Lee Koplin was born in the mid-west. In 1932 he worked in the concrete and steel of Hoover Dam. In 1942, he was managing a failing mini-golf course in Guerneville, CA. His wife suggested he create some fanciful sculpture on their course. After sculpting steel snakes and dinosaurs, Koplin encased his works of art in concrete. Lee Koplin’s creations were as durable as they were popular. The original course in CA is still in operation. He built many courses in several states. His masterpiece was Goofy Golf on Panama City Beach, Florida in 1959.
This video is a tribute to Lee Koplin. “The Walt Disney of Concrete and Steel”…and the creator of Panama City Beach’s 1959 “Goofy Golf,” 1961 “Sky Ride,” and 1963 “Tombstone Territory.”
Goofy Golf is still open for business today. A testament to Mr. Koplin’s skill with concrete and steel.
