{"id":104195,"date":"2026-01-18T21:26:28","date_gmt":"2026-01-18T21:26:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/104195\/"},"modified":"2026-01-18T21:26:28","modified_gmt":"2026-01-18T21:26:28","slug":"ocean-casino-resort-unveils-the-first-mini-golf-course-ever-built-inside-an-atlantic-city-casino","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/104195\/","title":{"rendered":"Ocean Casino Resort unveils the first mini golf course ever built inside an Atlantic City casino"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"UBUHEC4BZJANHHS3JSXECNWRKQ\">Just because the holidays are over and our collective lives have settled back to normal doesn\u2019t mean weekends need to be boring.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"RH366EYVIRCJJO7ONNMI7E5CCQ\">I\u2019ve always believed January trips are underrated. If you pick the right place, you can actually relax. <\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"XJH64WPHSNEKNBBKXJJZALJZOA\">That\u2019s exactly what happened when my family and I took a short mid-January getaway to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theoceanac.com\/casino?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=12754029100&amp;gbraid=0AAAAABeico5l2_pnFzAbF49ZaPpUHX9YG&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAprLLBhCMARIsAEDhdPdVqs4KC-9XgQ_e36pd_9x0mB36r0yidbIihLaGAzo0UwjWA3XcbfIaAsaiEALw_wcB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.theoceanac.com\/casino?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=12754029100&amp;gbraid=0AAAAABeico5l2_pnFzAbF49ZaPpUHX9YG&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAprLLBhCMARIsAEDhdPdVqs4KC-9XgQ_e36pd_9x0mB36r0yidbIihLaGAzo0UwjWA3XcbfIaAsaiEALw_wcB\">Ocean Casino Resort<\/a> in Atlantic City and happened to attend the grand opening of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theoceanac.com\/experience\/oceans-18-mini-golf-bar\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.theoceanac.com\/experience\/oceans-18-mini-golf-bar\">Ocean\u2019s 18 Mini Golf &amp; Bar.<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"OX7X57LEUBB3BEVU2RRYIO553U\">Yes, mini golf. Inside a casino. <\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"VHXWVPKRVNGFNMEC6CM2JHRIEE\">I was skeptical, too, but soon realized this was not your childhood boardwalk course with warped carpet and sun-faded windmills.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"HS7IBH3VOZGWVNEDVEJ3QC27P4\">The space spans two levels with two nine-hole courses, and everything about it feels lively, modern and surprisingly welcoming. <\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"2Z5TRKYB6VBXRP6S7L4BZBD3CM\">The grand opening celebration was fun\u2014 a steady buzz in the air, replete with an appearence of \u201cShooter McGavin\u201d himself, actor <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/realchrismcdonald\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/realchrismcdonald\/\">Christopher McDonald,<\/a> best known for his roles in \u201cHappy Gilmore\u201d and HBO Max\u2019s \u201cHacks.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"T6ZQAGKJVRAXNAWV5NC7ZIGC5Y\">He tested his mini golf skills, mingled with guests and posed for photos, including one with my daughter and me.<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"article__image-content\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/MZWUX42O3ZAXLKGLVGXD3ZPAXQ.jpeg\"  \/>Ocean\u2019s 18 Mini Golf &amp; Bar at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City \u2013 the first mini golf course ever built inside an Atlantic City casino \u2013 was unveiled on Saturday night, Jan. 17, 2026. Pictured is Charista Mroczek, trying her hand at a hole in one. (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"F33G4RBVVRB4BA4GGG47ZFGQDY\">MTV\u2019s Jersey Shore stars <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/sammisweetheart\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/sammisweetheart\/\">Sammi Sweetheart<\/a> (Sammi Giancola) and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/jwoww\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/jwoww\/\">JWoww<\/a> (Jenni Farley) also stopped by, taking a few swings on the course, snapping a photo with McDonald as the Avalon Mummers entertained the throngs of attendees.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"KCW7TCSC4FALTHGP2OE4HYNDUU\">At one point, even the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/philliephanatic\/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/philliephanatic\/?hl=en\">Phillie Phanatic<\/a> made an appearance, which felt perfectly on-brand for a place that doesn\u2019t take itself too seriously.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"SQRBLKVDGVB5XINK6ZWIFODMB4\">Despite all the excitement, Ocean\u2019s 18 never felt overwhelming. <\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"IOGUZVSGQVAPXINX74KATN4XMM\">From the moment we stepped onto the course, the vibe was upbeat but relaxed \u2014 neon accents, music humming, people laughing, drinks clinking. <\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"PU5LCZEBCVDQXLFOZKAHFRPKXI\">The hole-in-one challenges were a standout for us. They added just enough friendly competition to keep things interesting without turning it into a pressure-filled sport. <\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"KGSCNWPQ65EMPGJSLJEQXPJRQM\">Let\u2019s just say some of us took those challenges more personally than others. Just kidding. Mostly.