YouTube mini-golf star Brooks Holt is known for his bold shots, but his latest endeavor may be his most daring yet – a commitment to playing mini-golf despite being outplayed by his co-host and girlfriend, Elisha Helton. In a recent match at the Bear Rock Junction mini-golf course in Pennsylvania, Holt aimed for the back of the hole on the 15th hole, a move that paid off and allowed him to finish with 48 strokes, just one behind Helton’s winning score of 47.
Holt’s channel has over 350,000 subscribers who tune in daily for his wholesome and fun mini-golf adventures. He and Helton spend nine months a year traveling, living out of Airbnb, and shooting videos of themselves playing mini-golf courses across the United States. The channel’s success has also brought in sponsorships, Patreon supporters, and merchandising opportunities, making it a tidy business.
The mini-golf industry is on the rise, with estimated annual revenues of over $2 billion. Major investments are being made in larger chains of mini-golf courses, and even golf great Tiger Woods has invested in the industry. The National Golf Foundation views this as a positive development for the larger sport of golf, as mini-golf is seen as a way to introduce people to the game. In fact, one in three mini-golfers also play traditional golf, and mini-golf courses are attracting a younger, more diverse crowd.
The industry is evolving, with high-tech courses incorporating video game-like technology and newer courses borrowing features from other kinetic activities. Horror-themed courses and rooftop locations are also becoming popular. With low start-up costs and a relatively low overhead, mini-golf courses are popping up in unexpected places, and the industry is thriving in a tight labor market.
As Holt and Helton continue to travel and play mini-golf, they’re capturing the evolution of the game and its impact on the larger golf industry.
