Minneapolis–Twin Cities golfers will immediately recognize some new hazards at the tongue-in-cheek miniature golf hole designed by Ellerbe Becket and built by Kraus-Anderson for the US Bank 2009 Skyway Open in downtown Minneapolis. The two companies teamed up to create the quirky, challenging #6 hole, located in the City Center’s skyway level.

“The hole depicts the intersection of our two seasons -- winter and road construction,” said Steve Gamache, senior graphic designer, Ellerbe Becket. “Hazards have never been more fun.”

One of 18 professionally designed holes created by local architect firms for the event, benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, the EB-KA collaboration spoofs the urban Minneapolitan winter wonderland. The fairway parody includes an impound lot, a frozen lake, an ice fishing house, construction obstacles and plenty of snow and ice hazards.

Even seasoned golfers can strategize over how to play the hole, while avoiding any smashups. Players can decide whether to shoot through the “Lowry Tunnel” (tube), ricochet off a snowplow blade or via the riskier black ice ramp, then slalom through a pot-holed thoroughfare on the way to the hole.

Kraus-Anderson’s Minneapolis office general superintendent, Dan Braaten, has taken on the project of building the 7-foot by 15-foot course in his garage, utilizing recycled materials and found objects where possible. Braaten says “the hole has no water (it’s winter – only ice) and the only sand would have fallen off a MnDOT truck.“

What’s par?

“I’d say it’s pretty brutal,” said Braaten. “But nothing is worse than driving during one of our more exciting winter days.”

Anyone can play the 18-hole mini golf scramble runs Friday and Saturday, February 27 and 28 in the skyways of Gaviidae I, Gaviidae II, IDS and City Center. Friday is limited to foursomes; cost is $140/foursome. Saturday’s cost is $20 per adult and $5 per child. For more information, go to www.skywayopen.org

About Ellerbe Becket, Inc.
Ellerbe Becket is a leader in architecture, engineering, interiors and construction services, with office locations worldwide. Founded in 1909 and headquartered in the Twin Cities, Ellerbe Becket is proud to have supported the local community for over a century.

About Kraus-Anderson
Established in 1897, Kraus-Anderson is one of the Midwest’s oldest and largest commercial general contractors and construction managers, and one of the largest privately held companies in the nation. KA has a long tradition of giving back to the community through corporate sponsorships, fund raising support and advisory assistance.

Both Ellerbe Becket and Kraus-Anderson are members of the Minnesota Keystone Program, which is comprised of companies that contribute a minimum 2 percent of pretax earnings to address community needs. KA has given in excess of 5 percent for the past five years.

Contact: news@ellerbebecket.com