Smash Putt golf returns to Seattle — it's not your childhood miniature

This is no ordinary game of golf.

For one thing, organizers label rounds of the game with the words "apocalyptic" and "chaotic."

"We thought, how can we make miniature golf more interesting?" said one of the Smash Putt creators, Christian Ford. "The game is tired and old. We wanted to make it more fun for adults."

Smash Putt, returning to Seattle for six weeks, is an interactive art exhibit, a miniature golf course that stretches the limits of the childhood game. It's also meant only for those 21 and over — alcohol is available.

Located in the Chinatown International District at an immigration detention facility built in the 1930s, the game offers chances to fire balls from cannons at moving targets, scramble opponent's courses and putt past moving terrains.

And, the bar is located in the former immigration building's holding cell.

"You sit in one of the crazy holding cells," said Ford, 42. "It formerly held immigrants gone bad. It's a really creepy building."

Ford, who builds burlesque and stage props, came together with electricians and artists to build the course. Currently, there are 14 holes, but they're working on more.

"It's a crazy experience," said Ford. "It's a miniature golf course. You run around and drink, and have a good time."

Marian Liu: 206-464-3825 or mliu@seattletimes.com