Two Friends Embark on Quest to Play Every Mini Golf Course in Massachusetts

What started as pandemic boredom turned into a statewide mini golf challenge for two coworkers.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Two friends, James Parsons and Kyle Coursey, have set out to play every mini golf course in the state of Massachusetts. The challenge began in 2022 when the two were the only ones left working in their small office during the pandemic and started exploring mini golf courses across the state as a way to pass the time. So far, they've played 73 of the estimated 90 active mini golf courses in Massachusetts, discovering new towns and courses along the way. While the task has become more difficult as the courses have become more spread out, the duo remains committed to completing their goal, even resisting the temptation to sneak onto a closed course. They've also created a website to document their journey and provide reviews and recommendations for other mini golf enthusiasts.

Why it matters

This story highlights the creative ways people found to stay entertained and engaged during the pandemic, as well as the enduring appeal of mini golf as a fun and accessible recreational activity. The friends' quest also showcases the diversity of small businesses and attractions across Massachusetts, as they discover new towns and mini golf courses they hadn't previously known about.

The details

Parsons and Coursey, who were coworkers at a small office that held about 6-7 people during normal times, found themselves as the only two people in the office in 2022 due to the pandemic. To pass the time, they started kicking around various ideas, which eventually led them to the goal of playing every mini golf course in Massachusetts. So far, they've played 73 of the estimated 90 active courses in the state, with Faneuil Hall's mini golf course marking their 73rd. While it was easy to hit 4-5 courses in a day early on, especially in the greater Boston area, the task has become more difficult as the courses have become more spread out, with some having odd hours or being highly seasonal.

  • The challenge began in the spring of 2022 when Parsons and Coursey were the only two people working in their small office.
  • As of February 2026, the duo has played 73 of the estimated 90 active mini golf courses in Massachusetts.

The players

James Parsons

One of the two friends who set out to play every mini golf course in Massachusetts.

Kyle Coursey

The other friend who joined Parsons in the quest to play every mini golf course in Massachusetts.

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What they’re saying

“It's kind of cool to also like exploring the state as well. This great commonwealth, discovering all these different towns that I hadn't really heard of, even though I live like 25 minutes away my whole life.”

— James Parsons (wcvb.com)

“We almost snuck on a course because it was so far out of the way, and it was closed and we were just sitting there like the chain link fence being like, are we going to have to make this journey again? Up in the tippity top of Massachusetts?”

— Kyle Coursey (wcvb.com)

What’s next

Parsons and Coursey hope to expand their mini golf quest to other New England states and potentially attempt to play every mini golf course across America.

The takeaway

This story showcases the creativity and determination of two friends who turned a pandemic-induced boredom into a unique statewide adventure, highlighting the enduring appeal of mini golf as a fun and accessible recreational activity and the diverse small businesses and attractions across Massachusetts.