How to Play Mini Golf:
Mini Golf vs Other Forms of Golf

Learn how to play mini golf so that you will have another fun activity to enjoy with your friends! Mini golf is not played quite the same as traditional golf, and it’s not like putt putt golf either. Keep reading to learn more!

Mini Golf Rules:

To play mini golf, all you need is a mini golf course, a putter, and a golf ball. Many mini golf courses also provide scorecards and pencils to keep track of your progress.

The golf rules for beginners of mini golf are simple. To begin a round, players typically choose their putters and golf balls and head to the first hole. Each hole is a miniature golf course in itself, with a variety of obstacles and hazards that players must navigate to get the ball into the hole. These obstacles can include walls, ramps, tunnels, water hazards, and more.

To hit the ball, players typically stand about a foot away from the ball and use their putter to hit the ball towards the hole. Players can use a variety of techniques and grips to hit the ball, but the most common technique is to hold the putter with both hands and swing it back and forth like a pendulum.

The goal of mini golf is to get the ball into the hole in as few strokes as possible. Players take turns hitting the ball, and the player with the lowest score at the end of the round is the winner.

Mini Golf Flag and Hole

Mini Golf vs Putt Putt Golf:

There is often confusion about the difference between mini golf and putt putt golf. Today, the term "putt putt" is often used colloquially to refer to mini golf in general, but it is technically not correct. Here are some of the differences between putt putt golf and mini golf:

Child smiling with arms wide on a putt putt course
  • Obstacles: Putt putt courses focus on fun aesthetic features rather than golf challenges, while mini golf courses tend to provide more challenge to players.
  • Difficulty: Holes for putt putt golf can generally be achieved in 2 shots (par 2), while mini golf holes range from 2-shot to 6-shot holes (par 2 to par 6).
  • Turns: In putt putt, the rules require you to wait for the player before you to finish the hole before you take your turn. In Mini golf, however, all players take turns making one shot at a time.

Both mini golf and putt putt golf are enjoyable activities that offer a more relaxed version of traditional golf. The goal is the same for each game—score the lowest amount of points. However, putt putt courses are typically geared towards younger players and are more focused on the novelty of the obstacles, while mini golf courses offer a greater variety of challenges and skill levels.

Mini Golf vs Golf:

While mini golf shares some similarities with traditional golf, there are also some significant differences between the two sports. Read the main differences below:

  • Size: Mini golf courses are much smaller than traditional golf courses, and the holes are also smaller, typically ranging from about 4 inches to 6 inches in diameter.
  • Difficulty: Traditional golf is a serious and competitive sport, with players using a variety of clubs and techniques to navigate the course and achieve the lowest score possible. Mini golf, however, is simple and laid back, which makes it great for players of all ages and skill levels.
  • Price: Mini golf is typically much cheaper and more accessible than traditional golf. Mini golf courses are often found in public parks, amusement parks, and family entertainment centers, and the cost to play is usually much lower than the cost to play a round of traditional golf.
Mini Golf course with trees and foliage

Mini golf is a great way for people of all ages and skill levels to enjoy the fun and challenge of golf in a more casual setting. Now you know how to play mini golf, so get out there and enjoy a quick round with your friends or family.