Miniature golf has been an entertainment staple for decades. People across the country and the globe enjoy the laid-back yet still competitive nature of the sport. And it is a sport. In fact, the 22nd U.S. Pro MiniGolf Association Open was recently held in South Carolina. There’s also a World MiniGolf Federation. These highly-skilled players take the sport very seriously.
While your mini golf goals might not be quite that lofty and focused, it’s still possible to improve your game and have a great time while doing so. Use these tips to become a miniature golf pro and a true leader on any course.
Observe the Course
Many players take a “jump right in” approach to miniature golf. That’s a fine strategy if your main goal is to simply have fun with friends and family members. However, when you’re focused on improving with each game, it’s important to pay close attention to the miniature golf design of each specific course where you’re playing.
That’s because different courses have various obstacles and dimensions that will require a unique approach. While it might not be possible to walk the entire course before you begin to play, you can look two or three holes ahead, and make a plan as you go along. Some courses also offer a map which will help you better understand the best tactics required for each hole.
In addition, keep an eye out for interesting and innovative putt putt golf design features. Even if you don’t encounter each one on your next mini golf outing, you can still be aware of the latest design and placement trends.
Use Proper Form
The first thing any miniature golf pro will tell you is that using proper form is essential to improving your game. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart with your legs slightly bent. Face your dominant hand away from the hole. That means if you write with your left hand, you should position it to face the hole.
While you might keep your head slightly down during play, remember that you must be able to see where you want the ball to go. So, it’s a good idea to continually glance at your target before you hit the ball.
You’ll also want to be careful with the speed and intensity with which you strike the ball. Crazy golf design is all about maximizing enjoyment and strategy. Keep your focus on finding the “sweet spot” where you can sink a hole-in-one, or at least come in at or under par.
Take Your Time
As mentioned, miniature golf is all about fun, relaxation, and spending quality time with friends, co-workers, and loved ones. Sometimes you’ll see people trying to rush through the course. That’s simply counter-productive, and takes away from the timeless joy of the game. You’ll have a much better experience if you employ a leisurely approach to things.
In fact, most mini-golf course builders design with caution and strategy in mind. That means cool and calculated movements will put you in a better position of winning. By slowing down in this fashion, you’ll also be more in tune with what’s working great in your game, and what methods require a closer look.
Make Practice a Priority
To that end (and with most endeavors aimed at improvement) practice should be a priority to improve your miniature golf game. There are many drills that you can use to keep your skills sharp, including the clock drill, path drill, ladder drill, putting arc, golf box, and many more. These tutorials are readily available through a simple online search.
Along with the previously mentioned tips, it’s also important to ensure you’re using the proper stance, grip, and that your putter is the correct length for your body dimensions. You should also make speed and stroke practice a main focus.
Of course, accomplishing these goals requires logging time on a dynamic miniature golf course. If you don’t have a course nearby, remember that a miniature golf construction company with a proven track record of success can provide you and the entire community with an outlet for good, clean fun and family bonding experiences.
With more than 25 years of expertise, we’re proud to have earned a solid reputation as putt putt golf course builders who care. Contact us today to get started on an outstanding miniature golf course of your own.