Mini golf: where skill meets fun and everyone’s a contender! This popular and easy-to-play game brings people of all ages and abilities together in a community full of laughter, friendly rivalries, and just the right amount of challenging obstacles. But mini golf isn’t just a casual weekend pastime anymore—it’s stepping up its game!
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Across the globe, tournaments are putting a competitive twist on the sport, from heartwarming charity fundraisers to high-stakes events with cash prizes that might just make you take your putting a little more seriously. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or still figuring out how to avoid the water hazards, these events welcome players of every skill level.
Beyond the competition, mini golf tournaments are all about bringing communities together. They’re revitalizing local areas, creating memories, and giving everyone a chance to show off their smoothest trick shots. So, grab your lucky ball, warm up your swing, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of mini golf competitions!
The Global Resurgence of Mini Golf, A Game for All Ages
The history of mini golf traces its beginnings to Scotland. Originally, people were blocked from playing the traditional game of golf because of sex, race, or class. That all changed in 1867 when the Ladies Putting Club in St. Andrews, Scotland designated a small, socially acceptable course for women as an alternative to traditional golf. This little course was known as the Himalayas because it was so bumpy. It quickly gained popularity and laid the foundation for mini golf.
The first course in the United States was built in 1917 by a British Shipping Magnate. He built a tiny 18-hole course on his private estate in North Carolina and named it the “Thistle Dhu” (This’ll Do). The game grew in popularity and by the 1920’s, people were building their own mini golf courses, with ever more creativity and fun, turning it into the awesome game we all know and love today.
Over the last several years, mini golf has become even more popular, thanks to a trend of creating themed mini golf attractions. These attractions offer a more exciting experience that almost everyone can enjoy. These themed courses are not just fun to play but offer exceptional photographic moments to share on Instagram and other social media. This immersive mini golf experience has brought people of all ages together for some truly adventurous and fun gameplay experiences.
Must-See Mini Golf Events:
- Jolly Roger Mini Masters – (TBD) 2025
- Summer Adult League MVP Mini Golf Tour – (TBD) Summer, 2025
- ProMiniGolf USPMGA Masters – Oct 7-11, 2025
- The O-Street Open – August 10th, 2025
- 10th Annual O-Street Winter Classic Tournament – February 23, 2025
- Coziest Mini Golf Open 2025 – March 2, 2025
- Big Putts-A-Pa-Looza Mini Golf Tournament, March 16, 2025
- Putt18 2025 AMA Tournament – March 23 & March 29, 2025
- Looniest Mini Golf Open – May 3, 2025
- The Lighthouse Classic – May 17, 2025
- Rosebud Open – June 1, 2025
- 28th Annual M.C. Mini Masters - June 28, 2025
- Matterhorn International Pro AM – (Tentative) September 20, 2025
- 6th Miniest Mini Golf Open – September 28, 2025
- PPA National Championship – June 28 & 29, 2025
- USPMGA US Open – May 16 & 17, 2025
- South Carolina Open – (TDB) 2025
- Red Putter Pro Tournament – August 2nd, 2025
All Southern Swing Tournaments
- GA State Open – July 12, 2025
- TN Pro Mini Golf Open – August 16, 2025
- The PUTTERS Championship – ( TBD)2025
- NC Pro-Am, Lakeview Putt & Play (Arden, NC) – September 13, 2025
World Wide Tournaments
- WMF World Adventure Golf Tour - First Tournament Begins April 5, 2025
- WMF World Adventure Golf Tour Final - May 10, 2025
- World Adventure Golf Masters 2025 - June 13 & 15, 2025
- Open Minigolf Youth European Championships - (TBD) 2025
- Open European Championships General Class - September 25 - 28, 2025
- The World Crazy Golf Championships – June 6 & 8, 2025
How to Start Your Own Mini Golf Tournament
Hosting a mini golf tournament is a fantastic way to gather friends and build a community of players who share your passion. It’s also a great way for organizations and charities to raise money. To pull off a successful event, mix it up with different tournament styles - maybe a week-long competition or a fun, one-day bracket-style tournament.
Get the word out with social media and local ads to drum up excitement. Toss in some cool prizes, even simple ones, to add some more incentive. Consider choosing a local charity and donating a portion of the entry fees to help a worthy cause. And, if your venue doesn’t serve food, don't forget to team up with local vendors or food trucks to add to the festivities.
Go for a venue that checks all the right boxes for your group, from favorite themes to fun course challenges. Whether it's crazy golf or adventure golf, there's a whole world of mini golf courses out there just waiting to be discovered by your group. Think about what matters most to you – the level of challenge, how cool the place looks, or how easy it is to get there – and pick the perfect course for your awesome event.
Host your next mini golf tournament at one or more of our award-winning Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf locations in Southwest Florida and make it an event to remember! With five pirate-themed 18-hole golf courses, each featuring a unique pirate ship, waterfalls, and mysterious caves, your guests are in for a fun and competitive experience that's second to none. Visit our Outings Page today to start planning your unique pirate-themed golfing adventure.
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