Hole 02 / 3// Game Formats

Mini Golf

A scaled-down version of golf played on a compact course using only a putter and a ball. Mini golf courses typically have 9 or 18 holes, and the objective is the same as full-size golf — complete each hole in as few strokes as possible. The defining feature of mini golf is the obstacles built into each hole, which add challenge and visual variety beyond a simple flat surface. "Mini golf" is also the broad umbrella term that covers more specific formats like crazy golf and adventure golf.

Miniature Golf

Another name for mini golf, used interchangeably in most English-speaking markets, including India.

Putt-Putt Golf

A regional term for mini golf, more commonly used in the United States. Functionally the same activity as mini golf.

Crazy Golf

A specific style of mini golf, most associated with the UK, characterized by compact courses with quirky, eccentric obstacles on each hole. Crazy golf emphasizes fun and surprise over genuine putting skill, and courses tend to be smaller and more casually designed than adventure golf.

Adventure Golf

A more immersive, story-led format of mini golf. Adventure golf courses are typically larger and more elaborate than crazy golf, built around a theme or environment (jungle, heritage, nautical, etc.), with contoured, sloped greens that genuinely reward putting skill rather than relying purely on luck.

Adventure & Themed Golf →

Mini Putt

Often used to describe a simpler, more practice-focused version of mini golf — clean putting surfaces with less emphasis on large themed obstacles, closer in spirit to practicing on a real putting green than to a themed entertainment attraction.

Hole 03 / 3// Course Types

Putting Course / Putting Green Course

A course made of natural turf grass, similar to a real golf course, where players putt the ball into the hole using the same surface and skill principles as full-size golf — distinct from a mini golf course, which uses synthetic or artificial turf and incorporates obstacles. Putting courses are popular as resort and hotel amenities, particularly because they require significantly less investment than a full-sized golf course while still offering a "real golf" experience.

Pitch & Putt

A short-format golf course where players use a limited set of clubs (typically just a putter and one or two short irons or wedges) to play very short holes — longer than a mini golf or putting course hole, but much shorter than a full golf course hole. A different format from mini golf, generally requiring more land and a more traditional golf course feel.

Chip & Putt

Similar to pitch & putt — short-format golf focused on the chipping and putting game, typically played on natural turf with real golf clubs rather than synthetic surfaces and a single putter.

Hole 04 / 3// Scoring

Par

The number of strokes a skilled player is expected to need to complete a hole. In mini golf, most holes are designed as par 2 or par 3.

Stroke

A single hit of the ball with the putter. The goal in both mini golf and full-size golf is to complete each hole in as few strokes as possible.

Hole-in-One

Completing a hole in a single stroke — the best possible outcome on any individual hole, in both mini golf and full-size golf.

Hole 05 / 3// Course Design

Obstacle

A structural feature placed on a mini golf hole — tunnels, ramps, loops, bridges, windmills, or themed props — designed to add challenge, visual interest, and personality to the hole. The variety and creativity of obstacles is one of the main reasons mini golf is more engaging than a simple flat putting course.

Hazard

A feature on a hole — typically water, sand, or a designated boundary — that penalizes a player if the ball enters it, usually with an added stroke. Both mini golf and full-size golf use hazards to add strategic difficulty.

Theming

The visual and narrative design applied to a mini golf or adventure golf course — color schemes, props, structural elements, and an overall storyline that gives the course a distinct identity beyond just being a series of holes.

Adventure & Themed Golf →

Course Layout

The overall arrangement of holes on a site, including how players move between them. Good layout planning accounts for player flow (avoiding groups crossing paths), visual variety, and how the course uses the available space.

Hole 06 / 3// Construction

Putting Surface

The actual playing surface a player putts the ball across — typically synthetic turf engineered for consistent, predictable ball roll in mini golf, as opposed to natural grass in a putting course.

Equipment & Turf Supply →

Sub-Base

The engineered layer beneath a mini golf course's playing surface — including grading, drainage components, and a compacted foundation — that determines the course's long-term durability and performance, especially outdoors.

Outdoor Mini Golf →

BOQ (Bill of Quantities)

A detailed document listing all materials, labor, and costs required for a construction project — a standard part of the design-to-construction handoff on any mini golf course build.

Hole 07 / 3// Operations

O&M (Operations & Maintenance)

The guidelines and procedures for running a mini golf course after construction is complete — covering staffing, routine upkeep, and day-to-day operations. Typically provided as part of project handover.

Hole 08 / 3// Industry

FEC (Family Entertainment Center)

A commercial venue offering multiple entertainment attractions under one roof or property — arcades, bowling, trampoline parks, and mini golf are common combinations.

Mini Golf for Malls & FECs →

Feasibility Study

An assessment of whether a proposed mini golf project is likely to succeed on a given site — covering factors like location, market demand, competition, and realistic cost and revenue expectations, typically conducted before committing to construction.

Mini Golf Consultancy →

Mini Golf Glossary