The game of miniature golf is also known as mini-golf or putt-putt golf. Putt-putt golf is actually a trademark name of a company involved in the miniature golf business, but has come into common use to describe the game.

The game dates all the way back to 1867 England where it was developed for women to play due to the fact that it was considered unladylike to swing a golf club over your shoulder. The game is played the same way as regular golf with the object of hitting a golf ball into a hole in the least number of strokes possible, but the holes are not very far away.

The miniature golf course consists entirely of putting surfaces, and often obstacles are placed on the course to make play more challenging. Some courses have elaborate obstacles that must be crossed or shot around, and often large thematic surroundings, but others are simple with only curves or undulations in the course to add difficulty.

The miniature golf game has been popular in the United States for almost 100 years now, and has always been considered a good family activity and dating venue. The reason for this is that although it takes a great deal of skill to play it well, anyone can play it.

The Date Activity

Miniature golf offers the competitive advantages of golf without the distances and the difficulty. Courses consist of either 9 or 18 holes, and they can be played in a relatively short time, and for a small cost. The only equipment needed is the club and ball and both are provided at the course. Since the players do not get separated during play, and the pace is slow, conversation is possible. The miniature golf date is an excellent ice breaking first date.

On Your Own / With Friends

Miniature golf is an attractive choice for a group activity as well. Large groups generally split up into foursomes and the game can be played for fun or for competition. Miniature golf tournaments are not uncommon.

As with single dates, the big plus for miniature golf is that anyone can play who is big enough to hold a club, and yet skill and concentration will give you a better score. In a large group, it will not necessarily be the biggest, strongest, or fastest that wins or scores best and this is something that is not true of most competitive types of games and sports.