Mini golf is a great social activity for families, friends, and anyone looking for a bit of lighthearted competition. It’s a simplified version of golf, making it fun for all ages and skill levels. The goal is simple: complete all 18 holes using the fewest strokes possible.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, understanding the rules of mini golf will enhance your experience. This guide covers the basic rules, some unspoken etiquette, and gameplay strategies to help you conquer the course.
Navigating the mini golf course
Mini golf courses are famous for their whimsical obstacles and unusual hole designs. You might find ramps, tunnels, windmills, and even water hazards on the course.
Most courses have 18 holes, although some may have more or fewer.
Equipment
Players use putters and golf balls that are provided by the course. There are usually putters in several sizes for both adults and children.
To make them easier to spot, the golf balls are often brightly colored.
Core Rules of Mini Golf Gameplay
While the rules can vary a bit from course to course, here are the basic rules of mini golf:
Starting the Game
Each player begins at the tee area for each hole. The tee is usually clearly marked to show you where to place your ball for the first shot.
Players take turns putting. Establish a fair order at the start of the game and stick with it.
During Gameplay
The goal is to putt the ball into the hole to complete each hole.
If the ball goes out of bounds, you may have to add a penalty stroke to your score. You’ll also probably have to put the ball back in play from the spot where it went out.
There’s usually a limit to the number of strokes you can take on each hole. If you hit that limit, you simply record the maximum number of strokes and move on to the next hole. The stroke limit is often 6 or 7.
Out of Bounds and Obstacles
The rules for what happens when a ball goes out of bounds can vary, but a one-stroke penalty is common, as is putting the ball back in play where it went out of bounds.
Some obstacles may have specific rules. For instance, if the ball gets stuck in a particular obstacle, you may have to move it to a specific spot.
Counting Strokes and Determining the Winner
Every time you hit the ball, that’s a stroke. Keep track of how many strokes you take on each hole to ensure your final score is correct.
The person with the fewest strokes after 18 holes is the winner. Sometimes, if there’s a tie, you might play a sudden-death round on a specific hole to break it.
Remember, the most important rule is to be honest about your score!
Mini golf etiquette: Respecting the course and other players
Though mini golf is a casual game, there are a few generally accepted rules of etiquette that can help you show respect for the other players and for the course itself.
General etiquette guidelines
- Be respectful of the other players and the course.
- Don’t walk on the putting surface unless you’re putting.
- Wait until the players ahead of you have finished before you begin.
- Resist the urge to bang your club on anything, no matter how frustrating the windmill may be.
Pace of play
- Limit your group to five players or fewer.
- If a group behind you is playing faster, let them play through.
- Don’t cut in front of other players. Instead, ask politely if you can play through.
Respecting the course
- Don’t damage the course or any of the obstacles.
- Dispose of your trash properly.
To Conclude
Mini golf is a great way to spend time with friends and family. It’s fun for all ages and skill levels. And it’s a social activity that can be enjoyed by groups of all sizes.
Whether you’re playing indoors or outdoors, in the daytime or at night, mini golf is a versatile game that can be enjoyed any time of year.
So grab your putter, follow the rules (and the etiquette), and have a great time!