Ignore the giant fiberglass dinosaur and pay no attention to the erupting volcano. Winning a fun round of mini-golf takes serious concentration. But don’t worry—with these seven sensational tips, you’ll be a mini Michelle Wie in no time.
Set your stance. Place your feet shoulder-width apart and bend your knees slightly. Form a triangle with your forearms and lock your wrists, lightly gripping the club in whatever way feels most comfortable. The head of your putter should be centered between your legs with the ball resting about an inch in front of it. Use your hips to bring the club back. The longer the shot, the farther back the club needs to come.
Get teed up. You know those little holes on the tee mat? Don’t use them. Instead, rest the ball on the flat surface beside one of those indentations. That way, when you tap the ball, it will have a greater chance of rolling where you want it to, like away from that sand trap.
Don’t aim for the hole. You heard us. On longer holes, there’s way too much green between you and that cup. So don’t go for the impossible hole in one. You’ll score better if you hit toward a target—a knick in the carpet or a fallen leaf—that’s about halfway to the hole. So while your man is fishing his ball out of the lagoon, you’ll be lined up for a sweet second shot.
Find the groove. Just like the high-traffic areas of your living room carpet, mini-golf greens wear with time. Aim for areas that look well used, especially on holes with more than one approach. Those grooves may help carry your ball better toward the cup.
Beat the loop-de-loop. It looks harmless, but you’ll need a powerful shot to ride out this classic obstacle. Bring your club way back and give it a good smack. Or, better yet, sneak it past the loop altogether if there is room for the ball on either side.
Play the angles. Rocks. Blocks. Bricks. Don’t avoid these obstacles—use them to your advantage. Think back to your high school geometry days and mentally diagram how your shots should ricochet. If you hit the ball with the right amount of speed, you’ll ping the ball off that rock and flirt with a hole in one.
Let the kids go first. You can learn a lot about a hole from the way other people play it. Did your little one smack it too hard through the sidewinder? Time to soften your shot. Hubby jammed up in the windmill? Putt when the windmill blades are at a different position. The best part? They’ll think you’re just being nice.
Comments from Members
Too fun and sounds reasonable. The weather is beautiful today and I am going to taking my grandkids and their parents miniture golfing. I think with these tips I can outshoot them all!
haven't played putt-putt in a long time.The tips given are good ones, and some I have used in the past...
We actually had a chance to play on vacation recently..and the grown up girl still has game!
Great advice. I love playing putt putt and now I may actually win.
Love these tips...especially about not using the holes at the start line. Thanks !
Thanks for the tips. Maybe, if I follow your suggestions, I can become the Tiger Woods of miniature golf.
Mini golf is a fun faily activity. My 4 year old makes it painful however!
Now I can look forward to playing this game again. Thanks for the tips!
Thanks for the tips. I stink at hit and my 4 year old LOVES it! I cant wait to try these tips and maybe beat my husband for once!
I love goofy golf - but haven't played in years. I think I'll ask some of my Red Hatters to join me next week for a round.
Might be time to try putt putt golf again, great tips.
Great tips --- we always go to play and I usually have no idea what i am supposed to be doing --- maybe I will even beat my son-in-law the next time out!!!!
My family loves playing putt putt golf. It's one of the few activities that our teen children will play together. It's always a competion to see who wins because I feel it's all about luck on most courses. It's usually the most we laugh all year.
I haven't played Mini Golf in years...but we are heading to the beach next week, and there are bound to be millions of Putt Putt places all around. Thanks for the tips :)
Our family loves to play putt-putt! These are some great tips. I already use some of them. (and I usually win!)
This is a game the whole family can enjoy! My three and a half year old and my husband play all the time. There's an indoor place at the mall that's great for rainy days and too hot days! I'm sure we'll spend time there this winter, too.
Sounds like fun!!!
My family loves putt-putt--it's a vacation favorite, regardless of what time of year we travel. We take our putt-putt matches "seriously", so thanks for the tips. Maybe they'll give me a leg up next time!
The best thing about putt-putt golfing with family or friends is being able to laugh together at everyone's missed shots!
Im going to try it all and hope it works
especially if it means beating my boyfriend!!!!!
Hey, if you really want to do this right, place opposite of your natural ability. If you're right handed play lefty. It throws everyone off their game and brings 'em down a notch. I started this so I wouldn't mess with my real swings for golf or softball bats. I win a good deal of the time.
I'm going to try these tips next time I play. I always end up last when a group of us go and play.
I have a rematch with my girlfriend who somehow beat me 2 times! I played regualtion golf, I am a 6 handicap and she still beat me.. We have a rematch in 2 weeks... got to read these hints!!!! Mac
