Classic mini-golf course celebrates 65 years in Lincolnwood

LINCOLNWOOD, Ill. (WLS) -- In 1949, Novelty Golf opened at Lincoln and Devon. Some modern twists and turns were added, but for the most part, the fourth generation, family-run course has remained the same.

Craig Klatzco's grandparents opened a miniature golf course at Devon and McCormick 65 years ago.

"(My grandmother) was the driving force in our family for starting the miniature golf and the Kiddeland," Klatzco said.

The Klatzco family built the two, 18-hole courses from scratch. The courses are a mix of "new" and plenty of "old," like a 60-year-old elephant that survived a tornado in the late 1960s.

"We're classic miniature golf. We're multiple levels and we have pedals you stop on to make things move and turn and twist. It's interesting and fun and really, really hard," Klatzco said.

Golfers don't get many holes in one on this course, and that's the way they like it. It keeps them coming back for more. And so do all the flowers.

"We're like a mini botanic garden in the city. There are different varieties that bloom all summer long," Klatzco said.

Klatzco started working there when he was 13 years old. He never left, and still says it's the best job in the world.

"You're outside. You're working in the sunshine and people come here and want to be happy. And that's what this is ... happiness, fun times," he said.

On Saturday, Novelty Golf celebrates 65 years- and prices will roll back to the 1950s.