Remember miniature golf? First popular in the 30's, these little courses usually had artifacts like little windmills, lighthouses and farmer's gates around which you would hit your ball. Well, the Town of North Hempstead has announced the opening of its Harbor Links Miniature Golf Course in Port Washington and there's not a windmill in sight. The course officially opened to the public on July 23.

The attractive 3/4 acre course is located next to the nine-hole executive course at Harbor Links. It has been designed to resemble a miniature version of the 18-hole course, with "rock bordered fairways," natural grasses and a stream running through it. The "rocks," in fact, according to North Hempstead Parks Commissioner Jerry Olsen, are made of concrete which is colored with a variety of paints and then foil wrapped before it hardens to give the illusion of natural rock and the illusion is a successful one. The "stream" that runs through the little course uses water which is constantly recycled.

The course was built by the Galvin Company with a subcontractor, MGC of Connecticut. It is a 38-par course and probably would take less than an hour to play. The fee for playing miniature golf is $5 per person and includes the rental of clubs and balls. The course is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and there is a snack bar on site.

"This miniature golf course is a great addition to our Town and I encourage all residents to come out and visit us at Harbor Links this summer," said Supervisor May Newburger. "The course was designed in a traditional style that features nautical objects, a number of delightful water pools and fountains and hours of fun for all ages and abilities." As a matter of fact, the day of the press preview of the course, Councilman Tony D'Urso, not a golfer, was analyzing the strategy of the game of golf after playing a few holes.

The miniature golf course would be a good place to hold a birthday party or a group outing. For more information about the Harbor Links Miniature Golf course call 767-4816.