How to Win at Miniature Golf
- Practice Your Putts. No matter how many windmills and waterfalls they throw at you, miniature golf is really just a...
- Walk the Course. Become familiar with the obstacles and tricks if you’re playing adventure-style golf, and the layout...
- Focus on the Hole. Tune out distractions like revolving wickets and fire breathing dragons by...
Full Answer
How to win at mini golf?
One of the best tips for learning how to win at mini golf is to pick a very precise aiming spot. This will boost your accuracy—but Lebo says you're not always aiming for a hole-in-one. Remember, as we said at the beginning, many mini-golf holes are designed to take you at least two strokes.
Is there such a thing as mini-golf?
But there's more to the game than meets the eye, which is why we turned to mini-golf pro Brad Lebo—yes, there is such a thing—to learn some mini-golf tips. When you're learning how to play mini golf, Lebo should be your go-to guy. He has four national championships to his name, plus a coveted green jacket from the mini-golf Master's.
How do minigolf players earn their living?
Many course owners and employees naturally earn their living by working at minigolf courses, and some of the best minigolf players earn their living from minigolf-related work, such as giving putting lessons to golf players. Many miniature golf courses also offer other forms of entertainment such as carousels,...
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.
How do you always win at 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.
What is a good score in mini golf?
Players aim to score as close to 18 shots per round, with the record on the Miniaturegolf being a perfect score of 18 strokes. Minigolf is played not only as a leisure activity by millions of people each year, but also as a serious top-level sport by thousands of people all over the world.
Does the lowest score win in mini golf?
The game of mini golf consists of playing a ball from the tee into the hole by a stroke or successive strokes in accordance with the rules. 1. The competitor who plays the stipulated round or rounds in the fewest strokes is the winner.
How are mini golf scores calculated?
Take turns by putting the ball (using the golf club) towards the hole, count how many shots it takes you until you sink the ball in the hole. Record how many shots it takes to sink the ball in the hole on the scorecard. At the end of the game add up the scores.
Is 70 a good golf score?
Golf courses normally have a par that ranges between 70 and 72; any score that is at par or under par is considered good.
Is 120 a good golf score?
In golf, scores less than 120 strokes are seen as respectable, or “good” scores among amateur golfers. While 90 stroke scores are considered average, scores below 120 strokes on an 18-hole course are seen amongst the golf community as relatively good.
What if someone hits your ball in mini golf?
One person in your group will be in charge of writing down the scores. BALLS LEAVING THE PUTTING AREA: If you hit your ball too hard and it bounces OFF the putting area, you must start again from the tee. The errant shot counts as a stroke. You do NOT receive an additional penalty stroke.
How does par work in mini golf?
Par is primarily determined by the playing length of each hole from the teeing ground to the putting green. Holes are generally assigned par values between three and five, which includes a regulation number of strokes to reach the green based on the average distance a proficient golfer hits the ball, and two putts.
What are fails in mini golf?
fails, a number. reach, which is in inches. played golf, a number of years. Rob's opinion, a phrase or sentence attributed to co-host Rob Riggle.
How do you remember strokes in golf?
All you have to remember is to press the button after each stroke attempted and then reset to zero after completing the hole. It works very well for me.
What should a beginner golfer score?
According to National Golf Foundation data, 45% of all golfers average more than 100 strokes per round. With that said, it is believed that a 108 is considered to be a good score for a beginner golfer, which equates to double bogey on each hole of a par 72 course.
How long does a mini golf game take?
Miniature golf takes about 30-45 minutes to complete a round of eighteen holes. The amount of time it takes to complete your round will be affected by the number of people in your group. Some mini golf courses are longer than others.
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.
Who was the first person to play miniature golf?
In 1961 Bob Taylor, Don Clayton of Putt-Putt, and Frank Abramoff of Arnold Palmer Miniature Golf organized the first miniature golf association known as NAPCOMS (or the "National Association of Putting Course Operators, Manufacturers, and Suppliers"). Their first meeting was held in New York City.
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.
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.
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.
1-Walk Around The Course Before You Begin
All game needs a mind strategy before starting the match. For golf, it is no exception either. Before starting the match, just walk around the course and observe everything that the ground is offering you. The holes, strategy for playing, find if any obstacles are lying there, imperfect surface, cracked edges, etc.
2-Ball Speed Matters
You have to train yourself hard to learn every strategy of hitting the ball hard. Muster the strategy and experiment with how balls break on curvy surfaces if hit at a different speed. The faster the speed is the less the break will be. As a rule, though, you should hit the ball harder than you can rather than hitting it too weakly.
3- Watch Out How Your Opponent Is Doing
If you are not going to play first, you can collect lot of information from your opponents playing. You can get valuable information on the bounce strength, angels, and speeds of the surface and ball, and many more. This helps you observe the situation and you can map a mind strategy of how to play your turn.
5- Be Positive All The Time
This is the most important point of every game where you don’t want to think about missing. Just think about success and your goal, think about how to sink the ball. And if possible, don’t even think and only focus. Focus on the ball and your game plan to get the best result.
1. Practice Your Putts
No matter how many windmills and waterfalls they throw at you, miniature golf is really just a series of putting greens. Grip the putter securely, and swing from the shoulders, not the wrists. Don’t shift your feet, and keep the putter face square.
2. Walk the Course
Become familiar with the obstacles and tricks if you’re playing adventure-style golf, and the layout of the holes if it’s a more traditional putt-putt course. Your miniature golf score card may give you an overview of the course, along with the par for each hole.
