How to play mini golf: a beginner's guide
Mini golf takes five minutes to learn. Here is everything a first-timer needs, on a real course or on your phone.
The goal
Get the ball from the tee into the cup in as few putts as you can. Each hole has a par, the number of putts a good player needs.
Hold and stand
Hold the putter with both hands, palms facing each other. Stand with your eyes over the ball and feet shoulder-width apart, square to where you aim.
Swing like a pendulum
Rock your shoulders back and through. Keep your wrists still. The length of the backswing sets the speed, not a jab at the ball. In Pocket Golf, the pull-back works the same way: the farther you pull, the harder the putt.
Aim for a spot, not the cup
On a curve or around a wall, pick a spot on the rail or the green to roll over. See our bank shot guide.
Obstacles
Slopes bend the ball, sand slows it, water costs a stroke. Read the hole before you putt. Our mini golf tips cover each one.
Keeping score
Count every putt, add penalties, and total the card. Lowest score wins. The full rules are in mini golf rules and scoring.
Questions
How do you play mini golf for the first time?
Putt the ball from the tee into the cup in as few strokes as you can. Use a smooth pendulum swing and focus on speed more than aim.
How many strokes are you allowed in mini golf?
Most courses cap each hole at six strokes. Pocket Golf has no cap, but par and flags reward fewer putts.
Can you practice mini golf on your phone?
Yes. Top-down games like Pocket Golf teach angles, bank shots and reading slopes, the same skills you use on a real course.