<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"article__image-content\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/RJBD7EEMCVF4VLTSNYPS4M34W4.jpeg\"  \/>Ocean\u2019s 18 Mini Golf &amp; Bar at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City \u2013 the first mini golf course ever built inside an Atlantic City casino \u2013 was unveiled on Saturday night, Jan. 17, 2026. (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"RP53EON2JZE2DH6FYL6OJETWME\">Another thing I loved was how easy it was to settle in. There\u2019s a full-service bar right in the middle of everything, so you can sip a cocktail between holes, take a breather and just enjoy being on vacation. <\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"3W2PX4G4FBGINPSPAKQ7AETDGQ\">It had that \u201cnothing else to do, nowhere else to be\u201d feeling that\u2019s surprisingly hard to find \u2014 especially in January \u2014 but delivered the fun.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"7C4VUZTL6JBRNEL5DA5SCMX2CY\">The space itself leans heavily into technology, but in a fun, not intimidating way. There\u2019s a multilingual virtual host, Ava the Avatar, who greets guests and adds to the interactive feel, along with a massive and mesmerizing 12-foot Great White Shark hologram hovering above the bar. <\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"GRQ4HOAQZNDYNOAOU4BX3XQXJM\">It sounds over-the-top, but it works \u2014 playful, immersive and very much in the spirit of Atlantic City.<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"article__image-content\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/VCF7GJA7DFFUVCACBKLB2O6MJE.JPEG\"  \/>Ocean\u2019s 18 Mini Golf &amp; Bar at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City \u2013 the first mini golf course ever built inside an Atlantic City casino \u2013 was unveiled on Saturday night, Jan. 17, 2026.  (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"ODRFYBFNRRDF3HLT5PZYCEOYQY\">And then there was the photo booth. I cannot stress enough how unexpectedly fun this was. <\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"7QF2NYKZWVHCLFJQM54GH6XDGY\">I can\u2019t remember the last time I saw adults genuinely excited about a photo booth, but there we were, lining up, laughing through retakes like it was 2009. <\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"24KGCHO3O5CZBGXH2WP73VRXZ4\">Those silly, spontaneous moments ended up being some of my favorites of the whole trip \u2014 and yes, the photos are now permanently living on my phone and soon, on my fridge.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"AKBQUJTHPNDEVPYAHV52NKW6DM\">The indoor Ocean\u2019s 18 is tucked inside the casino level next to LaScala\u2019s Fire, and it feels like a little world of its own. You will love it, if you love mini golf, like I do.<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"article__image-content\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/3SZT4LZENNA4VHZUP7TVME36KI.jpeg\"  \/>Ocean\u2019s 18 Mini Golf &amp; Bar at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City \u2013 the first mini golf course ever built inside an Atlantic City casino \u2013 was unveiled on Saturday night, Jan. 17, 2026. (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"5VSUWLMMKBCUXERZRUUNJOWY4Q\">What I appreciated most about Ocean\u2019s 18 is that it doesn\u2019t feel like it\u2019s trying too hard. It taps into nostalgia without being cheesy and feels current without being intimidating. <\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"DJNPXNZ3LZEMBJRWIXBBOWEGOY\">That balance is hard to pull off, especially in a city known for big, flashy experiences. This felt different \u2014 more approachable, more human.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"MYWBWDBKRJDI7IKLFORN6LXKMI\">We visited during the day, when all ages are welcome, and the atmosphere was relaxed and inviting. <\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"Y7K6FMRZENDSJFK4BQFUXCNVGY\">But it\u2019s easy to imagine how the space shifts at night, when it becomes more of a grown-up hangout. And why not? Young people \u2014 and the young at heart \u2014 should have fun from time to time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"BGRNDTXM75E6JD5SA262C52B3A\">And to be honest, Ocean\u2019s 18 is the kind of place you could visit twice and have two completely different experiences.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"F3HFDMW6AZDIFCDQELRATKN4II\">Afterward, my wandered back through the casino, fed the slots some dollars, grabbed a bite at the delicious Ocean Steak and called it a night \u2014 feeling genuinely refreshed. Not overstimulated. Not overwhlemed. Just content and recharged.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"WF7GRM6YTND4DDERLWGINNNYQM\">And honestly, that\u2019s the best compliment I can give a mini-vacation activity.