Miles Bennett
Miniature golf, also known as mini-golf, is a novelty golf game played with a putter on a miniature course. The game typically includes tunnels, bridges, sharp corners, and obstacles. While the World Minigolf Sport Federation (WMF) prefers the name minigolf, the game has several other names, including mini-golf, midget golf, goofy golf, shorties, and crazy golf. The hyphenation of mini-golf indicates that it is a smaller version of the traditional game of golf, and it is commonly used in written and verbal communication.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Names | Miniature golf, mini-golf, mini golf, midget golf, goofy golf, shorties, extreme golf, crazy golf, adventure golf, mini-putt, putter golf |
| Governing Body | World Minigolf Sport Federation (WMF) |
| Playing Style | Played with a putter on a miniature course with tunnels, bridges, sharp corners, and obstacles |
| Holes | 18 holes, with the 19th hole often offering a free game if a hole-in-one is scored |
| Scoring | The world record for one round is 18 strokes on 18 holes |
| Popularity | Mass-produced courses emerged in the early 20th century, with a boom in the US during the 1920s, leading to tens of thousands of courses across the country |
| National Day | National Miniature Golf Day is celebrated annually on the second Saturday of May in the United States |
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What You'll Learn
- Miniature golf is a novelty golf game played with a putter on a miniature course
- The game has several names, including midget golf, crazy golf, and adventure golf
- The sport is governed internationally by the World Minigolf Sport Federation (WMF)
- The first standardised miniature golf courses were mass-produced in 1916 in North Carolina
- The 19th hole often rewards players with a free game if a hole-in-one is scored
Miniature golf is a novelty golf game played with a putter on a miniature course
Miniature golf, also known as mini-golf, is a novelty golf game played with a putter on a miniature course. The name "miniature golf" emphasizes the smaller scale of the course compared to traditional golf, as "mini" refers to something that is a smaller version of something else.
The game is typically played on a course featuring tunnels, bridges, sharp corners, and obstacles. It involves using a putter to hit a ball towards a hole, aiming to complete the course in the fewest strokes possible. Miniature golf courses can vary in design, with some having themed holes and creative obstacles.
The sport has several names, including mini-golf, midget golf, goofy golf, shorties, extreme golf, crazy golf, adventure golf, mini-putt, and putter golf. The World Minigolf Sport Federation (WMF), the governing body for the sport, prefers the name "minigolf." The term "putt-putt" is also commonly used, especially in the United States, where it is the name of a company that builds and franchises miniature golf courses.
The history of miniature golf dates back to the early 20th century, with the first standardized courses appearing in the 1910s and 1920s. The development of artificial greens made the game more accessible, leading to a boom in miniature golf courses across the United States during the 1920s. However, the Great Depression in the late 1930s brought an end to this boom, with most courses closing down.
Today, miniature golf is a popular recreational activity enjoyed by people of all ages. It is often featured in entertainment centres, amusement parks, and family-oriented venues. Miniature golf provides a fun and challenging experience, combining elements of precision, strategy, and creativity in a compact playing area.
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The game has several names, including midget golf, crazy golf, and adventure golf
Miniature golf, also known as mini golf, is a novelty golf game played with a putter on a miniature course. The game is an offshoot of traditional golf, focusing solely on the putting aspect. Miniature golf courses usually feature tunnels, bridges, sharp corners, and obstacles, and sometimes incorporate artificial putting surfaces, such as carpet, artificial turf, or concrete.
The game has several names, including "midget golf", "crazy golf", and "adventure golf". The name "midget golf" is likely derived from the fact that the game is played on a smaller, miniature course compared to traditional golf. As midget golf has grown in popularity, the hazards and obstacles used have become increasingly creative and challenging.
"Crazy golf" is another common name for miniature golf, reflecting the fun and unpredictable nature of the game. The term "putt-putt" is also sometimes used, although this is the trademark of an American company that builds and franchises miniature golf courses.
"Adventure golf" is often used to describe miniature golf courses that are particularly themed or challenging. For example, the Adventure Golf and Raceway in Denver, Colorado, features three 18-hole adventure golf courses with mind-spinning electric bumper cars and go-karts, creating an exciting and immersive experience for players.
While the World Minigolf Sport Federation (WMF) prefers the name "minigolf", the game has many other names that vary across different countries and regions. Some of these alternative names include "mini-golf", "goofy golf", "shorties", "extreme golf", "mini-putt", and "putter golf".
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The sport is governed internationally by the World Minigolf Sport Federation (WMF)
The sport of miniature golf, or minigolf, is governed internationally by the World Minigolf Sport Federation (WMF). The WMF is headquartered in Göteborg, Sweden, and is the sole umbrella organization of minigolf associations worldwide, with member organizations on all five continents. The WMF was previously a member of the Global Association of International Sports Federations, and within it, the Alliance of Independent Recognized Members of Sport (AIMS). The WMF is now a member of The Association for International Sport for All (TAFISA).
