Gregor MacGregor will soon return to Fernandina Beach in a new role

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
September 17, 2019

View of miniature golf course from second level of pavilion at Gregor MacGregor’s Links & Drinks
Fernandina Observer editor Susan Steger and project developer/owner Tim Poynter survey the miniature golf course.

Although construction of a riverfront park will take a while longer, work on Tim and Theresa Poynter’s miniature golf park — Gregor MacGregor’s Links & Drinks — is in its final stages.  The Poynters are cautiously hoping for a grand opening of their latest project toward the end of the month.  The course is located on the northwest corner of 2nd and Alachua Streets, on the site of what had been a succession of restaurants and retail stores.

Tim Poynter said that the course has been designed so that adults will find it challenging, yet children will also enjoy playing it.  The entire course and the buildings will be completely handicapped accessible.  Poynter has invested $25,000 in an elevator that will allow people with mobility issues to access the second floor of the pavilion, which offers a panoramic view of the golf course, some prominent North 2nd Street structures, and even the river.

One of several water features on the course

In addition to providing a miniature golf course in a park-like setting, complete with water features and extensive landscaping that includes newly planted live oaks, the Poynters will also provide limited food offerings along with a full bar.  There will be no table service, leaving patrons to enjoy their drinks and snacks at a service bar, in the two-level pavilion and on the course itself.

The facility will be available to rent for special events, including private parties and corporate team building exercises.  Big screen TVs will also be added to the pavilion on both levels.

There were no trees sacrificed in constructing the course. What appears to be a large tree stump on the course is manmade.

Workers are finishing the final touches on the course and landscape, restrooms and kitchen.   A corral-style fence has recently been installed.

Tim Poynter said that initially the facility will be open into the evening on weekends, but not during the week.  Also, the Poynters are looking to price food at reasonable levels — like $2.50 for a hot dog — so that families can afford to take advantage of all the recreational facility has to offer.

Look for many specials and enhancements following the official opening.  

The Poynters currently own and operate two successful food establishments on North 3rd Street:  Cafe Karibo and Timoti’s Seafood Shak.

Gregor MacGregor, a colorful Scottish adventurer, was responsible for the fifth of Amelia Island’s 8 flags.  He  briefly seized control of Fernandina from the Spanish in June 1817 and raised his family flag, which became known as the Green Cross of Florida.

To learn more about Gregor MacGregor and the 8 flags of Amelia Island, visit the Amelia Island Museum of History at 233 South 3rd Street in Fernandina Beach, FL.

Suanne Thamm 4Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.

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Marlene and Philip Chapman
Marlene and Philip Chapman(@crew2120)
4 years ago

This new venture of Tim and Theresa is incredible! It looks great…so much fun ahead. To our family that fact that the Poynter’s went above and beyond to install an elevator means the world to us as this is now just one more place that we can go as a family and everyone is included! Thank you Tim and Theresa!!

Fred Jackson
Fred Jackson (@guest_55826)
4 years ago

Hideous. Does the town really need another kitschy tourist trap? Sucks the charm out of FB.