3. Focus on the Hole
Tune out distractions like revolving wickets and fire breathing dragons by maintaining a Zen-like concentration.
4. Save Strokes
To stay on or below par, avoid hitting too hard (it’s putting, not the long game). Look for direct-route alternatives which skip the castle drawbridge or water hazard; they’re usually hidden in little-noticed corners. Bank putts off bumpers and other obstacles and check your second-shot lie from both sides of the hole to choose the best angle.
5. Take Your Game to the Next Level
Once you’ve amazed your family and friends, and allowed your minigolfing buddies to buy you a round of root beers at the snack bar, it may be time to think about hitting the tour or turning pro.
Measure your putter
Most problems with poor mini-golf performance starts with your putter. You need to ensure that you handle the right sized putter for your reach. The right sized putter for you should reach up to your belt. You should be able to comfortably hold the putter right in the middle of the grip.
Practice hitting the ball
Having control over your ball speed is essential if you want to effectively steer the ball in the right direction using the appropriate amount of force for it to travel the distance you need. Practice hitting golf balls over ever lengthening distances starting with a target of just four feet away on a flat surface.
Practice your angle shots
Once you have practised your straight shots towards a hole, step this up to practising bouncing the ball off walls and curbs for an angle shot to change direction. Place a target on the floor, such as a bright circle of felt or material that is not easily blown away in the wind, use that to aim your angle shots towards.
Tackle some obstacles
Challenge your newly-honed putting skills by practising on sloped ground, manoeuvring around plant pots in the garden, or setting up some spare plastic guttering to play through.
How many strokes per hole in miniature golf?
Most courses also allow a limit of five strokes per hole, so no matter how badly you play a particular hole, the worst you will score is a five. Step 5. Play the angles on the course. While many holes may be straight, many miniature golf course holes have angled holes that require a player to hit the ball off a wall in order to send it toward ...
How to determine course of action in golf?
Study the layout of the hole before you hit a shot. Examine all of the angles, bumps, obstacles, and raised levels on the hole to determine your course of action.
How to swing a golf club down?
As you bring the club down, your weight should slightly shift toward the direction you’re swinging . Your dominant elbow should pass in front of your dominant hip, but you should keep your body centered with your belt buckle pointed toward the ball.
How many strokes to get a golf ball into a hole?
For example, if it took a player 4 strokes to get their golf ball into the hole, they would score 4 points for that hole. Each hole on a golf course has an ideal number of strokes it should take to get the ball into the hole, called the “par.”. A par 3 hole should ideally take 3 strokes to finish, for example.
What is a par 3 golf course?
A Par 3 course means that all the holes on the course are Par 3, so the distances between the tee and the hole are shorter than a standard course, which has a mixture of Par 3, 4, and 5 holes. These courses are ideal for beginners. The total par for the course is the number of pars added up from all the holes.
What is the par number in golf?
Each hole on a golf course has an ideal number of strokes it should take to get the ball into the physical hole, which is known as the “Par.”. Each time you hit the ball counts as a “1” toward your score. Pars range from 3-5, and each hole on a course will be called a “Par 3,” “Par 4,” or “Par 5.”.
How to keep track of your golf game?
You can keep track of how you’re doing throughout the game by comparing your score to the pars for each hole. If you’re consistently shooting on par or below par, you’re doing really well. In the beginning, you will probably shoot over par, especially on more difficult, 5 par holes. This is totally normal.
How to hit a golf ball with your feet?
Stand with your knees and hips slightly bent. Stand with your feet about hip-width apart, with your weight evenly distributed between the centers of your feet, not your toes or heels. Bend your knees slightly and lean forward at your hips so the end of your club is reaching the ground where you’ll be hitting the ball.
What is it called when you shoot 2 under par?
For instance, shooting 2 under par, or getting the ball in the hole in 3 shots on a 5-par hole, is called an “Eagle. ”. Shooting 1 under par is a “Birdie,” and shooting even with the par is just called “Par.”. Shooting 1 over par is a “Bogey.”.
1. Know the difference between Putt-Putt and mini golf
Our mini golf tips start before you even hit the greens. First things, first: are you at Putt-Putt or a miniature golf course? There's a big strategic difference between the two styles, one that has an impact on how you approach the game.
2. Pick the right mini-golf putter
How do you know you're using the correct putter? When you get into position, the top of the putter should hit you at about belt level, with your hands positioned near the middle of the grip. Have your own putter? Bring it. Lebo always does.
3. Take stock before you start
Before the first hole, take a walk around and get a feel for the lay of the land. Are there any water traps? Slopes? "Balls generally will tend to break toward bodies of water and towards any dropoffs in the elevation of the land," Lebo says.
4. Pick a target
One of the best tips for learning how to win at mini golf is to pick a very precise aiming spot. This will boost your accuracy—but Lebo says you're not always aiming for a hole-in-one. Remember, as we said at the beginning, many mini-golf holes are designed to take you at least two strokes.
5. Set yourself up for success
When you step up to the tee, your feet should be aligned with that mental line you've just envisioned. Keep the ball lined up with the inside edge of your forward foot (that will be the left foot if you're right-handed, or the right foot if you're left-handed). From here, your eyeline is crucial—direct your eyes right over that imaginary line.
6. Watch your speed
Before you start, try some test shots to get a feel for how fast the ball travels. If there's not a practice green available, then just pay close attention on your first few holes. Cut off your putt as soon as the ball starts moving.
Ready to Go? Find a Mini Golf Deal Near You
Now that you know how to be good at mini golf, why not try it out at a course near you? Find your city below to see local mini golf deals:

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)