How to Mini Golf
Mini-golf may seem like child’s play, but even some competitive amateur and professional golfers take the time to practice their putting strokes and short games on mini-golf courses. Some mini-golf games can also be quite challenging, especially if the course is laid out in a very complex way. Here are some tips that can help you win a round of mini-golf.
Equipment
Most mini-golf courses rent out shoes, clubs, and other golfing gear to customers. If you’re into mini-golf as a serious pastime, you’ll need the following equipment:
Putter. You don’t need a full kit of golf clubs to play mini-golf. A wide putter with a stable sweet spot can help you take the ball where you want it to go.
Golfing gloves. While you can handle a putter with bare hands, it’s best to use a pair of golfing gloves to guide your finger positions, as well as give you a better grip on the club.
Golf shoes. Most mini-golf courses are made from synthetic turf, although some courses may be made from natural grass. While you don’t need golfing shoes to play a round of mini-golf, it still gives you an advantage if you have the proper stance on the course, and if your feet have the proper grip on the ground.
Courses
Some mini-golf courses try to imitate the putting greens of full 18-hole golf courses, although most of them are designed to give the player a mental challenge on how to get the ball to the hole with the fewest number of strokes. Here are some of the challenges offered by mini-golf courses:
Curves and slopes. Many mini-golf courses for beginners and novices have curves and slopes that are usually not found in average golf courses. The key is to get the ball beyond the curve, or over the slope.
Obstacles. Many fantastic obstacles can be found in many mini-golf courses. Some of these obstacles may include the moving blades of a windmill, water-jets, or collapsing buildings.
Hops and skips. Some golf courses may also require that you allow the ball to jump or hop across gaps, like artificial rivers or holes.
Tips
Like golf, mini-golf can be a very frustrating game, especially if the course is challenging. Golf is considered “the gentleman’s game,” and the same discipline is required when you play mini-golf. Here are some tips to help you win the game:
Time your strokes. Courses with mechanical obstacles are all about timing. Instead of beating the obstacles to the second, observe the movement pattern of the obstacles, and time your stroke when an opening appears.
Use an even-handed stroke. You don’t need powerful strokes to win mini-golf. All you need is a steady stroke that will keep the ball moving to the hole at the right direction, with the right momentum.
Minimize strokes. Like a game of golf, you need to make sure you’re using as little strokes as possible when playing mini-golf. Take the time to study the hole before taking a stroke to keep your score low.
Mini-golf is a very challenging pastime that you can enjoy for fun or use to sharpen your short game. Keep these tips in mind so that you can win and set record in your local mini-golf course.