Though each and every mini golf course is designed to pack its own unique punch, there are a few familiar holes that seem to haunt many golfers. The seasons are changing and now is the time of year when many families will start flocking to their favorite local mini golf courses and, as such, regular players will be confronted with certain crazy golf course design obstacles that always seem to thwart them. Read on to learn more about the four holes that mini golfers love to hate in each course!

Windmill

The dreaded windmill embodies the risk versus reward nature of mini golf. Of course, it is almost always possible to simply putt around the windmill, though its promise of a quicker path to the hole is often times too alluring for those more headstrong players who like to gamble. Taking a chance through the windmill means risking a wasted putt once your ball thumps harmlessly off the windmill’s blades. Timing is key and patience is a virtue, so get ahead of your competitors by playing the slow game with the windmill.

Pipe Hole

This familiar hole introduces an element of randomness into an otherwise straightforward game. Rather than hitting a ball from point A to point B, the pipe hole forces competitors to choose from several gateways that can have either fantastic or devastating effects on your putt. The right pipe can guide your ball delicately into the hole for an easy hole-in-one, or it can leave your ball somewhere else entirely. Those who have already played on a course with a pipe hole will have a competitive advantage over those who have not so be wary of your fellow golfers!

Impossible Angle

These holes are the mini golf equivalent of a dogleg, which is a crooked golf hole with a straight fairway that veers left or right towards the green, named after the hind leg of a dog. These holes often require the most strokes due to the hole being placed around a bend or behind other walls so that holes in one are nigh impossible. There are no shortcuts or other hidden secrets to make your putting easier, just straightforward geometry. Use the course’s walls and curves to your advantage and, if necessary, get level with the green to gain a better understanding of how your ball will be manipulated.

“Tire” Hole

This obstacle gets its name from a vertical loop on the course that your ball will have to travel all the way through before unpredictably shooting out the other end, much like those familiar Hot Wheels tracks. Not only does it require a fair bit of force just to successfully maneuver the loop, there is still a high degree of uncertainty of where the ball will go afterwards. Just like the windmill, this hole will tempt golfers with its chance at a closer shot at the hole, though you may save yourself a few strokes by avoiding the tire altogether.

Of course, some courses may have all of these devilish features or none of them – it is entirely up to the owner! If you are interested in having a mini golf course of your own built by a talented mini golf designer, browse our website to view photos of recent projects and contact us to get started on making your dream a reality! From putt putt golf course design to construction, we will be at your side to build any size course. We specialize in props, rock, water features, and so much more so we can make your course as creative and challenging as you’d like.

Miniature golf has been an entertainment staple for decades. People across the country and the globe enjoy the laid-back yet still competitive nature of the sport. And it is a sport. In fact, the 22^nd U.S. Pro MiniGolf Association Open was recently held in South Carolina. There’s also a World MiniGolf Federation. These highly-skilled players take the sport very seriously.

While your mini golf goals might not be quite that lofty and focused, it’s still possible to improve your game and have a great time while doing so. Use these tips to become a miniature golf pro and a true leader on any course.

Observe the Course

Many players take a “jump right in” approach to miniature golf. That’s a fine strategy if your main goal is to simply have fun with friends and family members. However, when you’re focused on improving with each game, it’s important to pay close attention to the miniature golf design of each specific course where you’re playing.

That’s because different courses have various obstacles and dimensions that will require a unique approach. While it might not be possible to walk the entire course before you begin to play, you can look two or three holes ahead, and make a plan as you go along. Some courses also offer a map which will help you better understand the best tactics required for each hole.

In addition, keep an eye out for interesting and innovative putt putt golf design features. Even if you don’t encounter each one on your next mini golf outing, you can still be aware of the latest design and placement trends.

Use Proper Form

The first thing any miniature golf pro will tell you is that using proper form is essential to improving your game. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart with your legs slightly bent. Face your dominant hand away from the hole. That means if you write with your left hand, you should position it to face the hole.

