The first few holes of mini golf are usually fun. Then the ball hits a wall, takes a strange turn, or rolls right past the hole. For kids, that can be frustrating.
Getting better doesn't mean hitting harder. A steady hand and a good look at the course can help more than you'd think. These mini golfing tips are for kids and beginners who want to enjoy the game and get a little better with each round. Below are 15 tips for mini golf, from getting the ball closer to the hole to finding a way past tricky obstacles. If you're wondering how to be good at mini golf, start with these simple habits.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Do Not Strike It Too Hard: Be accurate in your shooting and strike it not too hard in order to roll the ball towards the hole. Otherwise, it can go beyond the hole.
- Observe the Ball’s Path: Notice slopes, bends, windmills, etc. Plan the path of the ball prior to making a shot.
- Strike the Wall: If you cannot make a shot because of an obstacle, try to hit the wall.
- Support Children to Develop Their Skills: Reward children for their small successes by encouraging short putts, patience and playing again after missing a shot.
Easy Putting Tips for Better Aim and Speed Control
Two important factors that determine whether the putting is correct are the proper level of power and the target point. It is not necessary to perform huge movements and to make a strong swing to improve putting. Several minor changes will allow children to have a better aim at the target and improve their putting results. These basic mini golf tips are a good place to start.
Tip 1: Use Just Enough Force to Reach the Hole (Dying Pace)
Don't hit the ball too hard. Even if it's going in the right direction a hard hit can cause it to bounce off the rim and roll right past the hole, sometimes right into another lane. Just use enough force to get the ball to the cup and drop it in. If it misses then it should stop only a short way behind the cup.
Tip 2: Aim for the Center of the Putter Face (Putter Sweet Spot)
Try and hit the ball with the centre of the putter face. Some putters have an alignment line on the back which can help you to find the centre. Don't hit with the toe or heel of the club. Off centre contact will twist the face of the putter slightly and that will tend to send the ball off line and make it very difficult to control.
Tip 3: Swing from the Shoulders, Not the Wrists (Pendulum Stroke)
Young players will often just flick their wrists to get the ball going and that will change the angle of the putter just before it strikes. Don't do that. Keep your arms and shoulders as one unit and move the putter back and forth with a smooth swing from the shoulders, a pendulum swing if you like. That will keep the putter face square through the shot.
Tip 4: Pick a Spot Between the Ball and the Hole (Intermediate Target)
Aiming straight at a hole several feet away can be quite difficult for a young player. Help your child to find a small, obvious spot along the line of the ball's flight (a spot on the turf perhaps, or a grain of sand). Get them to roll the ball over that spot first as it's usually a lot easier than trying to aim all the way to the hole.
For the basics see our guide on how to play mini golf.
Smart Mini Golf Tips for Tricky Obstacles
Walls, ramps, and moving obstacles can make some mini golf holes harder to play. A straight shot may not always be the best choice. Kids can try different angles, pick a clear target, or wait for the right moment to putt. These mini golfing tips will help them handle tricky holes with a little more confidence.
Tip 5: Try a Bank Shot off the Wall (Billiard-Style Bank Shots)
Think of the course wall like the cushion on a pool table. Instead of aiming straight at the hole, hit the ball against a flat wall to send it around a sharp turn or an obstacle. The ball may not bounce the same way every time. Turf friction, wall material, and the force of the shot can all affect its direction.
Tip 6: Pick a Clear Target on the Wall
Don't aim at just any part of the wall. Look for a specific brick, paint mark, or small crack to use as a target. This gives your child a clearer point to aim for. If the ball bounces too far or not far enough, they can adjust the target to the left or right on the next shot or round.
Tip 7: Watch the Windmill Before Taking Your Shot
It's tempting to hit the ball as soon as the windmill opening appears. But by the time the ball reaches it, the blades may have moved back into the way. Watch the windmill for one or two full turns first. Then estimate how long the ball will take to reach the opening and putt when the path is clear.
Tip 8: Give the Ball Enough Force to Climb the Ramp
A gentle putt may not be enough to get the ball over a steep ramp or raised ridge. If the ball loses speed too soon, it may roll all the way back. Aim to give it enough force to pass the highest point, but don't hit harder than needed. Once the ball gets over the top, gravity will help it roll down toward the hole.
For more ways to keep kids enjoying the game, try these golf games for kids.
Reading the Course and Avoiding Common Mistakes
Before taking a shot, take a moment to look around. A quick check can help you spot hidden slopes, uneven turf, and other things that may change the ball's path. These mini golf tips can help kids avoid extra strokes and learn to read each hole before playing.
Tip 9: Take a Moment to Look Over the Whole Hole from a Safe Spot
Don't rush to place the ball and putt right away. Stand with your child in a safe walkway and look along the course first. This gives you a better view of the hole without getting in the way of other players. You can also look back from the cup toward the starting point to spot hidden raised edges or slanted traps.
Tip 10: Look for Slopes and Turf Seams
Outdoor mini golf courses often have gentle slopes. Watch for low spots where the ball may curve as it slows down. Also check for seams between turf sections or where the turf meets concrete. These small raised edges can change the ball's direction, especially when it is moving slowly.
Tip 11: Follow the Course Rules When the Ball Stops Near a Wall
If the ball stops right next to a wall, don't try to squeeze the putter into a tight space. This can scratch the club or send the ball off in the wrong direction. Each course may have its own rules for moving a ball away from the edge. Check the posted rules or ask a staff member how far you can move it.
Tip 12: Wait Until the Ball Stops Before Taking Another Shot
Kids may want to hit the ball again while it is still rolling slowly. Remind them to wait until it comes to a complete stop. Hitting a moving ball can make the next shot harder to control and goes against basic mini golf rules. Once the ball stops, take a balanced stance and get ready for the next putt.
For more ideas on helping children learn the game, read our guide on how to teach kids golf.
Conclusion
Good mini golf doesn't come from hitting the ball harder. It takes a steady putt, a careful look at the course, and a little patience. Try these 15 mini golf tips with your kids. Let them practice, make mistakes, and enjoy each small win along the way.
Planning your next family golf outing? Check out our golf baby clothes for comfy sportswear and cute accessories for little golfers.
