Mini Golf: The Rich History Of A Fascinating Game

Mini golf is a game that has earned a lot of fans throughout history. If you have ever played this game, you must know that, unlike standard golf, it requires a small course, which has become a preferred game choice for almost everybody. But do you know about its past? How did this game become so popular? If not, we will discuss its history in today’s blog. Let’s first learn about the game from the below section if someone is unaware. 

About Mini Golf

Mini Golf is similar to its parent game however the scoring system is different. In this game, every stroke you make counts as a point. There is more than one hole on the course and Players play the ball in them. Depending on how many strokes you use to complete every hole, your score is decided, and the one with minimum points wins. 

History Of Mini Golf 

The game has many other names, such as miniature golf, crazy golf, putt putt golf, etc. Mini golf or putt putt golf came into existence in the 20th century, with the earliest documented mentions of courses in 1916 giving birth to this game. However, the first standardised miniature golf course was Thistle Dhu, which was invented in 1916. Thomas McCullough Fairbairn, an inventor, transformed this game with his formulation of artificial greens. Later, the game came to Europe around 1926 and gradually became popular. 

Mini Golf: Birth of Competitive Games

Also Known as crazy golf, this game became so popular that competitions were played in the U.S. The National Tom Thumb Open of 1930 was the very first crazy golf tournament. The total cash purse in this game was $10,000, with $2000 the top prize. Qualification play-offs were played in every state in the U.S., and the final competition was on Lookout Mountain.

Mini Golf: Governing Body

Currently, mini golf has become incredibly popular and is internationally governed by the WMF (World Minigolf Sport Federation). The WMF is a member of the Global Association of International Sports Federations and AIIMS (Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport). Several nations are members of the WMF and oversee national tournaments with governing bodies accordingly. For instance, the Australian Mini Golf Association is the governing body of Australia.

Mini Golf Competitions

Every year, several mini or crazy golf competitions are organised, such as the Jolly Roger Mini Masters, proMiniGolf USPMGA Masters, The O-Street Open, the PPA National Championship, etc. The world record for one round of mini or putt putt golf is 18 strokes on 18 holes. If it seems tough, thousands of players have officially achieved this score. 

Mini Golf Course Types

Different courses are used depending on the mini-golf competition. Currently, the WMF approves four types of courses. 

Beton

The Beton Cours, also known as Bongni Cours, is named after Paul Bongni of Geneva, Switzerland. These are concrete courses with stainless steel barriers and creative obstacles, like towers with blockades, banked curves, ramped holes, etc. 

Eternite

It’s second among the mini or miniature golf courses approved by WMF. The  Eternite courses are also known as Europabana.

Felt

Among the mini golf courses approved by WMF, Felt is third. Its other name is SFR or Swedish Felt Run course. This course is common in Finland and Sweden and has wooden edges.

Mini Open Standard

A Mini Open Standard course contains artificial greens with obstacles. This course is popular in the U.S. and the U.K.

Also Read: The 9 Largest Golf Courses in India 

Mini Golf Through Ages: A Historical Journey

So, this was our blog about mini golf. After reading it, you must have gained knowledge about the sport. As you don’t have to stand in plain fields under sunlight in golf, this game has become a popular way to enjoy your spare time. Follow Sportsnscoop for more informative blogs. 

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