Mini-golf is a shorter version of a real golf game which looks pretty simple to play, however, a few things about it aren’t that simple!
Just look at the way its score works!
Don’t know much about it? Nothing to worry as this conclusive guide includes everything you need to know regarding mini-golf score.
Let’s hop into it!
How Does Mini-Golf Work? How to Play?
Before we even get into the discussion about how mini-golf score works, let’s have a brief overview of how it’s played.
The players are assembled in groups of four or fewer to ensure that you’re having a quality time on the course.
A standard round consists of 18 holes; however, you can choose between multiple options depending on how much time you wanna spend on it.
The options include;
- 9-Hole
- 18-Hole
- 27-Hole
- 36-Hole
For more on mini golf length, hop into this article.
The round starts when the first player to get the putter and golf ball plays his shot.
Before he proceeds to the next hole, every other player in the group must take their first shot.
You’ll have a limit of six shots per hole to putt the ball. If you can’t, you’ll move to the next hole.
Mini-golf courses also contain obstacles and hurdles like sand traps, water traps, windmills, and loops.
If by any chance, your ball goes off the course or into the water trap, it’ll be replaced from where you hit the ball.
Watch this youtube video by Putt U Miniature Golf to have more insight on how to play mini-golf;
How Does Mini-Golf Score Work?
Now that you know how to play mini-golf, you might be thinking how does the score work? I’ve got you there!
Mini-golf score is calculated based on strokes where each stroke is counted as a point.
As you proceed through the course, the total number of strokes played by each player are counted on a scorecard.
Whoever completes the round with the minimum number of strokes wins the game!
The maximum par limit for each hole ranges from 2-6 and If your golf ball goes off the course or into a trap, you’ll have one stroke added to your score card.
If you’re still unable to comprehend, hop into this youtube video by Putt U Miniature Golf;
What Does a Mini-Golf Score Card Look Like?
Mini-golfers use a specific paper sheet referred to as a scorecard to keep their score.
This helps you focus on your game without having to worry about remembering the score.
You can choose anyone in your team as a scorekeeper who keeps recording the score throughout the game and tallies up in the end.
In case you don’t have a scorecard, you can also use a scorecard mobile app to keep your mini-golf score.
Wanna know how to use a mini-golf scorecard app? Watch this youtube video by Roman Gee;
How to Score Better in Mini-Golf: Tips & Tricks!
Although mini-golf doesn’t require much skill to play, many people still struggle with their game.
Let’s look at a few tips & tricks that can help you score better in mini-golf.
1. Start With the Basics
Playing mini golf may look similar to regular golf, but that’s not the case as the course is smaller and the rules are different.
Hitting a ball from a short distance requires proper putting skills, a firm grip on precision, and the ability to analyze each shot simultaneously.
You can achieve this by choosing the right putter that provides comfort and ease of use.
2. Analyze the Course
Mini golf courses come with various designs and obstacle details which means that you can’t win the game using the same approach every time.
I mean, you’ll have to play different speeds, angles, and techniques whenever you enter a new course.
That’s why I’d recommend analyzing the course before you begin to play because it allows you to plan your strategy as you go along.
Some golf courses also offer maps to guide you through your game, but if there isn’t one, just take an overview of the playing area and plan your way through the game.
3. Improve Your Stance
Focusing on your body posture and foot stance while playing mini golf is crucial for playing a proper putting shot.
Normally, your back should be at 40-45 degrees, while your shoulders and feet should be in a slightly wider position to make you feel relaxed and confident.
Improving your stance also helps with the assessment of ball speed and distance and visualizing the outcome of your shots prior to playing it.
4. Use Your Imagination to Visualize the Outcome
Mini golf allows you to plan your shots carefully.
This provides you with enough time to imagine the result of every shot before even playing it.
Plus, you can also imagine the flight and the role of a golf ball and its behavior with the putting green obstacles to help you become an experienced putter.
Many professional golfers use this technique to play accurate putts; however, It’s not wise for you to expect the same results because it takes a lot of practice to improve your visualization capabilities.
5. Focus on Your Ball Speed & Distance Control
Hitting your ball with a precise amount of force is key to controlling the ball’s speed.
Once you master the ball’s speed, you’ll know exactly how much force it requires to land the ball closer to the hole.
Certain factors affecting the ball speed include putting green conditions like slopes, contours, side banking, and obstacles.
Tacking these technicalities requires the player to have considerable ball speed and distance control abilities.
6. Use Hand-Eye Coordination
Mini-golf players require a high degree of hand-eye coordination to hit a putt in the center of the club head and return the putter to a desired position.
Furthermore, there’s also the need to control the putter path direction and club face angle for playing a standard shot.
Using proper hand-eye coordination can help a lot in scoring high without even using much skill and technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good score in mini-golf?
For an 18-hole round of mini-golf, 18 strokes is the perfect score. However, completing the round in 20-22 strokes is considered a good score.
What if your golf ball goes off the course?
While playing mini-golf, if your golf ball goes off the course, it’s replaced and one stroke is added to your points.
How many players should play in a mini-golf team?
Mini-golfer teams consist of 4 or less players so you can play without any trouble on the course.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve read this article on how mini-golf score works, I can safely say that you’ve got your hands on everything you need to know about it.
I’ve also laid down some tips and trick which can be practiced to score better however, you don’t need to go hard on the competition as the game is mostly played for fun.
While you’re on the course, remind yourself that you’re here to have fun so have fun!
Catch you in the next one!