What is mini golf?
Mini golf is a game with many names – crazy golf, mini golf, putt-putt, shorties, midget golf, mini putt, and goofy golf, are some of the nicknames of the sport. The Ladies Putting Club of St Andrews, Scotland, is the home to the oldest known mini golf course in the world.
Why do people play mini-golf?
Many, many more people play mini-golf, a fun game that is not tough to master, provides far more fun than frustration and features cool things like windmills and treehouses along the course. The game has reached such high popularity in the United States and Europe that almost every town has a course.
What are the 18th holes on a miniature golf course for?
The 18th and final holes of many miniature golf courses are designed to literally capture the ball, effectively preventing the player from playing additional rounds without purchasing another game. This may be accomplished with a "drain" or trap-door hole setup that channels the ball to a lockbox.
What is the governing body of miniature golf?
Governing body. The sport of miniature golf is governed internationally by the World Minigolf Sport Federation (WMF), headquartered in Göteborg, Sweden. The WMF is a member of SportAccord. It organises World Championships for youth and elite players, and Continental Championships in Europe, Asia and the United States, held in alternate years.
Why do people love mini golf?
There are many reasons why people love playing miniature golf. It is cheap and easy to play and provides many moments of entertainment and laughter. You do not need any of your own equipment and miniature golf can be played individually, in pairs, or with groups of friends and family.
What is mini golf game?
Miniature golf, also known as minigolf, mini-putt, goofy golf, crazy golf, or putt-putt, is an offshoot of the sport of golf focusing solely on the putting aspect of its parent game. The aim of the game is to score the lowest number of points.
Why do people play mini golf?
Most of us have played a round of mini golf at some point in our lives. The easy-to-learn gameplay, competitive nature and themed environments make mini golf an attraction that almost everyone enjoys.
Why is it called mini golf?
According to one story, Carter invented mini-golf to keep his inn guests entertained, naming it Tom Thumb to keep with the theme. “Other accounts claim either that Garnet built the course to occupy regular golfers while the big course was being completed or to entertain the children of his guests,” they write.
Who invented mini golf?
Thomas McCullough FairbornIn 1922, the golf aficionado Thomas McCullough Fairborn developed a new artificial green made out of a mix of cottonseed hulls, sand, oil, and dye. This changed the miniature golf game and made it accessible almost anywhere. In the late 1920s, New York City boasted over 150 rooftops with miniature golf courses.
Who made golf?
Charles Blair MacDonald, who attended St. Andrews University and learned the game at the St. Andrews Golf Links, is considered the father of American golf course architects. In 1893, MacDonald built the Chicago Golf Club, which was the country's first 18-hole course.
Is mini golf good exercise?
Miniature golf offers cardiovascular exercise - you can burn around 300 calories during a game of mini golf. Adults, seniors and especially children may not need to burn calories for weight loss - but everyone benefits from burning off energy to better enjoy times of quiet.
How many holes are in mini golf?
18 holesThe course consists of 18 holes. Each hole is numbered with a serial number. Please adhere to the order of the holes. Minigolf can be played by individuals or groups of players.
How do you win mini golf?
Here are some entertaining tips to make sure you win on the course at your next mini golf outing.Choose your putter. ... Get a lay of the land. ... Play with finesse, not power. ... Play the angles. ... The Mental Game Is Key. ... Improve your position. ... Keep the rules to yourself. ... Don't focus on the negative.
When was mini golf first invented?
As people looked for ways to enjoy the game of golf in smaller confines, mini golf was born. With the first dedicated course created in 1917, it wasn't long after that the game grew in popularity and eventually became what we know it as today.
What industry is mini golf?
A Fun Family Entertainment Business More than 130 million people play miniature golf every year with an excess of $1 billion annually in industry revenues. From children to senior citizens, miniature golf appeals to players of all ages. What's more, it's a fun business to operate.
What country invented golf?
ScotlandGolf originated from a game played on the eastern coast of Scotland, in an area close to the royal capital of Edinburgh. In those early days players would attempt to hit a pebble over sand dunes and around tracks using a bent stick or club.
What is the difference between crazy golf and mini golf?
In crazy golf, these are found on the playing surface, and players have to putt their ball through or over them. In adventure golf, the features are often next to the holes, with players instead having to negotiate humps, bumps and big slopes. Minigolf is the umbrella term for the sport as a whole.
How do you make mini golf fun?
Creative Ways to Enjoy Mini GolfHole 2: Introduce some competition by dividing your group into teams of two. ... Hole 6: Raise the challenge bar. ... Hole 7: Turn around, face backward and putt the ball through your legs.Hole 8: Try sideways soccer. ... Hole 9: Hold the club like a pool cue and guide it in.More items...•
Is mini golf a good first date?
Innocent, good fun makes for a wonderful atmosphere. It alleviates pressure that people often feel going into a dinner/drinks first-date setting. Miniature golf can either be completely goofy or slightly competitive, depending on the two people. Either way, it's a fantastic first date.”