While you might keep your head slightly down during play, remember that you must be able to see where you want the ball to go. So, it’s a good idea to continually glance at your target before you hit the ball.

You’ll also want to be careful with the speed and intensity with which you strike the ball. Crazy golf design is all about maximizing enjoyment and strategy. Keep your focus on finding the “sweet spot” where you can sink a hole-in-one, or at least come in at or under par.

Take Your Time

As mentioned, miniature golf is all about fun, relaxation, and spending quality time with friends, co-workers, and loved ones. Sometimes you’ll see people trying to rush through the course. That’s simply counter-productive, and takes away from the timeless joy of the game. You’ll have a much better experience if you employ a leisurely approach to things.

In fact, most mini-golf course builders design with caution and strategy in mind. That means cool and calculated movements will put you in a better position of winning. By slowing down in this fashion, you’ll also be more in tune with what’s working great in your game, and what methods require a closer look.

Make Practice a Priority

To that end (and with most endeavors aimed at improvement) practice should be a priority to improve your miniature golf game. There are many drills that you can use to keep your skills sharp, including the clock drill, path drill, ladder drill, putting arc, golf box, and many more. These tutorials are readily available through a simple online search.

Along with the previously mentioned tips, it’s also important to ensure you’re using the proper stance, grip, and that your putter is the correct length for your body dimensions. You should also make speed and stroke practice a main focus.

Of course, accomplishing these goals requires logging time on a dynamic miniature golf course. If you don’t have a course nearby, remember that a miniature golf construction company with a  proven track record of success can provide you and the entire community with an outlet for good, clean fun and family bonding experiences.

With more than 25 years of expertise, we’re proud to have earned a solid reputation as putt putt golf course builders who care. Contact us today to get started on an outstanding miniature golf course of your own.

Designing a fun and engaging mini golf course takes careful planning. The course layout, hole designs, aesthetics, and other features all impact the overall experience for players. After designing and building hundreds of successful mini golf courses, Miniaturegolf Solutions has identified 5 must-have features that help create an exceptionally enjoyable mini golf experience.

1. Creative Hole Designs

The hole designs are one of the most important factors when developing an engaging mini golf course. Routine, unimaginative holes get boring quickly. An exceptional mini golf course features unexpected and clever hole designs that delight and challenge players on every hole.

Miniaturegolf Solutions has over 500 hole design concepts to choose from. Their collection includes holes with loops, twists, surprises and variable pathways. Holes incorporate ramps, bridges, tunnels, cliffs and water features to create interest. Unique accessories like rotating windmills, revolving doors and animated characters add extra entertainment. Creative hole layouts stimulate curiosity, competition and fun banter among players.

2. Cohesive Theme Elements

An engaging mini golf course has cohesive theme elements that carry through the landscaping, structures, accessories and hole designs. Well-executed themes like tropical islands, western towns, prehistoric jungles or fantasy castles make the course more immersive and enjoyable.

Miniaturegolf Solutions specializes in bringing theme designs to life through detailed buildings, realistic rock formations, waterfalls, lush plants and themed holes that transport players into another world. Even subtle touches like themed music, costumed staff and decorative props reinforce the theme experience.

3. Strategic Course Layout

The course layout impacts game strategy and determines how much interaction occurs between player groups. Avoid a boring, linear course that does not allow players to see shots ahead of or behind them. Instead, incorporate intersecting holes, elevation changes and clear sight lines so players can view other exciting shots.

Miniaturegolf Solutions strategically designs course layouts that encourage friendly competition. Their layouts promote natural gathering spots after holes so players can mingle and challenge each other. Smart course routing also controls pace of play so players do not feel rushed or backed up.

4. Appealing Aesthetics

Beautiful scenery and eye-catching focal points create curb appeal that welcomes players onto the course. As players walk the course, captivating aesthetics hold their attention and encourage photos and social media shares.

