How to Keep Score When Playing Mini Golf

Mini golf is a fun way to spend time with family and friends. It doesn't matter how old you are or how much golfing experience you have (or don't have). You can make a round of mini golf as competitive or as casual as you'd like!

How to Keep Score in Mini Golf

In mini golf, the goal is to get your ball in the hole in as few strokes as possible, which makes keeping score pretty straightforward. Simply count how many shots it takes you to get your ball in the hole.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you play:

• Each stroke counts as a point.
• When you play mini-golf in a group, each person takes their first turn before anyone takes a second shot.
• After everyone takes their first shot, the ball closest to the hole always goes next.
• If your ball happens to go off-course, don't worry! Just replace your ball where it went off course, and then add an extra point to your score for that hole. 
• The maximum size for a group is 4.
• The lowest score after all holes are played wins! 
  
  

Common Mini Golf Terms to Know

As mentioned earlier, all ages and experience levels can enjoy mini golf. It's a fun game to play even if you've never held a putter or stepped foot onto a putting green. But some of the golfing terms that come up as you play might make the game confusing. 

Hole-in-one: Sinking the ball in the hole with just one shot.

Par: The expected number of strokes a golfer will need to sink the ball. If a hole is a par-4, it might prove to be a more challenging hole than a par-3.

Birdie: A score of 1 under par. If a hole is a par-4 and you sink your ball in 3 shots, you’ve earned a birdie!

Putt: Any shot taken to sink your ball in the hole.

How to Keep Track of Your Score

On a scorecard, record how many shots it takes for each person to sink the ball in the hole. It can be helpful to choose one person to keep score for the entire game. Then, at the end of the game, your scorekeeper will tally up everyone's total scores.

How to Win at Mini Golf

After playing all the holes, the winner is the person with the lowest score. At first, that might seem backward. Most of us are used to winning games by racking up the points, but mini golf scoring is different. And if you happen to end up with the fewest number of strokes, then you're the winner!

Alternative Ways to Play

If you and your group are looking for some ways to mix up your next round of mini golf, here are a few suggestions:

• Right/Left: Play every other hole with your non-dominant hand. If you're right-handed, try putting with your left hand and vice versa.
• Pair Up: Pair up with a partner and either close your eyes or wear a blindfold. Your partner will then guide you with directions on how to sink your putt.
• Face Backward: Rather than facing forward and putting the ball in the traditional way, try turning things around. Face backwards and try putting the ball between your feet.

Let the Adventure Begin

Ready to put your mini golf scoring skills to use? Putt your way through 18 holes of adventure-style golf at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf!

Find the nearest Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf location or contact us with any questions.