Minigolf puts a smile on the faces of players and minigolf course owners alike! The game not only promotes social interaction and well-being, but also provides a viable business model and a valuable community asset. That’s why minigolf courses are popping up in all sorts of places, from shopping centres and entertainment venues to holiday parks, golf clubs and sports centres.
If well planned and imaginatively designed, a minigolf course attracts new and regular visitors, injecting life (and cash) into a community.
How is minigolf different from golf?
As the name suggests, minigolf is a miniature version of golf, but has evolved in quite a different direction. With either version, the aim of the game is for players to hit the ball into each hole on the course in as few shots as possible. A golf or minigolf course usually has 9 or 18 holes, and if you hit the ball into a hole in one shot it’s called a ‘hole in one’. But that’s where the similarity ends.
Minigolf is more accessible than golf, quicker to play, and generally more fun! You don’t need any experience or expensive equipment to play a game. On a minigolf course, players negotiate a variety of obstacles by hitting the ball through, under, over or around them.
The obstacles, and the course itself, usually follow some sort of visual theme to make the experience more engaging. As well as props, the experience design might include sound effects, lighting, motion sensors and humorous elements (see minigolf theming examples).
Because of its simple, accessible gameplay, minigolf can be played by people of all ages and abilities. The course is much more compact than a traditional golf course and can have many different layouts. The venue is more flexible too, as courses can be built outside or inside. That’s why it’s ideal for community leisure facilities, shopping centres, holiday parks, sporting clubs and tourist attractions.
A brief history of minigolf
Also known as mini-golf, miniature golf, putt-putt, adventure golf or crazy golf, minigolf evolved from the traditional sport of golf. The first minigolf courses appeared in the late 19th and early 20th century in Europe and the USA, and soon spread worldwide.
As well as providing people with a leisure pursuit, minigolf became a competitive sport. Worldwide championships continue to be held by the World Minigolfsport Federation (WMF) and attract players from 37 countries. In Australia, the Australian Minigolf Federation (AMGF) takes responsibility for the development of minigolf.
It’s worth noting that Natureworks has been in the theming business for over 45 years, so we’ve designed, constructed or supplied props for quite a few minigolf courses along the way! (Explore minigolf projects here).
The market for minigolf today
Minigolf courses have been generally popular over time but are now staging a bit of a revival. They’re evolving to cater for people looking for the instant gratification of short, immersive entertainment experiences. This opens up many possibilities for creative course designs, fun and whacky course obstacles, and cool glow-in-the-dark minigolf experiences.
A 2023 survey of participation in all types of golf by Golf Australia indicated at least 900,000 people play minigolf. However, this figure does not include the tens of thousands of casual minigolf players at tourist destinations, retail centres and leisure attractions.
Traditional golf businesses can also benefit from minigolf courses. Hosting a miniature version of the game can attract people to join the club or take up golf as a sport.
“Growth in traditional on-course golf is being fueled through the popularity of off-course golf – driving ranges, indoor golf, and mini-golf."
What's the best location for a minigolf course?
A minigolf course is often combined with other leisure attractions such as gaming arcades, eateries, nightlife spots, holiday parks, golf clubs and swimming pools. These tend to have existing facilities like food and beverage outlets or shops that benefit from spending by minigolf customers.
However, minigolf courses can be constructed in all sorts of spaces, from an empty field or garden to a vacant shop, large room or disused warehouse. You may be surprised at how little space you need for an 18-hole (or more) minigolf course. If you’re not sure, ask Natureworks for advice.
Short-term minigolf experiences
You’ll even see minigolf courses pop up at festivals, parties or seasonal events in parks, shopping centres, businesses, homes and public spaces. Natureworks provides a prop hire service for events and short-term attractions if you’d rather hire than buy.
So, who will a minigolf course attract?
Just about anybody! Because the game is accessible to all ages and abilities, the customers for a minigolf attraction will depend on where it’s located and how it is marketed.
The target customers for minigolf attractions typically include:
- Families (and grandparents) with children
- Teenagers and young adults
- Groups of friends of any age
- Corporate gatherings
- Parties for kids and adults
- Community groups
- Couples on a first date (a safe venue that minimises nerves!)
- Budding golf players.
Benefits of minigolf courses
If you’re thinking of setting up a minigolf attraction as a business or community venture, there are many potential benefits.
- Create a new revenue stream
- Attract visitors to a town, venue or business
- Boost the local economy and create jobs
- Bring business to nearby food and beverage venues
- Provide a new social venue for the community
- Raise interest in golf, and boost club memberships
- Run a fun enterprise!
Planning and designing a minigolf course
Once you have a venue, the next step is designing the minigolf course layout and visual theme. You’ll need a design that suits the space available and allows for the flow of multiple players negotiating holes and obstacles.
A good minigolf course design balances exciting challenges and obstacles with accessibility and playability, to ensure a high overall fun factor for all!
If you need help with the design, Natureworks can throw in some ideas or create a memorable mini-golf design for you. Alternatively, we can simply provide sculptures and props to suit your proposed course plan and theme. You can save money by choosing one of our custom mini-golf packages that let you mix and match props to suit your needs.
We can also manufacture and install surrounding elements such as artificial rocks and trees, ramps and signs, integrating these with natural landscaping for outdoor courses.
Visualising the minigolf course design
Theming the minigolf experience
Today’s minigolf courses come in all shapes, sizes and themes, often picking up on popular culture or reflecting an aspect of the local area. For example, a minigolf attraction by the sea might have a pirate and marine theme, while one beside a traditional golf green could be nature-themed to blend into the surrounding environment.
For a predominantly night-time venue, an unusual or highly memorable fantasy theme may be more appropriate. Or why not go all out and choose a glow-in-the-dark prehistoric minigolf theme complete with a roaring T-Rex? The only limit is your imagination.
Some examples of minigolf course themes
Inspired to launch a minigolf course?
To enquire about minigolf course design or props, just let us know what you’re after and we’ll give you a quote. We’d be happy to discuss custom projects (email or call us – see contact info).
Custom minigolf packages
Want to create a fun, family-friendly leisure business with minimum fuss? Save time and money setting up your minigolf course – ask about Natureworks minigolf packages.
The packages include a set of sculptures and props ready to be installed, and we can deliver a container load anywhere in the world!
Choose a themed mini-golf package to suit your space, theme and budget. Your package will include an appropriate mix of sculptures, props and decor items, but you can customise it however you like.
