How to Play and Win Mini Golf

Putt putt is like golf, except without the part from the tee to the green. It’s only putting, and instead of a clear path between your ball and the hole, most mini golf holes have obstacles, ramps, curves and other creative designs that stand in your way.

Most putt putt courses are 18 holes and can be played in 30-60 minutes. Every location sets its own prices, but you can expect to pay between $5 and $25 per person for a round of mini golf, depending on the facility.

1. Start at the Designated Tee Spot: Each hole has a set of tee markers to indicate where to start.
2. Study the Hole: Before stroking your first putt, look over the hole. Check for slopes, bumps, and obstacles to find the best path to the hole. This may include a ricochet at just the right spot to get your ball close to the hole
3. Make a Smooth Stroke: After a couple holes, you’ll get the feel for how hard to hit the ball, but start with a smooth stroke that’s not too soft and not too firm.
4. Play in Order: After everyone in the group has hit their shot, the player furthest from the hole plays next. Go in order of furthest to closest until everyone holes out.
5. Keep Score: Keep everyone’s score on the scorecard. The player with the lowest score on the previous hole tees off first on the next hole.
6. Max Score Rule: If you haven’t finished the hole after six strokes, pick up your ball, write down a 6, and move on to the next hole.
7. Tally it Up: After the round, add up everyones scores to see out who won and who's buying ice cream.

These tips can be the difference between playing putt putt and winning putt putt.

1. Hit the Sweet Spot: Hit the ball with the center of the putter. Missing off the heel or toe of the putter causes the ball to veer offline and come up short of your target.
2. Bring Your Own Putter: If you’re serious about winning, bringing your own putter can make a difference. Most putters you get from the putt putt course are short, lightweight, and clunky.
3. Start Strong: Your tee shots set the tone for each hole. Your top priority should be to get past the biggest obstacle standing in your way. From there you can focus on getting the ball in the hole.
4. Be Bold: Long holes usually have an incline or a ramp. Hitting a strong, firm shot helps eliminate the chance of the ball rolling back to your feet.
5. Master Short Putts: Sinking the short putts is the biggest difference between a good score, and a great one. 
6. Practice Makes Perfect: The more you play, the better you’ll get. You can even practice at home using a standard golf putting mat.

Be aware of a couple mini golf course rules to help settle any mini disputes.

Ball Against an Obstacle? You’re usually allowed to move your ball one putter head length when it’s resting against an obstacle to give yourself a clean shot.

Max Six Strokes: Most courses also allow a limit of six strokes per hole, so no matter how badly you play a particular hole, the highest score you write down is a six.

No Jump Shots: Keep your ball on the putting surface while you play.

Believe it or not, there’s a professional side of mini golf. The U.S. ProMiniGolf Association sanctions events all across the U.S. and the competition is fierce.

If you're looking for the latest advancements in mini golf, we recommend trying out Puttshack or the Tiger Woods backed Popstroke. Both incorporate the classic elements of mini golf, but on fun and exciting courses with upgrades in technology.

If you're not having fun on a miniature golf course, you should probably consider a different activity. Mini golf can be an enjoyable experience, whether you're playing solo, on a date, or with your family. That doesn't mean it can't be competitive, though. Have fun putting around.