Miniature golf enterprises are some of the most profitable in the world, thanks to an increase in ticket prices over the previous few decades. Because of the availability of new and improved construction materials and mini golf course designs, maintenance costs have been gradually declining.
Are miniature golf courses a profitable business?
If you are looking for a business than can be highly profitable, rewarding to operate and fun as well, then you've found it – miniature golf courses and family fun centers. The mini golf industry promises success and opportunity as it can be easy to start up your own course and acquire a safe, long-term investment.
Why choose Mini Golf Creations?
And a course with superior gameplay will ensure that customers have a great time playing and are more likely to return. In other words, if your mini golf course is memorable (for all the right reasons) it is more likely to be successful. Mini Golf Creations can design a professional mini golf course to suit your needs.
What is miniature golf?
According to the American Heritage Dictionary, miniature golf is a novelty version of golf played with a putter and golf ball on a miniature course and featuring obstacles such as alleys, bridges, and tunnels. Garnet Carter was the first person to patent a game of miniature golf which he called "Tom Thumb Golf" in 1927.
How much does it cost to open a mini golf course?
What are the costs involved in opening a miniature golf course? The costs of opening a mini-golf business vary, but typically run up $500,000.
Can you make money playing mini golf?
Mini golf courses tend to be profitable businesses—and sometimes very lucrative—because of their business model. But you can't rely on a business model to ensure that your mini golf course will also be a success.
When was mini golf most popular?
This American minigolf boom of early 20th century came to an end during the economic depression in the late 1930s. Nearly all minigolf courses in the United States were closed and demolished before the end of the 1930s.
What advantages are there to having a miniature golf course?
Mini golf can help children develop hand-eye coordination, balance, improve math skills, problem-solving skills, focus, and decision-making skills.
Is mini golf easier than golf?
Mini Golf Usually Has More Obstacles Mini-golf courses usually have more obstacles, making the course more challenging. Putt-Putt courses usually have very minimal, basic obstacles such as small hills or sandpits.
Do people still play mini golf?
More than 130 million people play mini golf each year; annual revenue across the industry exceeds $1 billion.
Which country invented mini golf?
As mentioned, the true origins of what we today know as miniature golf have been hotly debated by historians for years. Experts say evidence of mini golf can actually be traced back to China between the years of 937 and 975 A.D. Meanwhile, Dutch historians swear the sport originated in Denmark around 1297.
Do kids enjoy mini golf?
Perfect for all ages, our fun activities are great fun for everyone. Whether you're celebrating your 5th or 85th birthday, looking for a team-building exercise, going on a date or looking for a fun way to learn, our courses and adventures are sure to be a success.
How many calories do you burn playing miniature golf?
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.
Is mini golf hard?
Mini-golf is not a hard sport to learn. Some challenges include learning how to hit the ball, how to maneuver around the obstacles and at what angle to hold the club. Once these basics are figured out, playing is about having fun and improving your skills.
Who shoots first in mini golf?
Decide amongst your group the order on the first hole. After that, typically, the person who scored lowest on the previous hole has “Honors” (hits first). If no one scored lower on the previous hole, use the same order you used last.
Why was mini golf invented?
The game was invented atop Lookout Mountain, Georgia, where Carter owned 700 acres that he and Frieda Carter, his wife, built attractions on and billed “Fairyland.” According to one story, Carter invented mini-golf to keep his inn guests entertained, naming it Tom Thumb to keep with the theme.
What is Castle Golf?
It is a rigorous adherence to the principle of minimizing maintenance and another key to maximizing owner profits. Castle Golf would be the choice for owners who recognize that they want the best in imagery and theme integrated into the course and the play of the holes.
Do range owners compete with stand alone golf courses?
Range owners will enhance their chances of competing successfully with the “stand alone” course when they recognize that they must provide a product that is the equal to or superior to the competing course at the local fun park or with the local ice cream and miniature golf course.
Does Castle Golf have multiple paths?
Like it does on your courses.”. Choice is a motivator for human beings, therefore most Castle Golf hole surfaces have multiple paths to the cup. Players have clearly distinctive choices to make with varied outcomes depending upon the selected path.
Improve the Online Presence of Your Business
No matter how great a mini golf course’s offerings are, they will do little to no good if people do not know about them. Businesses that promote themselves online through social media and review sites like Yelp and Google tend to see a higher return in foot traffic.
