What is Mini Golf?
Mini golf, also known as miniature golf and the generalized trademark Putt-Putt, is a sports modeled after the life-size sport of the same name. Created in Scotland in the early 1900's as a way for women to enjoy golf in a more "feminine manner," mini golf quickly became a favorite among movie stars and celebrities. The first mini golf course in America was Thistle Dhu or "This'll Do." It opened in 1916 in Pinehurst, North Carolina as a tribute to the Louvre's Tuileries Garden, complete with sculptures, fountains, and elaborated terraces. The original courses, however, were simple flat landscapes that look very different to the mini golf courses of today.
It wasn't until the early 1920s that mini golf took off, partly thanks to the invention of "artificial green," which allowed mini golf courses to be opened everywhere, without the need for grass maintenance. The next revolution came in the 1940s, when obstacles were first introduced to the courses.
Many of the rules of mini golf are the same as regular golf: courses have eighteen holes and players must attempt to hit the holes in as few strokes as possible. Mini golf, however, also has a series of obstacles, including ramps, tunnels, and animated barriers. Many mini golf courses are based on themes, such as pirates, tropical jungles, or fairy tales. Designs can get quite complex, with hand-crafted designs and state-of-the-art props and animatronics.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is considered the "Mini Golf Capital of the World," with over 50 courses in the center of the city alone. Florida comes a close second, especially in touristic areas and resort areas. Florida also boasts some of the most elaborate mini golf courses, many of which resemble Disney rides and are an attraction all in itself.
Mini golf is popular as family entertainment, but it's also considered an official sport, played at competitive levels around the world. Organizations such as the US Pro Mini-Golf Association (USPMGA) and World Minigolf Sport Federation (WMF) organize championships. Professional mini golf players concentrate on straight putting, with no obstacle courses to interfere in the game.
Written by Diana Bocco
