Mini Golf vs Regular Golf: Why One is Better!

Golf is one of the most popular sports in the world, tracing back hundreds of years to Scotland. It has evolved into two main variations: regular golf, the full 18-hole outdoor sport played with precision, and mini golf, the fun, compact and often whimsical version of the game. 

While both are enjoyable in their own right, which is “better”? That decision is more than just personal preference. It’s about accessibility, enjoyment and of course the competition!

So, let’s figure out which type of golf is best.

Regular Golf

Regular golf is played outdoors on expansive courses, typically featuring 18 holes spread over several acres. It’s a game of strategy, strength, finesse and patience. Players use a variety of clubs to hit a small white ball into a series of holes, each with unique obstacles like sand traps, water hazards and rolling greens.

Pros of Regular Golf:

• Physical Challenge: Golfers walk miles during a round of golf, building endurance and enjoying outdoor exercise.

• It’s Strategic: The course layout, club selection, wind and terrain all factor into the decisions you make while playing.

• Prestige and Tradition: Golf is a sport steeped in history, with iconic tournaments like The Masters and The Open Championship.

• Networking Opportunities: Golf is famously associated with business and networking, making it a useful professional tool.

Cons of Regular Golf:

• It’s Expensive: Equipment, green fees, memberships and lessons can quickly add up.

• Time-Consuming: A full round of golf can take four to six hours to play.

• Steep Learning Curve: It can take months or even years to become competent at golf.

• Weather Impact: Rain, wind or cold can ruin a round of golf or put it off altogether.

Mini Golf

Mini golf is a much shorter, indoor or outdoor version of golf that focuses solely on the putting aspect of the game. Played on artificial turf with imaginative obstacles like windmills, ramps and tunnels, the emphasis is on fun and creativity more than physical endurance or skill.

Pros of Mini Golf:

• Affordable: One round of mini golf usually costs less than dinner at a casual restaurant.

• Accessible for All Ages: Kids, grandparents and everyone in between can enjoy it.

• No Experience Necessary: No need to learn about different clubs or techniques - you just putt!

• Creative and Fun: Themed courses with colourful designs keep things exciting.

• It’s quick: A full 18-hole mini golf round can be played in 60 minutes.

Cons of Mini Golf:

• Less Physical Activity: You’re not walking much or using different muscle groups.

• Limited Skill Development: It doesn't offer the same opportunity to increase your skills.

• Not Taken Seriously: Some people dismiss it as a novelty rather than a real sport.

Comparison of Regular Golf & Mini Golf

Let’s compare mini golf and regular golf across some of the common categories people look at when considering a sport to participate in.

1. Accessibility

Mini golf easily wins here, as it’s welcoming to players of all skill levels, ages and physical abilities. There’s no need for specific attire or lessons - you can show up in sneakers and have fun within minutes. Regular golf, on the other hand, often requires specialised clubs, formal courses, particular etiquette and a fair amount of practice.

Winner: Mini Golf

2. Cost

The cost to play regular golf can be significant. Between club sets, which can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, green fees, balls, gloves and memberships, it’s a large financial commitment. Mini golf, by contrast, is incredibly budget-friendly.

Winner: Mini Golf

3. Social Appeal

Mini golf is generally more social and light-hearted. It's perfect for dates, birthday parties or casual catch ups. The competitive atmosphere in regular golf can be more intense, sometimes even intimidating for newcomers. Playing mini golf is about the relaxed and happy vibe - players laugh a lot! 

Winner: Mini Golf

4. Skill and Strategy

Here, regular golf shines, requiring both physical and mental skills, such as analysing distances and wind speed, to mastering various swings. Mini golf offers some strategic play, especially on trickier holes and when players get competitive, but it doesn’t require the same level of dedication.

Winner: Regular Golf

5. Time Commitment

A round of mini golf can be squeezed into a lunch break or played spontaneously with friends or family on a weekend. Regular golf demands hours of your time, making it harder to fit into a busy schedule.

Winner: Mini Golf

6. Parties & Events

People don’t tend to play a round of regular golf for a birthday party. Mini golf on the other hand is perfect for parties and other celebrations. What The Putt is a perfect example, offering 18 unique mini golf holes, delicious food options and a well-stocked bar. This indoor mini golf caters for small and large groups and has arcade games and pool tables to ensure a fun and memorable event.

Winner: Mini Golf

7. Exercise and Outdoors

Regular golf provides real physical benefits, including walking long distances, often over hills, as well as carrying your clubs. It also gets you outside in nature for hours. Mini golf doesn’t compare in this regard.

Winner: Regular Golf

The Verdict: Mini Golf Wins!

While regular golf is undeniably a great, complex sport with tradition, skill and exercise benefits, mini golf wins the "better" title for one simple reason: inclusivity and fun! Mini golf doesn’t require a club membership, years of training or hundreds of dollars. It’s a game that can be played by anyone, at any time.

People can play mini golf more often, with less stress and more laughter. It’s a game for families, first dates, casual nights out or work events. It brings people together in a way that’s easy, with low commitment and is utterly enjoyable.

Even for avid regular golfers, mini golf offers a delightful break from the seriousness of the fairway. It reminds us that at its core, golf is a game, and games are meant to be fun! Jump in the air when you make a great putt and banter with your friends over landing your ball in a water hazard.

It doesn’t matter if your ball bounces off a lighthouse or rolls through a clown’s mouth - what matters is the laughter, the company and the pure, unpretentious joy of the game. And for that, mini golf deserves the win. Call the friendly team at What The Putt mini golf in Melbourne to discuss your next outing or event or make a booking online.