Fun Mini Golf Rules for Your Next Round

Mini golf is already one of the best outdoor activities around, but we can make it even better! From competitive advantages to just plain silliness, read on to really spice up your round.

Try some of these fun mini golf rules the next time you play a round at Gregor MacGregor’s Mini Links & Drinks!

Different Formats for 2 or More Golfers

If you’re looking to add a little extra competition next time you play mini golf, try adapting different golf formats for putt putt. You might find that using a format like Match Play or Stableford will keep more people engaged for the whole round!

Match Play

Match play is one of the most common formats for competitive golf. You can even see the pro’s do it at events like the Ryder Cup. You play each hole like you normally would, except whoever gets the lowest score on each hole gets one point. The person with the most points at the end of the round wins! 

Stableford

Unlike in regular golf, the goal in Stableford is to have the highest score. With this points system, golfers won’t be discouraged after one or two bad holes. Keep this scoring guide (adapted for mini golf) handy if you’re playing with the Stableford method. 

Hole-in-one - 10 points

Two strokes - 4 points

Three strokes - 3 points

Four strokes - 2 points

Five strokes - 1 point

6 strokes or more - No points

Bango Bongo

Adapted from Bingo Bango Bongo, this game is similar to Stableford in that the most points wins. There are two points up for grabs on every hole. Whoever is closest to the hole after their tee shot gets one point. Then, whoever gets their ball in the hole in the fewest strokes gets the second point. If there is a tie, each person gets the point.

Skins

Skins is a way to really ratchet up the pressure as the round goes on. There is one point available on every hole. Whoever gets the lowest score on each hole gets one point. 

Here is where things get really interesting. If anyone ties on the hole, the point is carried over to the next hole. For example, if two people get a two on the first hole, the second hole is then worth two points. If there is another tie on the second hole (even if it is not the same people!) those two points are carried over to the third hole and so on until someone gets the lowest score by themselves and then they get all the points.

Different Formats for 4 or More Golfers

If you have a full party, there are a couple extra games that you can play. If you have three people, you can even go 2-on-1 with some of these formats!

Alternate Shot

Alternate Shot is probably the trickiest and most pressure packed golf format—you don’t want to let your teammate down! The way it works is you split up into teams of two. Teammates alternate who hits the tee shot on each hole. For example, one golfer will hit the tee shot on every odd numbered hole; their partner will hit the tee shot on every even numbered hole. From there, the other person hits the next shot, the first golfer hits the third shot, the other person hits the fourth shot, and so on until the ball is in the cup.  

Best Ball / Four Ball

Best Ball and Four Ball are the same game, a team version of match play that we laid out above. Each team uses their lowest score for the hole and whichever team has the lowest score wins a point.

For example, say the golfers on Team A score a two and a three on a hole; their score for the hole is a two. The golfers on Team B score a three and a four on the same hole; their score for the hole is a three. Team A wins the hole because they had the lowest score.

Scramble

Okay, we’ll admit this one can get a little out of control for mini golf, but truly every shot counts! Each golfer hits a tee shot. Each team then selects the best shot from their teammates and each team member plays their next shot from that spot. This continues for the entire hole. 

Or, play in groups of four and see how few strokes it takes to get around the course!

Even the Playing Field with Even Wackier Rules

Sometimes there is an absolute ringer in your group and playing mini golf with them isn’t any fun. Or, it can be a fun time to see how ridiculous everyone in the group can get by deciding in advance to use wacky rules on a few holes.

Make sure to tag @macgregorsminilinks in any pictures while you’re out there. We’d love to share them on our social media and website!

Play Opposite-Handed

Switching up the side of the ball is a great way to make sure everyone is closer to the same skill level. If you’re usually a righty, you’re only allowed to put left-handed and vice versa. Let younger players putt from the regular side.

Only Putt Through Your Legs

Here’s another twist that is sure to generate a few laughs. Every putt you make has to travel between your legs.

Putt on One Foot

Good luck with this one! Golfers are only allowed to make contact with their ball while balancing on one foot.

Putt with Your Eyes Closed

It’s fair game to line up your putt, but once you step up to the ball, you have to close your eyes while putting. Bring along a bandana or a blindfold so no one cheats!

The Pool Cue

Pick a hole to play like billiards—you can only hit the ball with the tip of your putter grip!

Spinmaster

We would really suggest only doing this once per round. Hold the putter head on the ground and put your forehead on the grip. Then, spin around ten times. Play the hole “normally” after that!

Closest to the Hole

This twist comes from our friends at Wacky Mini Golf. Each golfer gets three strokes to get closest to the hole without going in the hole. If your ball goes into the hole by any means (including bumped in by another player’s ball) you get an automatic six for the hole. After the tee shot, the farthest from the hole putts first. The closest to the hole gets a one, the next closest gets a two, and so on.

Hit Another Person’s Ball

This last fun mini golf rule is only for the truly competitive golfers. A player is allowed to hit their opponent's ball and count it as a stroke. Here’s the one rule: the ball has to remain in play, otherwise put the ball back in its original spot with no penalty.

Before you start, decide how many times you want to have this rule in effect. We suggest between 1-5 times per round. And be warned: there might be some angry people at the 19th Hole!

Grab a Bite to Eat After Your Round

After you’ve finished your round at MacGregor’s Mini Links, grab a drink at their famous 19th Hole Snack Bar. Then, if you’re hungry for dinner head over to Timoti’s Seafood Shak for delicious, wild-caught seafood.