My first miniature golf experience was on Long Beach Island more than 50 years ago. My father, Bill Ritter, and my grandfather, Ted DeVico, both long-time golfers, had done their homework. They scoped out courses on the Island before determining that the Beacon, then located on 18th Street and the Boulevard in North Beach Haven, was not only close to the house we rented, but also among the best.

The Beacon, where large houses now stand, was known for its immaculate fairways, greens and concrete walks; uniform three-hole rubber tee mats; detailed,…