Bright Businesses: Polynesian Putter

What's the secret to maintaining a successful business for over 35 years? For Polynesian Putter Mini Golf - It's family.

 “We are not going to get rich by owning a mini golf course," said Gabriele, daughter of Polynesian Putter owners Renate and Richard Ostrovskis. “It's all about the family unit, and keeping the family together.” 

After being shot in Latvia, Richard Ostrovskis was taken to Germany for medical treatment. While visiting Richard in the hospital, his family was sent back to Latvia and some to Siberia. At age thirteen Richard was alone in Germany, and unable to connect back with his family until the country was no longer under communist rule.

 “To him (my dad) family was everything,” Gabriele said. “It was always the four of us.” 

Soon after marriage, Richard and Renate Ostrovskis immigrated from Germany to New York. After living in Staten Island for some time with increasing health issues, Richard wanted to “get away from the stresses of New York” and brought his wife and two children, Gabriele and Rolf, to sunny Florida.

Built in the late 1960s, the Ostrovskis family bought the mini golf course and adjacent Sea Palms motel in 1972, keeping the original names.

From the footbridge to the water rocks, Richard and his son Rolf maintain all of the landscaping together. With simplistic wide greenery and flat terrain, the 18-hole course is made to be easily accessible. Word-of-mouth advertising has been Polynesian Putter's sole means of marketing and has been incredibly influential.

"We have customers that have been coming here for thirty years,” Gabriele said. “Many are from Europe, they meet here at the golf course, and most haven't seen each other since the winter before."

In 1996, Richard died. The Ostrovskis' knew they had to keep the businesses alive, and more importantly their family.

“Our mini golf has always been reasonable for families to afford, because it's about the family unit spending time together,” Gabriele said. “The family is what's important.”

A month ago Rolf fell off a ladder while trimming the palm trees on the property, he broke his wrist but will return to complete some aesthetic potential upgrades soon.

The tall standing Easter Island Tiki and yellow coiled concrete snake were recently repaired by the original creator, Jerry Truesch, who came to surprise Polynesian Putter.

“We were so excited to finally meet him and it was perfect timing, the sculptures needed to be brightened up,” Gabriele said.

All games for all ages are $6 dollars, which includes a club and golf ball.

“We are all kids, so there are no price differences,” Gabriele said.

Polynesian Putter is open Monday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.