Unique Design For Pelly’s Mini Golf Scores With Mix Of Fun And Facts: In August 2005, Wimmer Yamada and Caughey (WYAC) was selected by the Del Mar Golf Center to create the theme, design, and orchestrate the renovation of San Diego County’s newest leisure attraction for all ages – Pelly’s Mini Golf - two side-by-side 18-hole miniature golf courses across from the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

During WYAC’s 54-year history, the studio has collaborated on the design of real golf courses; however, this miniature golf course was a first! As the ideas started flowing and excitement among the participants grew, the scope of the project continued to expand. It was determined from the start that this mini golf course renovation would be a radical departure from the ordinary. Because of its unique ocean-close location, it was decided to create two separate courses – one with a surfing theme and one with a marine animal life theme. Meetings were held with the Surfrider Foundation and Birch Aquarium to gather input and collaborate on ideas. With everyone’s input, Pelly’s Mini Golf was envisioned to provide both entertainment and education about the ocean. "Pelly", the California Brown Pelican who symbolizes the marine animal theme, narrates golfers through both courses.

The North Course, SURFIN’ SAFARI, celebrates the sport of surfing, with a particular emphasis on San Diego area surfing. The South Course, OCEAN ADVENTURE, explores the animal mysteries of the deep. At each hole, visitors are greeted by whimsical sculptures and eye-catching signage. In keeping with the theme, each of the 36 holes has its own unique name and showcases the artwork of local artist (and lifelong surfer) Roger Chandler.

DUKE KAHANAMOKU, the “Father of Modern Surfing,” presents the first challenge at Hole #1 for golfers at Pelly’s SURFIN’ SAFARI. San Diego surfers will recognize the breaks at POINT LOMA, WINDANSEA, and SWAMI’S. Surfs up!! Golfers tee off under a giant breaking wave with real cascading water at BANZAI PIPELINE, water mist erupts skyward at the BIG KAHUNA BLOWHOLE, and slightly silly brass footprints lead to the cup at the GOOFY FOOT hole. Pelly’s OCEAN ADVENTURE begins on land at TURTLE BAY and makes a gradual descent into the ocean. Along the way, golfers encounter MUSSEL BEACH (a little different than the Muscle Beach in Venice, California), OCTOPUS’S GARDEN (♪♫“I’d like to be, under the sea…”♫ listen closely and you’ll hear Ringo Starr), DOLPHIN GOLFIN’, and FRIEND OR ANEMONE. A life-size shark cage creates obstacles in the course of play, with circling sharks overhead at SHARK PARK. And mini-golfers even WALK THE PLANKTON on a pirate ship (did you know that plankton and krill combined together make up one of the largest biomasses on earth?). In addition, a miniature scaled replica of the historic Point Loma Lighthouse makes a regional connection to San Diego at the POINT LOMA hole.

The ageless fun of a miniature golf course takes on a special meaning in this ocean environment, with an underlying conservation message presented in a highly entertaining manner. The oceanic theme is carried out with Gerry Kirk’s mammoth sculptures (including a family of sea lions, a pod of California Gray Whales, a giant octopus, and many other amazing creatures), swaying palm trees, pier pilings, flowing water, thatched roof cabanas, and blue-colored artificial turf to mimic water within both courses.

Pelly’s Mini Golf received an enthusiastic reception at the February 8, 2008 grand opening. As the seasons pass and word spreads, the miniature golf course by the ocean is certain to become a favorite venue for locals and draw visitors from all over the world. Kudos must begin at the top with the highly enthusiastic client, Tom Gibson, former General Manager of the Del Mar Golf Center. While he embraced the creative designs presented to him, Tom’s belief in the project and his determination helped build the momentum and secure additional funding as ideas poured forth. Pelly’s Mini Golf would not have been possible without the outstanding contributions of two gifted artists: Gerry Kirk, thematic sculptor and president of Sand World International, Inc., Solana Beach; and Roger Chandler, signage illustrator of Art of Paradise, San Diego and Kauai. Together they have helped created a dynamic visual experience. Tod Thornton and Burdette Bremer of Castle Golf, Inc., Mesa, Arizona, a premier specialist, was an invaluable partner in golf course design (hole-layout designer). High praise and thanks go to Flores Lund Consultants (survey verification and infrastructure); LSW Engineers (partial electrical); Tom Herlihy, O’Connor Sales (site lighting); Matt Wilhite and Raul Avila, FX Luminaire (low-voltage lighting); and Tim Fennell, General Manager of the Del Mar Fairgrounds / 22nd Agricultural District. The WYAC designs of the golf courses are fun and conscientious; all of the 36 holes are fully ADA-accessible and the landscape was designed with California-friendly, drought-tolerant plants. Fitting the surfing and environmentally responsible theme, vivid signage at the side-by-side 18th holes shows a surfer doing a "WIPEOUT"" while graphics on the ocean-themed side reminds golfers to "WIPE OUT POLLUTION". www.pellysminigolf.com

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