How to Play Mini Golf: Rules, Scoring & Tips FAQ

New to mini golf or hosting your first event? Here are answers to the most common questions about how to play, score, and enjoy the game.

Last updated: July 2026

What are the basic rules of mini golf?

Mini golf rules are refreshingly simple: each player takes turns putting from the starting mat, trying to get the ball into the hole in as few strokes as possible. Play in the order you started, don't move the ball unless a local rule allows it, and count every stroke honestly — including any air shots. Most courses also set a maximum stroke limit per hole (usually 6 or 7) to keep things moving. That's genuinely all you need to get started.

What is par in mini golf and how does it work?

Par in mini golf is the expected number of strokes a competent player should need to complete a hole. Most mini golf holes are par 2 or par 3 — occasionally par 4 on longer or trickier layouts. If you hole out in fewer strokes than par, you're under par (great!); more strokes means you're over par. At a casual party or event, par is a handy way to give everyone a benchmark without making scoring feel too serious.

How do you keep score correctly in mini golf?

Mini golf scoring works exactly like regular golf — lowest total score wins. Each player writes down the number of strokes taken on every hole. At the end of the round, add up all the hole scores to get a total. Most courses provide scorecards; if you're running your own event with a portable mini golf course, it's worth printing scorecards in advance so guests can track their progress hole by hole.

How many strokes are you allowed per hole in mini golf?

Most mini golf courses cap players at 6 or 7 strokes per hole. If you haven't holed out by then, you simply pick up the ball, record the maximum score, and move on. This rule exists purely to keep the round flowing — especially important at events or parties where a long queue behind you is not ideal. The exact limit is up to whoever's running the course, so it's always worth agreeing a house rule before you start.

What is a hole-in-one called in mini golf?

A hole-in-one in mini golf is simply called a hole-in-one — the same term used in regular golf. Some players and venues also call it an ace. It means you've putted the ball from the starting mat directly into the hole in a single stroke, which is absolutely worth a celebration regardless of what you call it.

How do you hold a putter correctly for mini golf?

To hold a mini golf putter correctly, grip the club with both hands together near the top of the handle, keeping your grip light rather than tight. Stand with feet roughly shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and position the ball in line with the centre of your stance. Keep your eyes over the ball and use a smooth pendulum motion from the shoulders — not the wrists. Beginners who tense up and flick their wrists tend to send the ball wildly off course, so staying relaxed makes a real difference.

What are the most common mini golf mistakes beginners make?

The most common beginner mistakes in mini golf are:

Mistake	Why it hurts	Quick fix
Gripping the putter too tightly	Causes jerky, inaccurate strokes	Hold it as if you're holding a tube of crisps — firm but relaxed
Hitting too hard	Ball bounces off walls and overshoots	Aim for gentle, controlled contact
Ignoring the angles	Missing bank shots off side walls	Treat walls like a snooker cushion — use them
Rushing the backswing	Poor contact and direction	Slow down; mini golf rewards patience
Not reading the green	Misjudging slopes	Take a moment to spot any tilt before you putt

What is the difference between mini golf and crazy golf?

Mini golf and crazy golf are used interchangeably in the UK and broadly mean the same thing — a short-form putting game played on a compact course with obstacles. Technically, "mini golf" often refers to courses with fixed carpet or astroturf layouts, while "crazy golf" tends to suggest more elaborate themed obstacles like windmills, tunnels, or ramps. In practice, the distinction rarely matters; both are brilliant fun for events, weddings, and parties.

Can young children play mini golf at a party or event?

Mini golf is one of the most genuinely inclusive activities you can offer at a party or event — children as young as three or four can join in with a little help from a grown-up. Shorter putters and lighter balls make it easier for small players, and the turn-based format means kids aren't left waiting long. If you're buying or hiring a course for a family event, a 6-hole Partysize course keeps rounds quick enough to hold younger children's attention.

How long does a typical round of mini golf take for a group?

A round of mini golf typically takes 20–30 minutes for a group of four on a 9-hole course, or around 45–60 minutes on an 18-hole layout. Pace depends on group size and how seriously people are playing. At events and parties, groups of four to six tend to flow well — larger groups can slow things down, so splitting into smaller teams and running a leaderboard keeps energy high and queues short.

Do you need any special equipment to play mini golf?

Mini golf equipment is minimal: a putter, a ball, and a course is all you need. Most venues and hired courses supply everything. If you're buying your own setup for events or regular use, a starter pack with warm-up obstacle is a great entry point — it comes with putters, balls, and an obstacle so you're ready to play straight away, indoors or out.

Can mini golf be played indoors?

Mini golf can absolutely be played indoors — it's one of its biggest advantages as an event activity. Modular astroturf courses can be laid out in sports halls, marquees, conference rooms, and even large living rooms. As long as you have a reasonably flat floor and enough clear space, the course can be shaped to fit the room. Indoor play also means wet weather is never a problem, which matters a lot in the UK.