Miniaturegolf Solutions incorporates lush, professional landscaping with flowers, plants, rocks and water features surrounding holes. Custom rockwork, statues and waterfalls become signature focal points. Even functional course elements like bridges, ramps and retaining walls are built with textured materials and decorative touches to enhance aesthetics.

5. Quality Construction

Shoddy construction with uneven turf, bumpy putts and poor drainage ruins the experience, no matter how creative the hole designs are. Only a quality constructed course delivers true playability and longevity.

Every mini golf course built by Miniaturegolf Solutions uses premium construction materials and techniques. Their laser-leveled concrete sub-bases prevent uneven putts. USGA specified synthetic turf ensures smooth ball roll. Superior drainage systems prevent puddling. With quality construction, the course plays true year after year even with intense use.

In Conclusion

An exceptional mini golf course starts with creative design and quality construction. By incorporating must-have features like unique hole layouts, cohesive theming, strategic course routing, appealing aesthetics and durable construction, owners invest in the playability and longevity of their course. Players sense the care put into an well-designed course, which keeps them engaged, entertained and eager to return.

Miniaturegolf Solutions builds premier mini golf courses that blend artful design with playability. Our team has produced award-winning courses across the United States and internationally. We skillfully integrate key features like creative holes, immersive themes, interaction-friendly layouts, visual appeal and reliable construction. If you desire to build a distinctive and successful mini golf entertainment venue, choose our proven experts at Miniaturegolf Solutions.

One of the most popular aspects of mini golf is how it can always manage to attract such a diverse crowd – from a couple on a first date to office staff on a team building night or seniors on an evening out to a kid’s birthday celebration – it can cater to just about any age.

 

Mini golf also happens to be a great activity for a family looking to spend some quality time together without distractions. It’s a great way to get some outdoor time, a bit of exercise, share some laughs and enjoy some friendly competition together with your loved ones. Although you may not realize it, but mini golf can actually be quite beneficial for your little ones – wondering how? Here are the top reasons you should encourage them to join you more often on family putt-putt nights:

 

Social skills

Enjoying a friendly game of mini golf at a venue where other families are present is a good way for your child to gain some confidence, make some friends and learn about social etiquettes and sportsmanship.

 

Decision-making

Children are encouraged to start making decisions for themselves from a very young age. A round of mini golf can help them gain confidence by deciding how to play their shot, what technique to try and choosing achievable targets – all by themselves!

 

Patience

Children are known to be impatient and mini golf is one activity where they don’t have a choice but to exercise some patience while waiting for their turn. Knowing they must wait, be considerate of others and not give up despite failing a few times are a few things a game of mini golf can very easily introduce them to.

 

Physical activity

All parents struggle to get their kids away from their screens and spend some more time outside burning all that energy. What better than some crazy mini golf full of twists and turns to make them forget their gadgets for the evening while getting some exercise!

Although mini golf is a lucrative and popular business all year round, there come phases – like in any other business – where you may need to do a little more to attract more customers. After all, even the most thrilling entertainment venues sometimes don’t succeed if no one’s hearing about them.

 

Here are three marketing strategies that can help you boost your business:

 

Get Regular on Social Media

Your minigolf business is most probably present on a social media platform, and if it’s not then don’t waste a minute and set up an account! But just having a quiet, passive presence on social media is not enough. Consistent and quality content on your page is what will get you the most marketing mileage out of these platforms. About 4 to 5 posts a week should keep you relevant and when highlight an enjoyable activity like mini golf, coming up with creative content won’t be much of a challenge! Look into advertising on social media as well, targeting the right customers in the right demographic.

 

Influencer Marketing

Create a buzz for your minigolf business by using influencer marketing. Influencers’ power lies in the huge number of followers they have on their preferred social media platform. Posts or stories about your brand shared by them are going to be seen by thousands or even hundreds of thousands of people. Be sure to guide your hired influencers to a genuinely unique and fun experience, introducing them to the best parts of your crazy golf course design. The more they enjoy, the more authentic content they will be eager to create and market for you.

