Mini Golf is a quintessential family activity that surged in popularity during the 1980s and 1990s, but how much do you know about the sport?
Like it's older sibling golf, mini-golf also originates in Scotland. During the 18th century, golf players developed a habit of practicing their putting strategy; putting being the term for making a short, well-aimed stroke or strokes to get a golf-ball into the golf hole (this is also the origin of the popular name Putt-putt). It did not take long before golf enthusiasts began designing their own private putting greens, where they could practice on their own. As golf grew in popularity and spread across the world, so did putting. By the 1930s, putting greens could be found across the world, with hundreds in the United States alone.
The first dedicated commercial putting course was Thistle Dhu in Pinehurst, North Carolina in 1916. In 1922, Thomas Fairbairn developed the standard artificial putting green, that soft, spongy fake grass reminicsent of astro-turf. By then, putting had turned into what we would call mini-golf or putt-putt, featuring the usual 9 or 18 short holes, with a variety of layouts and obstacles. Mini-golf remained popular during the Great Depression, and fans of the game often made due with designing their own fun courses out of whatever junk or material they had access to.
After World War II, mini-golf exploded in popularity, with countless businesses and resorts opening their own courses. Mini-golf enjoyed high popularity in the military, and courses were created for soldiers to enjoy during downtime during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
The first national mini-golf association, NAPCOMS, did not last more than a few years, before being supplanted by the US Pro Mini Golf Association. The USPMGA is also associated with the World Mini-golf Sport Association, which represents over 40 different countries. While not yet an Olympic sport, mini-golf is growing in popularity and might one day join the largest sporting competition in the world!
In association with the National Golf Federation, the Master's for mini-golf is held every year, upcoming on October 8th through the 12th. More information on this and other tournaments can be found at ProMiniGolf.com, opens a new window.
Looking to enjoy a round locally? There are a few places you can go and hang out:
Due north of us is Fair City Adventures, opens a new window in Franklinton, LA.
In New Orleans you can visit City Putt, opens a new window at 33 Dreyfous Dr. Adventure Quest Laser Tag, opens a new window in Elmwood also features an indoor mini golf course, in addition to other activities.
Though the New Orleans location is closed, Celebration Station, opens a new window is still open in Baton Rouge, less than two hours away.
To the east, Bananas Mini Golf, opens a new window can be found in Gulfport, MS.
Here are a few items you may enjoy, about golf in general:
365 Golf Tips & Tricks From the Pros
Golf Rules & Etiquette Simplified
See ya out on the green!
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