Mini golf obstacles and how to beat each one
Every obstacle in mini golf changes the ball in one predictable way. Learn that one rule for each and holes stop surprising you.
Walls and rails
The ball leaves a straight wall at the same angle it hit it, a little slower. Use the mirror trick to aim.
Slopes and hills
A slope pulls the ball downhill the whole way across. Aim uphill of the cup and use less speed than you think when going downhill.
Sand
Sand stops the ball fast. Go around it, or if you must cross it, give the putt extra power and aim to roll straight through the short side.
Water
Water costs a stroke and sends you back to where the putt started. When water guards the cup, leave yourself a short safe second putt.
Ice
Ice barely slows the ball. Pull back less and let a rail stop the ball near the cup.
Arrow pads
Arrows push the ball along them. A soft putt onto an arrow pad can reach a far cup.
Bumpers
Round bumpers kick the ball back harder than a wall. Hit their edge, not the middle, to send it sideways.
Warp rings
In Pocket Golf, rolling into one ring brings the ball out of its twin at the same speed and heading. Plan the line from the far ring.
Questions
What are common mini golf obstacles?
Walls, slopes, sand traps, water, bumpers and ramps. Puzzle games add ones like ice, arrow pads and warp rings.
How do you get past a slope in mini golf?
Aim above the cup on the uphill side and let the slope curve the ball down into it.