Mini Golf – Where Did it All Start?

Miniature golf, or ‘mini golf’ has been a favourite activity of people across the globe for a very long time. With its quirky obstacles, winding pathways and interesting themes, mini golf offers a delightful alternative to traditional golf. But beyond the colourful windmills and tiny putting greens lies a fascinating history that spans over a century, blending innovation, entertainment and cultural evolution.

Origins of Traditional Golf

The roots of mini golf trace back to the late 19th century, when traditional golf was predominantly a male-dominated sport. At the time, women were discouraged from taking part in strenuous outdoor activities, especially those that involved swinging a full-size golf club. To accommodate female players, smaller putting greens were created, allowing women to participate in a gentler form of the game. 

One of the earliest examples of this can be found in Scotland, widely recognised as the birthplace of golf, where the St Andrews Ladies Putting Club had modified putting courses allowing women to practice putting without playing full rounds. These early versions of mini golf were very basic, essentially scaled-down replicas of standard golf courses, focusing purely on putting skills without obstacles or imaginative themes.

The First Official Miniature Golf Course

The transformation from a simple practice tool to a form of real entertainment began in the United States. In 1916, a man named James Barber constructed what is considered the first mini golf course, named “Thistle Dhu” (a Scottish-sounding phrase meaning “This’ll Do”) in North Carolina. 

The course featured artificial greens, creative landscaping and a thoughtful layout specifically designed for putting. It was elegant and formal but paved the way for mini golf to become a recreational activity.

Thistle Dhu quickly captured public attention and inspired the development of similar courses throughout the country. The concept of mini golf really took off in America, where novelty and leisure often went together.

The 1920s and 1930s

The 1920s marked the golden age of miniature golf. Leisure was a huge part of the culture and with the booming economy, people were looking for new forms of affordable entertainment. Mini golf was perfectly suited for this era as it required minimal space, was inexpensive to play and appealed to a broad demographic.

By the late 1920s, rooftop mini golf courses began popping up in major cities like New York. These courses, often built on top of hotels or apartment buildings, were clever solutions to urban space constraints. At its peak, there were thousands of miniature golf courses operating in the United States.

It was during this time the game started to take on a more playful and imaginative nature. Creative obstacles such as loops, ramps, tunnels and themed decorations became common. Entrepreneurs realised they could attract more customers by adding elements of surprise and whimsy to the game, transforming mini golf into a truly unique experience.

However, the Great Depression of the 1930s dealt a significant blow to the industry. Many courses were forced to shut down as people tightened their belts and recreational spending dwindled. The once-thriving mini golf craze faded, but it was far from gone. While the perfectly manicured gardens and maintained courses were gone, keen players were not giving up. Old tyres, pipes and barrels became the new obstacles, and the game continued.

Post-War Mini Golf

Mini golf experienced a comeback following World War II, and during the 1950s and 1960s with the economy recovering, families were eager to engage in wholesome, affordable activities. Mini golf was the answer.

During this period, franchised mini golf chains like Putt-Putt Golf emerged. Founded in 1954 by Don Clayton in North Carolina, Putt-Putt focused on skill over luck, featuring simpler designs and shorter holes so a hole-in-one could be scored. Putt-Putt courses took away many of the crazy obstacles, focusing instead on precise geometry and challenging layouts.

At the same time, a more flamboyant version of mini golf persisted, especially in tourist destinations and amusement parks. These courses embraced elaborate themes like pirates, jungles, castles and dinosaurs, evolving into the imaginative mini golf we have today.

Mini Golf Goes Global

Mini golf quickly spread to the rest of the world. Different countries developed their own miniature golf cultures. For example, in Sweden, the sport gained a formal competitive following. The World Minigolf Sport Federation (WMF) was established in 1980 to promote international competitions, further cementing mini golf as a sport.

In recent decades, technological advancements have added new layers to the mini golf experience. From blacklight indoor mini golf courses to interactive obstacles, modern mini golf combines traditional gameplay with cutting-edge innovation. Some venues even include elements like sound effects, moving parts or multimedia displays.

Moreover, the game has found new life in bars and arcades, with adults seeking nostalgic fun able to enjoy mini golf and cocktails, proving mini golf is not just for kids or families, it’s for everyone. What The Putt Melbourne is an indoor mini golf venue offering unique and exciting mini golf, great food and a well-stocked bar, certain to provide your group with an enjoyable and unforgettable experience!

The Enduring Appeal of Mini Golf Melbourne

What makes mini golf so enduring? Firstly, it’s accessible as you don’t need to be an athlete or have any prior experience to enjoy it. The game is social, fun and often silly, which are traits that make it an ideal activity for dates, family outings and group events.

Mini golf has also found its way into pop culture, with countless appearances in films, TV shows and video games. It serves as a nostalgic reminder of simpler times yet remains relevant by continuously reinventing itself. Whether it’s an indoor mini golf course that’s adults-only or a dinosaur-themed park amongst lush gardens, mini golf has become a canvas for creativity, combining art, design, sport and fun!

From its humble beginnings as a genteel pastime for women to its current status as a global recreational phenomenon, mini golf has undergone a remarkable evolution. Through economic highs and lows, technological advancements and different cultures, it brings joy to millions of people around the world. As long as there are putters to swing and obstacles to conquer, mini golf is here to stay.

For your next get together with friends, special family occasion or work event, speak with the friendly staff at What The Putt mini golf Melbourne to discuss their best mini golf packages to suit you. The playfulness, accessibility and endless hilarity will make your event one to remember. Call them now or book online.