Don’t scoff—miniature golf, or “putt-putt” to an older generation, is a big deal in Myrtle Beach. If you thought there were a lot of regular golf courses here, the 50 miniature golf courses will also blow your mind. Sadly, almost all of the classic, old-school miniature golf courses are no more, victims of the demand for increased production values and modernized gimmick holes. But here are some of the standouts, including the best of the North Myrtle courses as well (prices listed are for 18 holes).

The most garishly wonderful course is the completely over-the-top Mount Atlanticus Minotaur Goff (707 N. Kings Hwy., 843/444-1008, Mon.–Thurs. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Fri.–Sun. 10 a.m.–10 p.m., $8) down near the older section of Myrtle. And yes, that’s how it’s spelled—get it? Legend has it that this one course cost $3 million to build. Literally the stuff of dreams—or maybe hallucinations—this sprawling course mixes the mythological with the nautical to wonderful effect. You don’t actually encounter the Minotaur until the bonus 19th hole, a fiendish water trap. If you get a hole in one you get free golf there for life.

Hawaiian Rumble (3210 Hwy. 17, 843/458-2585, www.prominigolf.com, daily 9 a.m.–midnight, $8, $5.37 ages 3–4) in North Myrtle is not only a heck of a fun, attractive course, it’s also the headquarters of the official training center for the U.S. Professional Miniature Golf Association (the folks who generally get a hole in one on every hole).

The Rumble’s sister course is Hawaiian Village (4205 Hwy. 17, 843/361-9629, www.prominigolf.com, seasonal hours Apr.–Oct., $8–10) in North Myrtle, which is also the home of serious professional miniature golf competitions.

For a bit of retro action, try Rainbow Falls (9550 Kings Hwy., 843/497-2557, daily 9 a.m.–11 p.m. Mar.–Dec., $8 for 18 holes, 4 and under free, $12 all day pass). It’s not as garish as some of the newer courses, but fans of old-school putt-putt will love it.

While at Broadway at the Beach you might want to try the popular, medieval-themed Dragon’s Lair (1197 Celebrity Cir., 843/913-9301, seasonal hours, $7.50 adults, $7 children). Yep, it has a 30-foot fire-breathing dragon, Sir Alfred, that you have to make your way around.

While the dinosaur craze has cooled somewhat, the golf at Jurassic Golf (445 29th Ave., 843/448-2116, daily 10 a.m.–11 p.m., $8 adults, $7.50 ages 3–6, $12 all day pass), festooned with dozens of velociraptors and the like, certainly has stayed hot.

A similarly-themed site is in North Myrtle, the new Dinosaur Adventure (700 7th Ave., 843/272-8041).