In the mini-world of miniature golf, there are courses with windmills, giant gorillas and zigzag downspouts. But none of these have the decorum of a regular golf course. For that, you'd have to visit a place like Go Putt!, at 9741 Park Meadows Drive in Lone Tree. The two-year-old site boasts two eighteen-hole layouts that are designed to play like real golf courses. And today, from 10 a.m. to noon, the suburban site will host its second annual tournament to benefit the Children's Miracle Network.
"You don't have to be a championship type," says owner David Smith. "Tiger won't be here."
Those who can master the wicked doglegs, carpet sandtraps and water hazards, though, will get the chance to win prizes -- and the low scorer could score an invitation (on his own nickel) to compete in a national championship in Florida next month. But the real goals here are fun and fundraising. The entry fee is $20 per golfer, $15 for children ten and under, or $50 for a family of four. For information, call 303-768-0096. -- Ernie Tucker
Bright Night delivers an artful lesson
SAT, 8/16
Young Audiences, a national nonprofit that provides arts experiences for kids through residencies and performances in the schools, quietly goes about its business year after year. But once in a while, the local wing likes to show off a little. So today, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the CityCenter Englewood Amphitheater, 1000 Englewood Parkway, the organization will join with the City of Englewood to present A Bright Night With Young Audiences, a multi-arts showcase that should give audiences a taste of what's in store for schoolchildren in the coming year. Performers include the Scott Martin Jazz Trio, Motion Underground Hip-Hop Dance Company, the Black Hand Drum Ensemble and "Buffalo Bill" Boycott. Admission is free. Bravo! -- Susan Froyd
Roll 'Em
SAT, 8/16
From backside ollies to board slides and heel flips, kids will be on a roll at today's Skate Rodeo, a streetwise half-pipe amateur competition open to skateboarders ages eight to seventeen. "There are definitely a lot of skateboarders out there who are really impressive," says Dave Parks, the youth-sports administrator for the City of Englewood. "It's a lot of fun to watch." Anyone can take in the free show from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cushing Skate Park, 795 West Eastman Avenue in Englewood. "Last year, we had all boys come out," says Parks, "so we're really hoping to get some girls out there this time."
The Skate Rodeo features both beginner and advanced divisions, with prizes ranging from T-shirts to skater gear. "I think that kids are really fortunate to have all these skate parks now, with great equipment to practice on," says Parks. "They're safer, and they help keep kids from getting tickets and in trouble." Would-be competitors must wear safety gear at Cushing, too: helmets, wrist guards, and elbow and knee pads. "Kids definitely fall in skateboarding, but that's half of the fun," adds Parks, a former skateboarder himself. "If they're wearing the right gear, they should be okay."
With a limited number of spots open, registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call the Englewood Recreation Center at 303-762-2680. -- Julie Dunn