 

Reward Loyalty

There’s nothing more gratifying than a loyal patron! That’s when you really know you’ve succeeded at your business. So, reward your regular customers and their families with discounts and freebies to cement that relationship. Word-of-mouth from these steadfast customers is powerful marketing that will spread faster than any paid advertising.

It’s a universally acknowledged truth; there’s no social entertainment quite like mini golf! This fun activity is going strong around the world and is expected to become even more popular in the coming year, as people flock to recreations they can enjoy with their loved ones. This comes as no surprise since this game is enjoyable for all age groups all year round!

With technology consistently evolving, the typical crazy golf course designs are constantly enhancing with bigger and more impressive attractions getting added every year.

Here are 3 mini golf course design themes to look out in the months ahead:

Globetrotting adventures

Traveling the world has become more popular than ever. Adventurous spots such as the Machu Picchu in Peru, the Smuggler’s Cove in Greece or the Great Barrier Reef in Australia can be incorporated beautifully in your mini golf course. The possibilities of this theme are endless! This could be an excellent opportunity for families to bring their kids for an immersive learning experience, as well as tickle the interest of adventure-seeking individuals.

Fantasy

Because of popular shows such as Game of Thrones, the Harry Potter installments, and Lord of the Rings series, fantasy reigns in people’s imaginations, and a well-designed mini golf course can make them come alive. Artificial fire breathing dragons with sound effects, wicked elf sculptures, giant ogres marking your way to a hole, and similar ideas will entice people of all ages to play.

Indoor black light

Indoor mini-golf courses ensure that your business booms regardless of the season. Courses in a black out venue, radiating with glow-in-the-dark lights have fast been gaining popularity. Take your patrons on an unforgettable visual journey with illuminated 3D props and glow-in-the-dark holes. The crazier your concept, the more fun it will be!

Miniature Golf Solutions has been building creative and successful courses for decades. Our designs and technology keep evolving as we ensure successful and lucrative courses for your business needs!

As the temperature drops and the air becomes cooler, friends and families start becoming more inclined to spending time outdoors, making the most of the good weather and looking for fun activities to engage in together. Having decades of experience as miniature golf course builders, we can tell you with confidence that a well-designed course with all the right elements can draw out crowds throughout the year, especially during this season.

Here are a few reasons why mini golf will always be a favorite, even when summers are over, and the breeze becomes crisp.

Perfect Outdoor Activity

When wanting to enjoy a changing season, most people need more stimulation than just taking a walk outdoors. Mini golf provides an atmosphere where you can embrace the beauty of nature while being immersed in the excitement of a sport. It’s a brilliant venue to take a date, plan a team building evening, release the kids’ energies or share some laughs with your buddies.

Sharpen Your Putting Skills

A well-planned crazy golf course design can do wonders for honing your skills, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player. We design mini golf courses that keep visitors on their toes with unexpected and challenging features and attractive landscaping that’ll have patrons returning for more!

Enjoyable for All Age Groups

Whether you’re bringing out your young children, teens, or elderly parents – mini golf has the charm to attract all age groups because of its relaxed, yet invigorating environment. The younger lot can channel their competitive, boisterous energies and the elder can relish the lush landscape while finding joy in a fun physical activity, that doesn’t exert them too much.

Mini golf courses can only attract a never-ending flow of visitors if designed creatively by experts. Our team at Miniature Golf Solutions can help you build your dream course that will prove to be a feasible business all year round!

Whether you are already established in the family entertainment business market or are planning to invest in it, there are a few options that will be as profitable and successful as miniature golf. Along with being a lucrative business option, it is enjoyable to operate and has a relatively low overhead.

