The idea for Urban Putt was born out of a series of mini-golf-themed house parties that Steve Fox and his wife Leslie Crawford hosted at their San Francisco home starting in 1993. These biennial festivities, with party-goers encouraged to “Bring Your Own Holes,” grew in size and ambition, as the golf holes evolved from simple affairs to complex, often conceptual pieces of playable art. Eventually, the events outgrew their house; the last “Crawfox Mini-Golf” party took place in 2009. But when Fox wearied of his 35-year career in publishing, miniature golf—this time as a commercial enterprise, complete with restaurant, bar, and party space—beckoned.