The History of Mini Golf

Mini golf is a competitive, globally recognised sport enjoyed by many enthusiastic golfers. When you think of this sport, you might imagine several things: the green carpet on each hole, bright colours, and crazy obstacles. Some will even use this to help with their own game, just like golfing simulators found at Uneekor can do for those who need a helpful boost of strategy.

Today, mini-golf is a fantastic sort of atmosphere that attracts people of all ages. Some call it miniature golf. Others call it crazy golf, goofy golf, putt-putt, mini putt, midget golf, shorties, or midget golf. Whatever you call this timeless and fun activity, nowadays anyone can have a mini-golf set up in their homes by getting a few basic pieces of equipment from a golf store such as putting mat, mini-golf net, putter, etc. But the question is, how did we come to have putt-putt at all? Let us delve into this subject to learn the history of miniature golf.

The first appearance of a mini-golf course

The oldest putt-putt course made its first appearance in Scotland. While the exact individual who invented the game isn’t known, in late 1867, The Ladies’ Putting Club of St. Andrews was set up.

This members-only club exclusively for female golfers has been dubbed as the world’s first club in history. And it was the result of society’s belief at the time that considered ladies raising a club as unacceptable or uncouth.

The first mini-golf courses

Early mini-golf courses usually fell into one of the below categories:

• The executive course

• The regulation par-3

• The pitch and putt

Games at the time were played with both a short driver and a putter. Courses ranged between fifty to a hundred yards in length. Like their regulation golf cousins, mini-golf courses utilised landscaping and architectural methods, including sand traps, ponds, forests, and undulating hills.

It wasn’t until the early 1900s when James Wells Barber developed a mini-golf course in Pinehurst known as Thistle Dhu with a few whistles and bells that the novelty started. The putt-putt course was putting-only and featured geometric, gardens, fountains, and walkway patterns.

Back in 1926, several copycat designers in New York decided the rooftop was ideal for playing the game. And in the following four years, more than 150 rooftop courses were operating in New York.

During the 1930s

Courses became extremely expensive to maintain during the Great Depression, leading to rinky-dink courses made with everyday subjects. Cans, rain gutters, washtubs, pipes, wooded boards, and old tires were among the objects used, which inspired the zany miniature golf concept of crazy obstacles that became well-known over the USA.

The exciting history of mini-golf takes a twist

In 1953, Don Clayton designed short holes. He began advertising minigolf as a fun sport with tournaments enjoyed worldwide providing huge prize money, and everyone was super excited with the unexpected twist.

Don’s straightforward and serious approach to minigolf was eclipsed by Al Lomma & Lomma Enterprises, Inc. Their golf course favoured mechanically operated obstacles like moving ramps, rotating windmills blades, and twisting statues. These fantastic obstacles also added an extra element required for time accuracy.

Mini golf today

Today mini golf courses are much available across the globe. So if you’ve not still made a shot, consider visiting the nearby mini golf course and give it a try. Without a doubt, you’ll have an unforgettable experience and entertainment.