Farewell to Putt Planet: Miranda’s Mini-Golf Icon Closes After 14 Years

Putt Planet, Miranda's cherished mini-golf centre, officially closed its doors on Sunday night after 14 years of bringing joy to families across the Shire. The African-themed mini-golf course, located on Port Hacking Road, was a unique and inclusive entertainment hub, fully wheelchair accessible, and welcoming to players of all ages and abilities.

The centre, designed and built by Wayne and Genelle Griffin along with their three sons, hosted a farewell party on Friday night for over 100 staff, former employees, and volunteers, marking the end of an era. While Putt Planet remained open through the weekend, its final round of mini-golf ended at 10 p.m. on Sunday.

Reflecting on the closure, Wayne Griffin shared, "It feels like the right time to finish up. We've loved every moment, but after 14 years, it’s time for a new chapter." The Griffins, who have been there every weekend and school holiday for over a decade, are now looking forward to becoming grandparents and spending more time with family. The couple has secured a tenant for the building, allowing them to move on to new ventures while cherishing the memories they’ve created at Putt Planet.

Wayne and Genelle, both teachers, saw a need for a family-friendly recreational facility in the Sutherland Shire. They were inspired by their own mini-golf experiences during holidays and wanted to bring that joy to the local community. Wayne, with his background in designing commercial layouts, mapped out the 18-hole course, while Genelle, drawing on her experience working in Africa, created the vibrant theme that defined the centre.

Putt Planet stood out not only for its theme but also for its commitment to accessibility. From the very beginning, it was fully wheelchair accessible, making it one of the few mini-golf courses in Australia—and possibly the world—to offer this level of inclusion. "We wanted to make sure everyone could enjoy the experience together, rather than having some family members left out," Genelle said. This dedication earned the centre recognition, including a Local Business Award from Sutherland Shire Council for Access and Inclusion in 2019.

As the Griffins look forward to the future, the Shire says goodbye to a local icon that provided entertainment, joy, and inclusivity for over a decade.

For more local stories like this, keep tuning in to 90.1 NBC FM and visit The Leader for in-depth coverage of community events.

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