How many holes are in mini golf?
18 holesThe course consists of 18 holes. Each hole is numbered with a serial number. Please adhere to the order of the holes. Minigolf can be played by individuals or groups of players.
What is mini golf?
Miniature golf is one game with many names. Mini golf, crazy golf, putt-putt, goofy golf, shorties, midget golf and mini putt are just a few examples of its numerous nicknames. The oldest known mini golf course in the world, the Ladies’ Putting Club of St. Andrews, is in Scotland.
How many mini golf courses were there in the 1920s?
Miniature golf gained such immense popularity in the US, that by the late 1920s, there were around 150 mini golf courses in New York City alone. Many of these were on the rooftops of the city’s iconic, high-rise buildings. Most of them closed after the Great Depression.
When was the first mini golf course built?
The first recognizable miniature golf course in the U.S. opened in 1916 at Pinehurst, California.
Where did glow in the dark golf originate?
The idea of glow-in-the-dark miniature golf courses began in Scandinavian countries such as Finland. Since these northern countries experience months of short days and long nights the glow-ball and glow-courses allow them to enjoy the game all year round and outdoors.
What is the sport of mini golf?
Europe, North America, Japan. Olympic. No. World Games. 1989 (invitational) Miniature golf, also known as minigolf, mini-putt, goofy golf, crazy golf, or putt-putt, is an offshoot of the sport of golf focusing solely on the putting aspect of its parent game. The aim of the game is to score the lowest number of points.
What is the name of the game of mini golf?
The name Putt-Putt is the trademark of an American company that builds and franchises miniature golf courses in addition to other family-oriented entertainment, and the term "putt-putt" is sometimes used colloquially to refer to the game itself. The term "minigolf" was formerly a registered trademark of a Swedish company that built its own patented type of minigolf courses.
How many strokes in one round of minigolf?
The world record on one round of minigolf is 18 strokes on 18 holes. More than a thousand players have officially achieved this score on eternite. On other playing systems a perfect round of 18 holes-in-one is extremely rare, and has never been scored in an official national or international tournament.
When was minigolf invented?
One of the first documented minigolf courses in mainland Europe was built in 1926 by Fr. Schröder in Hamburg, Germany. Mr. Schröder had been inspired by his visit to the United States, where he had seen minigolf courses spreading across the country.
Which countries have minigolf?
These countries include the United States, Japan, China, India and Taiwan. A national minigolf federation exists also in Moldova, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand, but none of these countries has ever participated in international competitions, and probably are not arranging many domestic competitions either.
When did mini golf courses close?
Nearly all minigolf courses in the United States were closed and demolished before the end of the 1930s. A rare surviving example from this period is the Parkside Whispering Pines Miniature Golf Course located near Rochester, New York, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
When did mini golf become popular?
This American minigolf boom of early 20th century came to an end during the economic depression in the late 1930s.
Where is mini golf played?
The international governing body for the sport – the World Minigolf Sport Federation – has its home in Goteborg, Sweden. So playing mini-golf now connects players to a long and rich history of a fun sport that remains popular both in the United States and Europe.
Where did mini golf originate?
Most trace the origins of mini-golf in Europe to German Frederick Schroder, who constructed a course on his estate in 1926 after seeing courses on a trip to the United States. The Swedish developed an appreciation of the game, forming the first sporting association for mini-golf back in 1937.
Who built the first mini golf course?
However, Garnet Carter of Tennessee generally gets the credit for the first public mini-golf course, which he called Tom Thumb Golf. He built the course on Lookout Mountain in Tennessee to draw customers to his hotel. His wife, Frieda Carter, did much of the design of the course, which had a fairyland theme.
Who designed the Tom Thumb course?
His wife, Frieda Carter, did much of the design of the course, which had a fairyland theme. By 1930, Carter had created the Fariyland Manufacturing Company and licensed 3,000 of his Tom Thumb courses all over the country.
Is mini golf hard to master?
Many people play golf, a long and tough-to-master game that can lead to as much frustration as joy. Many, many more people play mini-golf, a fun game that is not tough to master, provides far more fun than frustration and features cool things like windmills and treehouses along the course. The game has reached such high popularity in ...
What is a mini golf course?
Standardised mini golf courses became popular with the Thistle Dhu (which means This’ll Do) golf club in North Carolina and Tom Thumb golf club by Garnet Carter in Tennessee. Thistle Dhu courses comprised of concrete and pressed sand with fountains and gardens. The use of artificial green, which was a mixture of cottonseed hulls, sand, oil and dye made the construction of courses cheaper and more accessible. Soon after, golf courses on rooftops of buildings in New York started springing up.
What is the history of mini golf?
The history of mini golf; inspired by the sport of golf, is a game enjoyed by people of all ages. It uses artificial structures such as carpet and concrete, and obstacles such as tunnels, ramps, windmills, concrete and metal walls.
What made golf courses cheaper?
