What is the Difference Between Mini Golf and Traditional Golf?

• December 4, 2020
• Courses,Design,Mini Golf,
• Geoff Bennell

Mini golf is widely seen as the watered-down version of its big brother, traditional golf. After all, traditional golf is played by elites and professionals.

Mini golf however is more exciting than traditional golf. It’s played by regular folks of any age and people who desire a thrilling time. It can be great for a party, a date, a family outing, or corporate team building.

Most times, people play mini-golf just for the fun of it

Amateur trophies, mild competition, and zero professionalism.

Nothing super serious — use a putter to putt the ball into the hole.

Well, that’s not entirely true! Mini golf is much more than a regular outdoor fun activity. If you’ve got an inherent competitive spirit, you will experience lots of excitement and thrills.

Yes, mini-golf is not entirely like what you see professionals play on TV, but you get emotional pumps like the champions that compete on an elite level.

Here’s the thing: mini-golf and traditional golf all share the same fundamental principles. Also, folks who desire to play at an elite level can learn a thing or two from mini-golf.

If mini-golf is quite similar to traditional golf, what is the difference?

First is the distance. The distance between the hole and where you swing is not the same. For a game of traditional golf, an average drive is 182 to 274 metres, while mini golf is only a couple of metres away.

A round of mini-golf is 45 minutes, while that of traditional golf is 4 hours.

That’s not all…

The obstacles pretty much differentiate mini-golf from traditional golf.

For traditional golf, obstacles are somewhat natural, they are forces of nature. The geography, wind, and flag pole all form the obstacle in traditional golf.

A mini-golf comes with different kinds of obstacles. No natural hindrance, just beautiful decorations; these decorations form the obstacles. A typical mini golf course is decorated with gators, windmills, and loop de loops.

The obstacles are clearly defined. All you’ve got to do is take advantage of the terrain and putt the ball in the hole.

Since the obstacles are static, most times, there would be some rearrangements to rekindle the enthusiasm among the players.

How is mini golf played?

Traditional golf is pretty straightforward, all you need to do is get the ball from the tee into the hole. In most cases, a golf course has 18 holes, but beginners can opt for a 9-hole golf course.

The gameplay of mini golf is quite similar to normal golf, but there is a twist. First, you’d need a putter, a scorecard, a pen, and golf balls. The primary objective is to get your ball into all 18 holes.

Unlike the golf club, the putter is shorter, and it’s used to putt the ball into the hole in mini-golf.

The rule is simple, count the number of times it takes to putt the ball into the hole. Tally up all scores for the 18 holes and compare with other players. The player with the lowest number is the winner.

Each hole has a limited number of trials. To win, you’ve got to make each shot count.

Mini golf and traditional golf are similar but also a very different experience. They are fun games, and you can pretty much have a thrilling experience from any of the two.

Do you want to build a mini golf course?

Building a mini-golf course is a process, we can help you achieve the perfect mini-golf course. All you need is to contact Mini Golf Creations — you can reach out by contacting us or call +61 7 3823 2009.

Now you know the difference between mini-golf and traditional golf, which would you play next?

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there age restrictions? 

Mini golf is family-friendly, but some venues require children (under 10 or 13) to be supervised by an adult. Traditional golf may not always be family friendly, especially due to the skill level. 

What if it rains?

While traditional golf is played on sprawling outdoor estates, mini golf courses are often indoors or weather-friendly.

Is there a difference in cost between mini golf and traditional golf?

Mini golf tends to be more affordable, at around $15-25 per adult for an 18-hole course. Traditional golf, with its high maintenance fees, typically asks visitors for up to $100 for a round. Elite courses can cost even more. Typically, traditional golf does not offer family pricing.

Is it better to start a mini golf or traditional golf business?

Traditional golf can be much harder to set up, and can take longer to start seeing a return on investment. Mini golf has lower maintenance and running costs, with broader appeal. It also requires far less space. In fact, many traditional courses are adding mini golf for a second reliable income stream!