Sitting amidst the serene landscape of Door County, Wisconsin, the Red Putter Mini-Golf course stands as a beloved local treasure and a destination for travelers seeking nostalgic fun.
Purchased in 2000 by her father Bob Yttri, Tracy Opper remembers when she found out her dad had bought the property.
“My friends started telling me like, oh no, somebody bought the putter what are we going to do? I hope they don’t change it,” Tracy said. “And my mom and dad were sitting there one day and my dad just got a big old smile on his face and my mom looked at him and was like, you didn’t, you didn’t buy it without telling me did you?”
Yttri did indeed, and over the years he transformed the miniature golf course into an iconic location within Door County. The Red Putter Mini-Golf has gained widespread recognition, earning accolades from publications such as USA Today and Sports Illustrated. Its reputation extends beyond Wisconsin, drawing visitors from across the country who seek out its nostalgic charm and challenging holes. The biggest draw for the course is its annual pro tournament. An idea that came to Yttri after watching the PGA Masters Tournament. Chris Opper, Tracy’s husband, remembers the exact conversation in which the tournament was born.
“Bob ended up watching the Masters and he called up Tracy and he said, they keep talking about this green jacket, what’s with the green jacket?” Chris Opper said. “So, she explained it to him. There was a pause on the phone and suddenly, she said, ‘We’re getting a red jacket, aren’t we?'”
Yttri passed away several years ago now, but the Red Putter remained in the family’s hands. With both Tracy and Chris taking over after Bob had passed. The Red Putter Pro Tournament continues to this day.
“Anyone can play, and anyone can enjoy it,” Tracy Opper said. “You can have fun, you can get serious, you can get too serious, but it’s, it’s a good sport for everyone.”