The use of artificial green, which was a mixture of cottonseed hulls, sand, oil and dye made the construction of courses cheaper and more accessible. Soon after, golf courses on rooftops of buildings in New York started springing up.
Where did mini golf originate?
The origins of mini golf can be traced back to Scotland, The Ladies Putting Club of St. Andrews, built in 1827 for women golfers.
How did the Great Depression affect golf?
The Great Depression changed the history of the golf course as it became expensive, and people turned to mini golf courses. The mini golf courses also started using cheaper alternatives such as obstacles like tires, barrels and old drain pipes.
Why is September 21st the world's mini golf day?
This was because the northern countries experienced short days and long nights, the glow-courses and glow-ball allowed them to enjoy the game all year round outdoors . September 21st is the global mini golf day.
How many mini golf courses were there in the 1920s?
The popularity of miniature golf grew exponentially by the late 1920s, and by that time there were already 150 mini golf courses in New York City alone. Many of these mini golf courses were located on the rooftops of some of the city’s iconic high-rise buildings. The majority of them were closed down after the great depression.
What are some interesting facts about Crazy Golf?
Top Interesting Facts about Crazy Golf. Thomas McCullough Fairbairn revolutionised the game with the introduction of artificial green, which allowed mini golf to be accessible everywhere. Mini golf is short for miniature golf and it is globally recognised and played professionally by golf lovers. It is governed by the World Mini Golf Sports ...
Where is the oldest mini golf course in the world?
The Ladies Putting Club of St Andrews, Scotland, is the home to the oldest known mini golf course in the world. It is located right next to the legendary St. Andrews Golf Course, a regular site of the British Open. In the early years of mini golf, there were themes or fancy barriers.
Is mini golf a sport?
Mini golf is a trendy sport with interesting origins and I must confess that there are several fun facts about the sport to discover. There are thousands of mini-golf courses around the globe, and it is easy to understand why – mini golf is a fun and engaging activity that everyone can play.
How to choose a putter for mini golf?
Choose your putter. When choosing a putter, make sure the top of the putter is around belt level for a comfortable swing. The club options at most mini-golf courses are limited at best and conditions are sure to vary. Play it safe and bring your own putter to give yourself an edge.
How to improve your putt?
If your putt was less than optimal, look to see if your opponents are paying attention. If they aren’t, use your club or foot to stealthily reposition the ball for a more optimal shot.
What to do before you putt?
Before you putt, walk from the tee to the cup and take note of any slopes, water traps or other obstacles. It’s not a bad idea to watch players ahead and learn from their pitfalls. It might keep you from making the same mistake.
Can you reposition your ball by the length of the putter?
Keep the rules to yourself. Most course rules will allow players to reposition their ball by the length of the putter if it comes to rest against the course wall. If your opponent is unaware of this rule, there’s no reason to tell them .
Overview
Miniature golf, also known as minigolf, mini-putt, goofy golf, crazy golf, or putt-putt, is an offshoot of the sport of golf focusing solely on the putting aspect of its parent game. The aim of the game is to score the lowest number of points. It is played on courses consisting of a series of holes (usually a multiple of 9) similar to its parent, but characterized by their short length (usually within 10 yards fro…
Nomenclature
While the international sports organization World Minigolf Sport Federation (WMF) prefers to use the name "minigolf", the general public in different countries has also many other names for the game: miniature golf, mini-golf, midget golf, goofy golf, shorties, extreme golf, crazy golf, adventure golf, mini-putt, putter golf and so on. The name Putt-Putt is the trademark of an American company that builds and franchises miniature golf courses in addition to other family-oriented e…
History
Geometrically-shaped minigolf courses made of artificial materials (carpet) began to emerge during the early 20th century. The earliest documented mention of such a course is in the 8 June 1912 edition of The Illustrated London News, which introduces a minigolf course called Gofstacle.
The first standardized minigolf courses to enter commercial mass-production …
Course types
All competitions approved by World Minigolfsport Federation are played on standardized courses, whose design has been checked to be suitable for competitive play. The WMF currently approves four different course types:
• Beton (abbreviated B, sometimes called "Bongni" and named after Paul Bongni of Geneva, Switzerland, "Minigolf" or "Abteilung 1")
Competitions
Nearly all European countries have an official national federation for promoting minigolf as a competition sport. The bi-annual European Championships attract competitors from more than twenty European countries. As of 2012, Chris Beattie has been the holder of the European Championship title. Outside Europe only a small number of countries have participated in international minigolf competitions. These countries include the United States, Japan, China, Ind…
See also
• Clock golf
• Défi mini-putt, a 1990s RDS televised minigolf series from Quebec
• European Minigolf Sport Federation
• M.C. Mini Masters, a unique annual amateur miniature golf tournament
External links
• A Couple of Putts - Miniature Golf Course consultation and design duo with a website that reviews mini golf courses around the world, including a number of temporary and artist-designed courses
• World records in minigolf
• WMF - World Minigolfsport Federation (WMF)