- February 21, 2021
- Mini Golf,
- Geoff Bennell
The terms mini golf and putt putt are often used interchangeably to refer to small scale golf courses. While the aim of both is the same, to get the ball in the hole with as few strokes as possible, they are fundamentally two different games. That said, the definitions around types of mini golf tend to cross over a lot, leaving much uncertainty around what exactly each type is. We’ve done our best to describe the differences between mini golf and putt putt, but remember that others may see it differently.
Are Mini Golf and Putt Putt the Same Game?
What is Mini Golf?
As its name suggests, mini golf is simply a miniaturised version of regular golf, and you can expect to find similar features such as holes, flags, water hazards, sand traps and terrain obstacles. You play mini golf in the same fashion as golf, with the only significant difference being that you use a putter for every stroke due to the close quarters of the game.
Mini Golf is suitable for people of all ages and is a great outdoor activity for the whole family. You don’t need to have ever played golf to be good at mini golf. It’s designed to be fun and accessible, with a small layout that’s easy to move through. Courses are often themed and have entertaining decor.
How Do You Play Mini Golf?
Each stroke counts as one point, with players taking turns to hit their ball, with their putter, into each hole. The aim is to have the fewest points, meaning you’ve gotten your ball into each hole in the least amount of strokes. Because of the small area, it’s important to take precise strokes with the aim for smaller movements. Observe each hole and its obstacles well, for example considering hills before taking your stroke.
Watch this video to learn more about how to play mini golf:
What is Putt Putt?
Similarly to mini golf, putt putt is another branch of golf, but a less traditional one. Putt putt courses often have obstacles like metal rails, pipes or statues. They tend to be simpler than mini golf courses in play, but can be more ‘gimmicky’, relying more heavily on thematic features like clowns or animals. As putt putt courses are more simplistic, they often require less skill, with most of the holes being designed to enable getting a ‘hole-in-one’.
Again these are great for all the family. Putt Putt is seen as more accessible than mini golf, which is a more accessible version of traditional golf. It’s super fun and easy, which means it’s always a great time.
The Differences Between Mini Golf and Putt Putt
The main difference between mini golf and putt putt lies in the way they are played and scored. In mini golf, all players take their first stroke, and then the person furthest from the hole takes their second putt, as in real golf. In putt putt, the first person must complete the hole before the second person can commence their turn. Putt putt also has a maximum par of two for each hole, whereas the par score for mini golf can range from two to six.
Putt putt courses are usually much easier, with the obstacles being limited to little blocks or rails, small slopes and pipes. Most of the holes are designed to be completed in one or two straight putts. This makes the game much faster, and great for those who are frustrated easily, but also less exciting.
The name ‘Putt Putt’ derives from the Putt Putt Fun Centre in the US, where it was copyrighted in the ’50s as a specific version of mini golf in which all games have the same rules. This means Putt Putt is more standardised than mini golf, its purpose to be simplistic.
What are the Benefits of Mini Golf Courses?
Obstacles in modern mini golf courses, like those made by Mini Golf Creations, are hugely varied, with the holes in amongst terrain features like hills, water hazards, caves and sand traps. They are usually much more complex in design and theme which makes for an immersive experience.
Becoming proficient in mini golf is all about learning to ‘play the course’ and use the elevation changes and obstacles to your advantage. This makes the game a little more skill focused and more strategy based which is great fun.
Mini golf is also an excellent opportunity to improve your putting skills to put to use in real golf.
Are You Interested in Building a Mini Golf Course?
We hope this blog has helped you to understand how mini golf and putt putt differ. Remember, whichever game you end up playing, the most important thing is being able to share your love of golf and have fun!
When it comes to mini golf courses, at MGC we’re a leading designer and installer in Australia. If you are looking to build a Mini Golf Course contact us to find out if it’s a good option for your land.
