- November 22, 2025
- Construction,Courses,Design,Mini Golf,Opportunities,
- Tracey
The terms mini golf and putt putt are often used interchangeably, but they don’t mean the same thing. While both games involve putting a golf ball into a hole in as few strokes as possible, there are clear differences in how they’re played, how they’re designed, and how they’re scored.
If you’ve ever been confused by the difference, you’re not alone. Here’s a simple explanation.
What is Mini Golf?
Mini golf is a smaller version of traditional golf, played with a putter on a short, themed course. It often includes:
- Water features
- Hills and slopes
- Sand traps
- Themed decor or landscaping
- More complex obstacles
In mini golf, players take turns based on who is furthest from the hole, just like in traditional golf. The par for each hole can vary, usually between two and six, depending on the layout and difficulty.
The focus is often on creativity and precision, with strategic elements built into the course design. At Mini Golf Creations, our mini golf courses are designed to encourage repeat play by offering something new on every visit.
What is Putt Putt?
Putt putt is a specific style of mini golf, developed as a simplified version and originally trademarked in the 1950s. It is designed for fast, easy play and includes:
- Flat playing surfaces
- Basic obstacles like pipes, rails or blocks
- Consistent par-2 scoring on every hole
- A format where one player finishes the hole before the next begins
The design is less about terrain and more about simple angles and predictability. Putt putt is great for families with young children or people who want a quick, light-hearted game.
How Are Mini Golf and Putt Putt Different?
Here’s a quick breakdown of how the two games differ.
Course layout
Mini golf: varied terrain, landscaped features, slopes and themed obstacles
Putt putt: flat surfaces, basic geometric obstacles, simpler paths
Scoring
Mini golf: par varies (typically 2 to 6 per hole)
Putt putt: par is always 2
Turns
Mini golf: players take turns based on ball distance
Putt putt: one player completes the hole before the next starts
Play style
Mini golf: more strategy and skill
Putt putt: quicker and more casual
Experience
Mini golf: immersive and varied
Putt putt: uniform and straightforward
Why Do the Terms Get Confused?
Over time, many people have come to use mini golf and putt putt to mean the same thing. In some regions, putt putt has become the go-to phrase for any type of small-scale golf course. But technically, putt putt is just one style within the broader category of mini golf.
Some courses even combine the two styles, offering a mix of simple holes and more detailed, themed ones.
What Kind of Courses Does Mini Golf Creations Build?
At Mini Golf Creations, we design and build both mini golf and putt putt style courses, depending on what suits the location and the client’s goals.
Our project gallery includes examples of compact putt putt layouts, fully themed mini golf environments, and hybrid courses that bring both styles together.
We work closely with you to create a layout that fits your available space, appeals to your target audience, and delivers long-term value.
To understand how our custom design process works, visit our page on course design and construction.
Still Not Sure Which One You’ve Played?
If you’ve played a course with hills, landscaped features and varied obstacles, it was probably mini golf. If the course had flat holes with small barriers and simple paths, it was likely putt putt.
Either way, both games are designed to be fun, social, and accessible to people of all ages.
Interested in Building a Mini Golf Course?
You don’t need to know exactly what to call it. Whether you want a traditional putt putt experience or a more immersive mini golf course, we’ll help you create something unique.
To get started, contact Mini Golf Creations or call us on +61 7 3823 2009.
