The History of Mini Golf: From Origins to Modern Day

Fun Facts About the History of the Game

If you don’t know the history of the game, it’s worth noting these strange but true fun facts.

Keep these in your back pocket the next time you head out to a mini golf course:

• Glow-in-the-dark mini golf was invented by Scandinavia countries, like Finland, as a way to keep the fun going, even during the long nights and short days there.
• Worldwide Miniature Golf Day is celebrated on September 21. Meanwhile, National Mini Golf Day falls on the second Saturday in May each year.
• The first known miniature golf course was The Ladies’ Putting Club of St. Andrews in Scotland. It’s located right next to the iconic St. Andrews Golf Course — a course where the British Open is regularly hosted.
• The first commercial mini golf course was opened in Pinehurst, North Carolina, in 1916 and was called Thistle Dhu (“this’ll do”). It’s still in operation today.
• There are only four types of mini golf tournaments globally recognized. They include Miniature Golf, Felt Golf, Concrete Golf, and Mini Golf Open Standards (MOS).

The Evolution of Mini Golf: A Journey Through Time

Here’s a walk through its history, starting from the inception of mini golf to its rise in popularity.

The Humble Origins: Scotland Steps Up

Bearing the trophy of inventors, the Scotts conceived the idea of putting as early as the late 1800s. Though it might not match the intricate designs of today’s mini golf, it was undoubtedly a pioneering venture. Played on a mere few meters of yard, this miniature game of golf is a worthy contender for being the inaugural version of mini golf.

As the game gained popularity, players with limited space took an innovative path. They built courses on their rooftops, and by the early 1920s, this trend had spread across America’s skyline. By 1926, hundreds of rooftop golf courses peppered U.S. cities, marking the game’s ascendancy.

The Game Adapts: The Depression Era

The aftermath of World War 1, and the ensuing Great Depression, affected humanity, and mini golf wasn’t immune. The economic constraint made it impossible to build premium courses.

However, the enthusiasm for the game remained undeterred. Instead of surrendering, players tapped into their creativity, using raw materials on the streets to construct their unique courses.

This era saw the birth of ingenious designs, filled with unconventional obstacles that added a unique character to the game. The novel approach caught on quickly, and soon, a staggering four million people were wielding mini golf clubs across America.

A Paradigm Shift: New Twists Arise

In 1953, Don Clayton breathed fresh life into mini golf courses by introducing shorter holes, which rewarded skillful players with holes-in-one. He achieved this by incorporating metal rails to facilitate precision bounces and promote unique gameplay.

This concept resonated well with the market, gaining international popularity. Various organizations added their spin to the game, introducing animated hazards, rotating ramps, windmills, and flashing lights.

Present Day Mini Golf: Immersive Experiences and Cultural Relevance

With advancements in technology and course design, mini golf transitioned into a more immersive and high-tech affair. Indoor courses emerged, often within family entertainment centers, and became the latest rage. 

At Monster Mini Golf, we’ve surveyed the landscape and incorporated the features you want in a memorable mini golf course outing. You’ll find that we’ve incorporated themes from pop culture, like movies, sports, and video games, allowing our mini golf courses to reach a broader audience and stay relevant to the times. 

Today, this miniature version of golf is cherished by people of all ages worldwide, even spawning into a competitive sport, complete with professional players, organized tournaments, and creative course designs.

At Monster Mini Golf, we embrace the competitive nature of mini golf for serious players, while also welcoming novice players, young and old, who want to enjoy a laid back day of golfing. 

Mini golf has come a long way since their rudimentary days in the Scottish backyards. Today, with top facilities like Monster Mini Golf, present day mini golf continues to flourish, innovate, and engage players in their unique, fun-filled way.