/Inside Golf)
Speaking to Inside Golf, co-owner Pamela Engel, along with the other owners, Brian Engel and Julia Nelson, explained the family group became involved with this venture last year and hosted around 15,000 rounds.
What’s intriguing about the new owners, who are fourth-generation Sylvan Lakers, is that they purchased the property from friends. “And Julia and Brian worked here for the previous owners prior to them,” Pamela pointed out.
While almost everyone who has ever played the game of golf wishes they could own their own course, few take that step, especially with a miniature golf course. So why take this entrepreneurial leap?
“Like Pam said, I worked here when I was a kid and I always thought it would be fun to own this place,” Brian explained. “I always had it in the back of my mind. We grew up here and drove by this place every day of our lives pretty much. When the opportunity came up to buy and we were looking for a supplemental business, we thought, ‘Well... Here’s our chance!’”
“We all have other careers,” chipped in Julia. “This is kind of our fun family business.”
An Interesting Twist To The Sylvan Lake Layout Is The Fact Some Of The Putting Tests Here Include Rises And Falls And Two Holes, Either One Of Which Direct Your Ball Through A Tunnel Towards The Intended Target. (Photo by Gord Montgomery/Inside Golf)
When the trio took over the putters and brightly coloured golf ball business, they didn’t come in blindly. They had a plan to put into action, including upgrades and an idea to give a nod to the history of their hometown. That idea’s already been teed up and it’s easy to see they’ll follow through on their plans.
“We replaced all the carpet and added a lighthouse,” which is an obstacle on one of the holes as a historical tribute to the town and its popular lake, Pamela pointed out. “It’s still kind of barebones in there. We do have plans to do more as the years go on.”
“We’re trying to do nostalgic things of Sylvan Lake as the feature,” Julia noted. “The lighthouse is one of the main things Sylvan Lake is known for, so that was the first thing we put in. We have other ideas. We just haven’t quite gotten there yet.”
As The First Tribute Of Many More To Come, The Famous Lake Lighthouse Is Front And Centre On One Of The Holes At This Fun, Clean, And All-Run Facility. (Photo Gord Montgomery/Inside Golf)
Another reason, and perhaps the largest one for undertaking this golf course ownership journey, is the pride they take in their community.
Said Pamela, “It’s interesting when you’re invested in your town, so I think our purchasing it, it’s just fun seeing mom and pop and all the kids having fun. That’s what we wanted.”
“This is the longest running business in Sylvan, other than the funeral home, and we’re proud of that,” said Brian. “We’re proud of that. It’s an established business and has been serving the community,” for a lengthy period and, under their ownership, that will certainly continue putter-ing along for years to come.