Meet the Cast Member Who’s Played Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf 557 Times

by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Editorial Content Manager, Walt Disney World Resort

Dave Hartmann knows a thing or two about the Fairways course at Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf. He’s worked there since January 2007, but more impressively Dave has played the course more than 557 times, and he has every scorecard to prove it.

Dave also held the official course record of 47 on the 72-par course for 11 years, but that came with a lot of practice. After discovering the course and shooting a 90, a score he was not happy with, Dave returned to the Fairways Miniature Golf Course every time he was on vacation in the area from 1996 to 2003 to work on his game. Dave played it so much, in fact, he was offered a job by the course manager.

Although Dave’s curiosity and pursuit of perfection led him to Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf, it’s his interactions with cast and guests that keep him there. He’s become somewhat of a local legend and a lot of regulars request him to join them and provide tips. “What keeps me coming back is the chance to spend time with people,” he says. “I enjoy going out and talking with the people on the course, and we have a lot of fun. That’s what gives them memories.”

Learn more about Dave’s story in the video below.