Did you know that San Antonio has one of the oldest miniature golf courses in the world?
The earliest records of Cool Crest’s existence, according to city researchers, suggest that the golf course initially opened its doors for business in 1929 just as the country’s first Great Depression began. It is now designated as one of San Antonio’s historically significant sites.
Long History
Harold and Maria Metzger leased the property from the original owners in 1937. At that time, there was only one 18-hole course on the property, built mostly of wooden rails lining its fairways.
In 1959, the Metzgers re-engineered the “Old Course” using concrete as its structural foundation. They also expanded the business by adding the “New Course”, a second 18-hole course.
The Metzgers operated the course together for 61 years, until Harold passed away in 1998. Following Harold’s death, Maria continued to run the business for another 12 years until failing health forced her to close its doors around 2007.
THE Place To Be
For more than 70 years, Cool Crest was a rite of passage for San Antonians. It was the place you went with your family or hung out with your friends. It was the place for many first dates and almost as many first kisses.
Quite simply, it was the place to be.
So when the beloved miniature golf course closed in 2007, it left a hole in the hearts of multiple generations across the city.
New Chapter
As historic preservationists know, properties like Cool Crest could sit and decay for years, or worse, after the owners for over 70 years pass away. It could have ended up as parking lots.
Thankfully, this story has a “happily ever after” ending. Not even Harold and Maria could have picked more appropriate buyers. Four brothers who once played on the course as kids became the proud new owners of Cool Crest in 2012.
The Andry Brothers – Albert, who lives in Los Angeles, and Phillip, James and Mitchell of San Antonio – describe their new venture as a labor of love.
“We spent countless days here,” recalled Mitchell. “We grew up right over there,” he said as he gestured across I-10 at the Beacon Hill area. The “we” in question were five brothers and two sisters.