If you’re looking for some mini golf facts, you’ve come to the right place. Mini golf is one of our country’s favorite pastimes. It’s perfect for players of all ages and skill levels; anyone can have fun! If mini golf is one of your favorite hobbies, why not learn more about it with these ten fascinating facts? See what you already knew and learn some more about your favorite sport. 

1. There Are Professional Mini Golfers. 

Mini golf isn’t just a hobby—it’s a professional sport. It is governed by the WMF, or World Mini Golf Sports Federation, with more than 40,000 players registered from over 30 countries. If you play mini golf all the time, maybe you can look into a professional career! 

2. The First Mini Golf Course Opened in 1961. 

The first mini golf course was called Thistle Dhu (pronounced “this’ll do”) in Pinehurst, California. Its name references mini golf compared to an entire golf course, meaning that mini golf “will do” in place of a full golf course. 

3. Mini Golf Became Popular in the US during the 1920s. 

While there weren’t complete courses available until 1961, mini golf was popular on rooftops of high-rise buildings in New York as far back as the 1920s. Unfortunately, the Great Depression nearly wiped out the sport, but luckily, it came back stronger than ever. 

4. Glow-in-the-Dark Courses Were Introduced Out of Necessity.

Glow-in-the-dark courses seem like a simple, fun gimmick to make mini golf more fun, but they arose out of a need to see after the sun sets in Scandinavian countries like Finland. It gets dark earlier in these countries, but they still want to enjoy mini golf. To solve the problem, glow-in-the-dark golf was born! 

5. Mini Golf has Many Different Names. 

You’ve likely heard a lot of these names while you’ve been on the mini golf course. It’s also known as crazy golf, putt-putt, midget golf, goofy golf, shorties, and mini-putt. Try to spice up your mini golf vocabulary with some of these different names!

6. There are Four Mini Golf Tournaments. 

The WMF recognizes four types of mini golf tournaments: miniature golf, concrete golf, felt golf, and mini golf open standards (MOS). Hundreds of people compete in these tournaments every year. Check out one that interests you to see what pro golf is all about. 

7. Original Mini Golf Didn’t Have Themes. 

When you think of mini golf today, you probably think of the holes with themes and all of the exciting obstacles you face on the course. Back in the day, courses were very different; they used barrels, tires, pipes, and rain gutters to add more challenge to their game. 

8. The Oldest Known Mini Golf Course in the World is in Scotland.

The Ladies’ Putting Club of St. Andrews was a mini golf course created for women, in 1867. At the time, it was considered improper for a lady to raise a golf club above her shoulder, so traditional golf was forbidden. The course likely doesn’t match up to those we know and love today, but it is still interesting to see the oldest course. 

9. Golf Has Been Banned. 

Golf certainly isn’t known as a crazy or rebellious sport today, but it has a rough history in Scotland. Golf was banned three times between 1457 and 1744 because the government worried that it interfered with military training. Luckily, these days, you’re free to play golf as much as you like. 

10. September 21st is Global Mini Golf Day. 

Everything has its own special day, it seems, and mini golf is no different. Mini golfers worldwide celebrate their favorite sport on September 21st. It’s the perfect time to visit your local mini golf course and have a fun time with other enthusiasts. 

Practice Your Mini Golf Skills at Your Local Main Event!

Now that you’re equipped with trivia about the sport, play mini golf on a whole new level at your local Main Event! Our mini golf courses are certain to excite and entertain for hours on end. Find your nearest Main Event online and plan a visit today!