<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"article__image-content\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/VG3Q4ADFYFFGTOY7NAQHYWE6JI.jpeg\"  \/>Ocean\u2019s 18 Mini Golf &amp; Bar at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City \u2013 the first mini golf course ever built inside an Atlantic City casino \u2013 was unveiled on Saturday night, Jan. 17, 2026. (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"VYLSNYHO3JEGZMWKNBL6POXPDE\">If you\u2019re looking for a reason to escape Staten Island for a quick reset \u2014 especially during the quieter winter months \u2014 Atlantic City might surprise you. <\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"2FBTKY7EDRDLJB6K25GHC457UA\">And if you find yourself at Ocean Casino Resort with an hour to spare and no pressure to do anything serious, Ocean\u2019s 18 is worth a swing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"N5EXSQV7E5GNNK4QMVQGR5FFOI\">Just don\u2019t be surprised if you get a little too competitive about mini golf. Or if you leave with way too many photo booth pictures.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"LQZT2JGYURBXPLS6K54PTNUEDM\">To reserve a room at Ocean Casino Resort, <a href=\"https:\/\/theoceanac.windsurfercrs.com\/ibe\/index.aspx?viewtype=2&amp;propertyID=15345&amp;checkin=02\/04\/2026&amp;checkout=02\/05\/2026&amp;adult=2&amp;wh_token=25b14dec-be5c-4e2f-a42c-536cf96aae1c-205346-pms&amp;utm_source=GoogleHPA&amp;utm_medium=freelinks&amp;utm_campaign=MetaI\/O&amp;utm_content=US&amp;subchan=WGH&amp;lang=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/theoceanac.windsurfercrs.com\/ibe\/index.aspx?viewtype=2&amp;propertyID=15345&amp;checkin=02\/04\/2026&amp;checkout=02\/05\/2026&amp;adult=2&amp;wh_token=25b14dec-be5c-4e2f-a42c-536cf96aae1c-205346-pms&amp;utm_source=GoogleHPA&amp;utm_medium=freelinks&amp;utm_campaign=MetaI\/O&amp;utm_content=US&amp;subchan=WGH&amp;lang=en\">click here.<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"HXDEFC4VUZFJBEJV6PHQTVFW4U\">Gambling problem? Help is available. Call 1-800-GAMBLER.<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"article__image-content\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ZVYSX32LKJCADP5L7NFH3MFPEE.jpeg\"  \/>Ocean\u2019s 18 Mini Golf &amp; Bar at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City \u2013 the first mini golf course ever built inside an Atlantic City casino \u2013 was unveiled on Saturday night, Jan. 17, 2026. (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"article__image-content\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/XXKZIIUX7NCGDDNCFUXNXPYBO4.jpeg\"  \/>The grand opening celebration was fun\u2014 a steady buzz in the air, replete with an appearence of \u201cShooter McGavin\u201d himself, actor Christopher McDonald, best known for his roles in Happy Gilmore and HBO Max\u2019s Hacks. (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"article__image-content\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/WSYSVASWJJCLBOVJ3RVBP2CCMU.jpeg\"  \/>Ocean\u2019s 18 Mini Golf &amp; Bar at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City \u2013 the first mini golf course ever built inside an Atlantic City casino \u2013 was unveiled on Saturday night, Jan. 17, 2026. (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"article__image-content\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/32JQCZKSUJFPNMRGIDMD2T3WOQ.jpeg\"  \/>Ocean\u2019s 18 Mini Golf &amp; Bar at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City \u2013 the first mini golf course ever built inside an Atlantic City casino \u2013 was unveiled on Saturday night, Jan. 17, 2026. (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"article__image-content\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2VBBNTW4YFADJCF7S5LH2XQ67Q.jpeg\"  \/>Ocean\u2019s 18 Mini Golf &amp; Bar at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City \u2013 the first mini golf course ever built inside an Atlantic City casino \u2013 was unveiled on Saturday night, Jan. 17, 2026. (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\" class=\"article__image-content\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/P3FZTG3FIJAI3MR6SA6MMNGR34.jpeg\"  \/>Ocean\u2019s 18 Mini Golf &amp; Bar at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City \u2013 the first mini golf course ever built inside an Atlantic City casino \u2013 was unveiled on Saturday night, Jan. 17, 2026. (Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Just because the holidays are over and our collective lives have settled back to normal doesn\u2019t mean weekends&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":104196,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[9,24,63,134,136,135],"class_list":{"0":"post-104195","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-staten-island","8":"tag-new-york","9":"tag-new-york-city","10":"tag-nyc","11":"tag-staten-island","12":"tag-staten-island-headlines","13":"tag-staten-island-news"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104195","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=104195"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104195\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/104196"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=104195"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=104195"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=104195"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}