Mini golf rules and scoring, explained
Mini golf, also called putt-putt or crazy golf, keeps the scoring of real golf with a lot fewer rules. Here is what you need to keep score.
Par and strokes
Each hole has a par: the number of putts a good player needs. Count every putt. Your score for the hole is the number of putts it took to sink the ball.
Birdies, bogeys and aces
One under par is a birdie, one over is a bogey, and sinking it with your first putt is a hole-in-one, or ace.
Water and out of bounds
If the ball goes in water or leaves the course, add one stroke and play again from where you last putted. Pocket Golf uses the same rule for ponds.
Stroke limits
Many courses cap a hole at six strokes so the game keeps moving. If you reach the limit, write down the cap and move on.
Keeping a scorecard
Write each hole's score under its par, then total the front nine (holes 1 to 9) and the back nine (10 to 18). Pocket Golf keeps a scorecard for every course and circles the holes you finish under par.
Flags in Pocket Golf
Instead of stars, each hole gives up to three flags. Finish at par or under for all three. Flags open new courses.
Questions
What is par in mini golf?
The number of strokes a good player should need to sink the ball on that hole, usually 2 to 4.
What happens if your ball goes in the water in mini golf?
You add one penalty stroke and play again from where your last putt started.
Is putt-putt the same as mini golf?
Yes. Putt-putt, mini golf, miniature golf and crazy golf are names for the same game.