‘I want them to be in awe:’ Krazy Golf in Waukesha reimagines a ‘hole’ new game

 

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) — The history of mini golf remains a mystery.

Some say its origins began here in the United States in the early 1900s.

Others argue it started in China, or even earlier in the United Kingdom in the 1800s.

But one thing we can all agree on? It’s a timeless game that’s fun for all ages.

Now, a new business in Waukesha is getting into the swing of things.

On the outside, the building looks par for the course.

Take a couple of steps inside of Krazy Golf, however, and you’ll find a hole new game.

“I want them to be sort of in awe,” said Tracy Ferrito, the VP of Operations for Escape Chambers LLC. “Krazy Golf is indoor miniature golf, but indoor miniature golf like most people probably have not seen before.”

The course has 15 holes total — two of which are bonus.

Themes range from Birdie AKA Barbie, Golf Putt Auto, E.Tee, a skateboard park, Cup Pong, and more.

“We have a car, an actual car, that’s in one of the holes, we’ve got a motorcycle, we’ve got a bike,” Ferrito said. “A completely different spin.”

Speaking of spins — each hole has its own optional spinner, complete with rules like closing your eyes while you putt or using your hand instead of the club.

And if you’re not into that, others have different obstacles and challenges, like one where players must putt across a foosball table while their fellow opponents use the rods to try and stop the ball.

“I feel like it’s something that’s for everybody,” Ferrito said, noting the course is friendly to people of all ages and abilities.

Not only that, Ferrito and her team made it a point to support local from floor to ceiling.

The walls inside explode with color, thanks to beautifully designed murals and detailed work on the holes themselves.

It’s all thanks to several area artists, including Megan Olsen and Brandon Fox.

“I feel pretty proud of myself, it makes me happy to see my work in a place that I grew up walking past and coming into,” Fox told CBS 58’s Ellie Nakamoto-White. “When you’re trying to do a painting on a canvas to put on a gallery, that’s one thing, but when you’re trying to do something that the whole city is going to have to look at, it’s not always as easy to get it.”

Fox, who loves doing graffiti-type work, said this is his “biggest project so far.”

Olsen, who recently graduated and went to school for art and design, agreed.

“I would love to be an artist my whole life,” Olsen said. “I’m honestly really impressed and really proud of just everybody that’s been a part of this.”

She described the beginning of the process as “a war zone.”

“Just wood everywhere, saws,” Olsen said. “It was really intimidating, and I think it turned out way better than I expected.”

One of her designs is the “Once Upon a Green” hole which Olsen said is reminiscent of “a little storybook setting.”

“It’s supposed to be like an enchanted forest where the animals are alive, the trees are alive, everything is alive,” Olsen said. “We have the little mushroom houses and the little wizard. I want this to feel like a little magical space we’re in.”

Both said they put in countless hours to create their masterpieces.

“I’ve been so grateful for the experience and getting to be a part of something bigger,” Olsen said. “I’m excited for people to see the lengths artists can go for their space.”

Krazy Golf is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

On Friday and Saturday, it’s open from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.

After 10 p.m., guests are required to be 21+ when Krazy Golf goes “After Dark” mode. It’s $15 all-you-can-putt and the tasks on the spinners are swapped out for a more risqué experience.

For those who aren’t as into the sport, there’s also arcade games and a full bar with televisions to watch sports.

Krazy Golf is located at 257 W. Broadway in the downtown area.

To connect with Brandon on Instagram, head to @saucecupdesign.

To connect with Megan on Instagram, head to @megdrawsme or check out her website.