If you are still unsure if a miniature golf course is the right fit for your business plans, here are our top 3 reasons to assure you that you are heading in the right direction:

Appeals to all ages

What’s better than owning a business that has no specific target market and instead appeals to people of all ages? Mini golf is an inclusive, safe, enjoyable, and easy activity for all age groups that can be profitable all year long. From family bonding weekends to team building evenings, first dates to birthday parties – a miniature golf venue can host it all.

Can be marketed through several ways

Every business needs a good marketing plan in order to reach a wider audience. Your mini golf business can be advertised through various marketing channels, especially social media, which is very effective in today’s world!

Profitable business

An experienced and skilled mini golf course builder can help execute your plans in a smooth and professional manner. With a reputable miniature golf construction company by your side, you can count on your business to generate high revenues and remain profitable.

If you are looking to invest in a miniature golf course, talk to us at Miniature Golf Solutions and learn more about our past project, our current ones and the one we would be thrilled to design and build for you!

Since mini golf is usually a family activity, it has to be fun for everyone — whether they are eight years old or eight decades old. Therefore, miniature golf design has to consider a wide range of skill levels and attention spans — from people who have never picked up a club to seasoned pros. 

1. Have a Theme

Construct a narrative with your miniature golf design! Perhaps an alien invasion or mini safari. Remember, people will play this course multiple times, so the theme

has to be engaging the first and fiftieth time. Complex sound effects and voice-overs can get grating if there’s not enough variety elsewhere in the design.

2. Carefully Design the Challenges

No one likes getting stuck trying a particular challenge. It’s frustrating for the person playing and the group behind them waiting for their turn. Conversely, a course that’s too easy will be boring. You need to aim for that sweet spot right in the middle.

3. Consider Your Customers’ Heights

Tunnels are cool. Tunnels that parents have to keep ducking through will cause them to get annoyed. Similarly, children want to feel like they’re part of the adventure. If a dinosaur is supposed to pop out at the ninth hole and scare the kids, it can’t be at adult height, or it will literally go over their heads. 

This advice applies to clubs, too! Provide clubs that people of varying heights can use.

4. Maintain Your Course and Make It Durable

Let’s be honest. People can be destructive. Kids and parents can put a lot of wear and tear on your course. The fantasy you’ve carefully constructed with your theme can come crashing down if there are holes in the statues, broken animatronics, and fizzy speakers. 

5. Hire a Miniature Golf Course Designer

Finally, if you don’t think you can manage it on your own, get a miniature golf course designer to craft your course for you! These experts specialize in creating interesting mini golf courses that entertain children and adults alike.

 

Designing and constructing a miniature golf course may seem like an overwhelming task but with the right mini golf course builders, it can be a smooth and seamless process. An experienced and knowledgeable builder knows exactly how to create the landscape required for creative, fun, and successful mini golf course. One of the most popular components that go into a mini course’s design are water features. Water features can be used in various ways to enhance the aesthetic value of your business as well as for other purposes.

Here are 3 common ways golf course builders use water features in their design:

Water Features for a Mini Golf Course Theme

Many mini golf courses are built based on a specific theme such as lighthouses, pirates, jungles, and islands. Along with using props that create and enhance the theme, water features can also be used to create a more attractive setting. Waterfalls can be created for a jungle theme while small-scaled lakes or streams can be made around the props for lighthouse and pirate themed courses.

Water Features as a Visual Attraction

Even if the mini golf course you are creating is not based on a specific theme, you can still use water as a visual attraction on your location. Water has a cooling and calming effect and using it in outdoor locations boosts the appeal and beauty of the course, especially during hot, summer months.

Water Features for Visual Boundaries

If the area surrounding your mini golf course’s location is not very visually appealing or hosts another business that you want to shield your location from, you can use water features such as waterfalls to create borders and boundaries.

Our designers and builders at Miniature Golf Solutions know how important it is for a mini golf course design to include the right components to make it a popular and enjoyable attraction. Contact us to learn more about our projects and services.