Crimson & Gold
 Ted and Kay Lunt |
After 22 years of self-described “bean counting” as a certified public accountant, Edward (Ted) Lunt realized that he had reached one of life’s crossroads. Lunt was looking for something fresh, something different and something challenging. His support system was already in place. He was blessed with a loving and supportive family consisting of his wife, Kathleen (Kay), and their four children. While his personal life was rock solid, Lunt felt that maybe his entrepreneurial spirit was calling.
“I knew I was never going to be in accounting for the rest of my life, and I had always been looking for some kind of career change,” says Lunt, who in 1960 arrived at what today is Ferris State University believing success in life is built on a foundation of education. Lunt recalls the long hours he devoted to scrubbing classrooms to make ends meet, while Kay worked at the Big Rapids Community Hospital as a registered nurse. His path to success led to a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (with emphasis on accounting) from Ferris.
“Over the years, the one thing I knew was that accounting was a great background for any future plans or any opportunities that came along,” says Lunt, who left Ferris for a job at a Saginaw accounting firm. He later obtained his certification as a CPA and became a partner in that firm. Still, there was that entrepreneurial itch to scratch.
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Adventure Golf Development Corporation began with Lunt and his partner, Ed Graft. Time has been good to the once-small corporation: today there are 28 “adventure-style” miniature golf courses around the United States which operate under the name Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf.
 Pirates of the Miniature Golf Industry |
The courses stick to the pirate theme, but with aspects that are unique to each venue. In Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (pictured at left), you can putt your way through the world of 18th century pirates, enjoy walking over footbridges in one area, and under waterfalls in another. In Lincoln, N.H., visitors golf in the scenic northern New Hampshire landscape among the ruins of pirate ships on a 36-hole course.
According to his wife, success did not come by accident or luck. A lot of sweat and energy went into establishing these golf courses over the years, says Kay, who has been right at Ted’s side every step of the way – trusting his judgment and respecting his hard work. “I knew him well enough to know he knew what he was doing and what he was getting into. When I saw all the homework that both he and Ed did, I knew they both understood what they were doing.”
 Pirates of the Miniature Golf Industry |
Pirate’s Cove represents more than a string of miniature golf courses. When Lunt thinks of the company and its success, he considers who made it really happen, and that’s the people who are the Pirate’s Cove family. “Annually in the winter we have meetings with our managers and spouses as a ‘thank you’ and a re-grouping for the next season. Without them, we would never have made it. These employees are great people who we are very proud to have in our group and on our team.”
The courses are the fruits of his ingenuity, labor and passion. For a full list of locations and more, visit www.piratescove.net