How long has it been since you’ve played a game of miniature golf? Maybe you tried it as a child or it’s a family activity you and your children enjoy. Then again, maybe you’ve never played it and you want to try it out.
Whatever your familiarity with minigolf, this fun pastime is popular with a great number of people around the planet. Not only that, but it has a long and interesting history. Read on to learn more about miniature golf.
Minigolf’s origins
Would you believe that miniature golf is actually over a hundred years old? The first game was played in Scotland in 1872 and was designed for female players. At the time, women were not allowed to play a regular game of golf since the attitude was that it was a man’s game. The initial minigolf course designs were simple with no obstacles to avoid.
The game gradually increased in popularity, and by the early 1900s minigolf courses could be found across Europe and throughout North America. In 1931 a Swedish company created standardized courses and installed them in public parks and other locations so more people could discover the pleasure of the pursuit. Today, the Swedish Minigolf Federation is the oldest organization supporting the sport in the world.
Distinctive courses
Initially, Sweden and the US differed in how they constructed their minigolf courses. Swedish courses used tennis field sand while US courses used felt. It was some time before felt was adopted in Britain and Scandinavia. Felt was favored since rain soaks through it and into the ground, allowing for play during rainy weather.
The rapid expansion of courses across the United States saw innovative designs, including more than 150 rooftop minigolf courses in New York City. However, this boom came to an end with the economic depression of the 1930s, when many courses were demolished.
Today, many minigolf courses are theme-oriented and have more creative obstacles to make the pursuit more fun and interesting. And, with the influence of science and technology, there are even indoor glow-in-the-dark miniature golf venues.
How to play
As noted, minigolf can be played both outdoors and indoors. The rules of the game are quite simple to understand. The basic aim is to hit the ball with a putter into a hole with the fewest number of swings. Just like in regular golf, each time you hit the ball it counts as a point. Plus, there is generally a par rating given to each hole that suggests the number of swings required.
Minigolf is usually played in pairs or groups no larger than five. Each player tees off in turn and then the person whose ball has landed closest to the hole takes their second swing and so on. There is a maximum limit of six strokes for each hole, so if an individual has not managed to hit their ball into the hole in six tries, they just record a score of six, pick up their ball, and move on with their party to the next hole.
If a ball lands outside the course on the rough, it can be either played or dropped back onto the green and the player takes a one-stroke penalty. With these rules, the game moves quickly and players aren’t holding up a group behind them.
Why it’s so well-liked
One reason why the game is so popular is that the rules are straightforward; even the youngest players can understand them with a little coaching. This makes it great entertainment for the whole family.
Minigolf is a low-impact exercise that can get you up and moving while having fun at the same time. This means that it’s accessible to almost anyone, regardless of physical strength. It’s also inclusive in that it costs very little to play.
Plus, playing minigolf improves social connections. Getting out with friends, family members, or coworkers is good for your mental health, plain and simple. With courses available indoors and outside, socializing benefits of minigolf are there year-round.
What else to know
A testament to the attraction of minigolf is that it has its own international governing body. The World Minigolf Sport Federation (WMF) is headquartered in Göteborg, Sweden. The WMF belongs to the Global Association of International Sports Federations and organizes championships on the world stage for elite players and youth. In addition to the World Championships, Continental Championships are held in alternate years in Asia, Europe, and the United States. This is proof that miniature golf continues to have an enduring following.