The WMF organizes minigolf World Championships biennially (on odd-numbered years) and continental championships in even-numbered years. These competitions are arranged for three age groups: juniors (under 20 years), adults (no age limit), and seniors (over 45 years). The WMF also organizes annual World Junior/European Open Championships. All competitions approved by the WMF are played on standardized courses, which are designed for competitive play.
The WMF was formed in 1993 from the International Minigolf Federation (IBVG), which had existed in parallel with the Austrian Minigolf Association (ÖBGV) since 1980. Since the formation of the WMF, new representatives from continents such as North and South America, and Asia have been integrated. The US Pro Mini-Golf Association (USPMGA) has been an active member of the WMF since 1995 and represents the United States in the federation.
While the WMF prefers to use the name minigolf, the game has several names that vary between countries, including mini-golf, midget golf, crazy golf, adventure golf, and putter golf.
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The first standardised miniature golf courses were mass-produced in 1916 in North Carolina
Miniature golf, also known as minigolf, putt-putt, crazy golf, and by several other names, is a novelty golf game that is an offshoot of traditional golf. It typically involves putting a ball on a miniature course with tunnels, bridges, sharp corners, and obstacles. The game has evolved over the years, with different variations and obstacles being introduced.
The first standardized miniature golf courses that were mass-produced originated in 1916 in Pinehurst, North Carolina. The course was called Thistle Dhu, which means "This'll Do". It was designed by James Barber and featured a compact and classical design with fountains, gardens, and geometric walkway patterns. The course revolutionized the game and made it more accessible to the public.
The development of Thistle Dhu marked a significant step in the evolution of miniature golf, as it introduced the concept of a standardized and mass-produced course. Prior to this, miniature golf courses were often created using various obstacles and materials that were readily available. With the mass production of the Thistle Dhu course, the game became more structured and consistent, allowing for a more uniform playing experience.
The creation of Thistle Dhu also contributed to the growing popularity of miniature golf in the early 20th century. By the late 1920s, there was a boom in miniature golf courses across the United States, with over 150 rooftop courses in New York City alone and tens of thousands across the country. This era saw the emergence of innovative course designs, with some being built on the rooftops of skyscrapers.
The impact of the first standardized miniature golf course extended beyond the initial wave of popularity. It laid the foundation for the continued development and evolution of miniature golf as a sport. The structured and accessible nature of Thistle Dhu attracted a wider audience, including those who may not have been traditionally interested in golf. This helped to establish a dedicated community of miniature golf enthusiasts, leading to the formation of organizations such as the Professional Putters Association and the US Pro Mini-Golf Association (USPMGA) in the US, and the World Minigolf Sport Federation (WMF) internationally.
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The 19th hole often rewards players with a free game if a hole-in-one is scored
Miniature golf, also known as mini-golf, is a novelty golf game played with a putter on a miniature course. The game typically features tunnels, bridges, sharp corners, and obstacles. The sport is governed internationally by the World Minigolf Sport Federation (WMF), which is headquartered in Sweden. While the WMF uses the name "minigolf", the game has several other names, including midget golf, crazy golf, adventure golf, and mini-putt.
The 19th hole on miniature golf courses often presents players with a bonus challenge: if they can score a hole-in-one, they will win a free game. This bonus hole adds an extra layer of excitement to the game, giving players the opportunity to test their skills and try their luck at winning a legendary prize.
The chance of achieving a hole-in-one varies depending on the player's skill level. Actuaries calculate the odds of an average golfer making a hole-in-one at approximately 12,500 to 1, while the odds for a tour professional decrease to 2,500 to 1. Holes-in-one most commonly occur on par 3 holes, the shortest distance holes on a standard-size golf course. However, longer hitters have also achieved this feat on longer holes.
While a hole-in-one on the 19th hole may not count as an official "hole-in-one" in a tournament or competition, it is still a thrilling achievement for any golfer. It is a testament to their skill and a memorable moment worth celebrating, even if it doesn't make it into the record books.
The 19th hole offers players a unique opportunity to push their limits and potentially walk away with a free game as a reward for their prowess on the course. It adds an element of surprise and excitement to the game, keeping players engaged and eager to improve their skills.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the source. Some sources hyphenate it as 'mini-golf', while others do not use a hyphen and instead spell it as 'mini golf' or 'minigolf'.
Miniature golf, also known as mini golf, mini-golf, or minigolf, is a novelty golf game played with a putter on a miniature course. These courses usually include tunnels, bridges, sharp corners, and obstacles.
Miniature golf courses were revolutionized by Thomas McCullough Fairbairn, a golf fanatic who formulated a suitable artificial green made from a mixture of cottonseed hulls, sand, oil, and dye in 1922. This discovery made miniature golf accessible everywhere, and by the late 1920s, there were over 150 rooftop courses in New York City alone and tens of thousands across the United States.
Miniature golf has various names worldwide, including mini-golf, midget golf, goofy golf, shorties, extreme golf, crazy golf, adventure golf, mini-putt, and putter golf.
Yes! In the United States, National Miniature Golf Day is celebrated annually on the second Saturday of May.