Offer Online Booking for Mini Golf
Online booking is almost a non-negotiable for most people these days, regardless of the business or industry. Whether for restaurant reservations or mini golf, customers want a fast and easy way to book online.
Offer Several Mini Golf Membership Options
Offering membership options as a form of loyalty program is a great way to build customer relationships and increase loyalty. Having several membership options from which to choose shows golfers that your mini golf course is flexible and willing to cater to different customers’ needs.
Run Seasonal Promotions at Your Miniature Golf Course
Most mini golf courses experience ebbs and flows throughout the year. For example, many people look for leisure activities around the holidays, as they have time off from school or work. Use these opportunities to run seasonal promotions to entice customers to spend time at your mini golf course.
Work with Harris Miniature Golf, Inc
With more than 50 years of experience in mini golf course design and construction, Harris Miniature Golf, Inc is a leader in renovation and business advice for mini golf course businesses. Contact us today to arrange a consultation!
Pick the Best Location You Can Afford
Location, location, location. You’ve heard it before, and you’ll hear it again: location is everything. The location you choose for miniature golf course can make or break the business. Instead of simply choosing based on cost, go for overall quality.
Research the Industry First
Before jumping into any business venture, it is important to have a strong knowledge base as a starting point. The two main forms of research that business owners should conduct are market research and industry research.
Develop a Business Plan
Once you’ve compiled all the necessary information for your mini golf course venture, the next step is to develop a business plan. A mini golf course business plan should have all the information investors would need to make an informed decision about investing in your business, as well as the financial contributions you plan to make.
What is miniature golf?
According to the American Heritage Dictionary, miniature golf is a novelty version of golf played with a putter and golf ball on a miniature course and featuring obstacles such as alleys, bridges, and tunnels.
Who was the first person to patent a game of miniature golf?
Garnet Carter was the first person to patent a game of miniature golf. Mary Bellis,was an experimental artist, film director and producer, and freelance writer.
Who built the first miniature golf course in New York City?
In 1926, Drake Delanoy and John Ledbetter built New York City’s first outdoor miniature golf course on top of a skyscraper. Delanoy and Ledbetter copied Thomas Fairborn's process of using crushed cottonseed hulls and infringed upon Fairborn's patent.
Who built the miniature golf course in Tennessee?
There were also patented processes that related to the game. Garnet Carter built his miniature golf course on Lookout Mountain in Tennessee to draw traffic to the hotel he owned. His wife, Frieda Carter did most of the designing of the course's obstacles which had a fairyland theme.
Who made Tom Thumb miniature golf?
Carter founded the Fairyland Manufacturing Corporation, which by 1930 manufactured and sold over 3000 of his Tom Thumb miniature golf course franchises.
Who invented the game of Tom Thumb Golf?
Garnet Carter was the first person to patent a game of miniature golf which he called "Tom Thumb Golf" in 1927. However, there were a few earlier unpatented versions of miniature golf type games. For example, in 1916, James Barber of Pinehurst, North Carolina had a miniature golf course on his estate called the Thistle Du.
Who used cottonseed hulls on his golf course?
Eventually, a financial arrangement was arrived at between Delanoy and Ledbetter and Fairborn that let the cottonseed hull process be used over 150 roof top miniature courses in New York City. Garnet Carter also had to pay a royalty to Fairborn since he used the cottonseed hull surface on his miniature golf course.
What is a business structure for miniature golf?
The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation. Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your miniature golf course is sued.
What is a CO for mini golf?
Miniature Golf Courses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.
Evaluate What the Business Needs
Many businesses flounder due to improper planning. Starting a mini golf business requires an understanding of what is needed every step of the way. From the start up stages to ongoing operations, it is important to consider every aspect before jumping in.
Understand the Mini Golf Course Audience
Understanding who potential mini golf clients are is necessary for knowing how to attract and retain them. Additionally, different localities have different demographics. Fortunately, miniature golf is appealing to all age ranges, since some neighborhoods have older populations while other communities have young families.
Location and Size of Golf Course Matters
The location of your mini golf course business can have a direct impact on how many customers visit the premises, as well as the type of clientele you attract. Remote locations that are very far from populated areas may offer less expensive land rates, which could be enticing to those just getting started.
Why Clients Choose Harris Miniature Golf Courses, Inc
Business owners who choose to contract Harris Miniature Golf Courses, Inc. to set up their mini-golf courses get the benefit of 60 years of experience designing, developing, and constructing mini golf courses.