The origins of mini golf date back to 1867 in St. Andrews (Scotland). This 18-hole course of short putting greens was created so women, in what was a very conservative period, could also play golf.
The first courses were quite different from the concept we have nowadays of mini golf. They were basically miniature-sized golf courses, usually at one tenth the scale of actual courses. Geometrically shaped courses were introduced during the beginning of the 20th century, and materials like artificial grass and wood started to be used in the construction of these courses.
Since those first mini golf designs, courses have evolved into a variety of versions, including some crazy concepts that are far away from the original golf idea. Here is a selection of some of the more unusual mini golf courses around the world.
Par-king (Chicago, USA)
This mini golf course defines itself as ‘The world’s most unusual miniature golf’. Created in the 1960s, it is filled with water holes, changes in elevation, it has mechanical objects and even a couple of roller coasters.
Glow-in-the-dark Mini Golf Docklands (Melbourne, Australia)
The first 18 hole indoor black light mini golf in Australia. The course includes glowing effects, a surround-sound system and interactive putting holes. In order to get the best of out of the experience, white or fluorescent clothes are recommended!
Glow Golf in Australia via 701 Panduan
Adventure Island Mini Golf (Birmingham, UK)
This complex in Birmingham has two 18-hole courses with all the elements of an adventure mini golf. The courses have three different levels and feature tiki huts, waterfalls, volcanos and other scenarios to make an incredible playing experience.
Adventure Island Mini Golf via Adventureminigolf.co.uk
Around the world (New York, USA)
The complex is comprised of two large themed golf courses. In ‘Around the world in 18 holes’, each hole represents a different country. There’s a second course called ‘Around the USA in 18 holes’, representing some of the American States.
Around the world mini golf by Jimvid via SmugMug
Rocket Park Mini Golf (New York, USA)
This is probably the most educational mini golf course that you’ll ever find. Located in New York Hall of Science, the players need to apply some physics laws in order to get the balls into the holes! Each of the nine holes is designed to explore some key science concepts such as gravity, escape velocity or propulsion.
Rocket Park mini golf via NYScience.org
If you feel curious about crazy mini golf courses, you can find lots of images on the Travelwyse Pinspire profile !
What are your favourite mini golf courses? What’s your best score? Let us know in the comments section below!
February 7, 2012
Travel