Whether you’re a golf enthusiast looking for a fun alternative to regular practice or a family searching for a new activity, mini golf offers the excitement and challenge you’re looking for. As fun as it is, it still requires quite a bit of skill to perfect your game. Here are a few tips to help you excel during your next round.

How to Win at Mini Golf

1. Carefully Assess the Course

Mini golf uses a variety of obstacles, curves, and distractions to challenge players. Before you do anything, it's important to examine all these potential roadblocks. Identifying how each factor will affect your ball’s rolling pattern will help you narrow down the best path for your shot. Look where a dip or hill might change the ball’s speed, for example, or find the straightest path down a series of winds and curves. While you can’t plan for everything, honing in on a strategy will improve your chances of success.

2. Use the Right Form

The right putter and technique can dramatically improve your game. First, find the right putter by outstretching your arms and bending over slightly. The putter head should sit flat on the ground, and the top of the handle should be just below your belt-line. This provides the most comfortable shot and greater control of your swing.

Next, take it slow. Think of your arms and putter working together as a pendulum as you swing back slowly, strike the ball, and follow through. Mini golf is about technique rather than power, so it's more important that you master this proper form than swing with a lot of force.

3. Work With Angles

Many shots in mini golf involve bouncing the ball off a wall or object to redirect it toward the hole. This requires careful planning with angles. First, look beyond an obstacle to see where you need to be. Then, look for the nearest spot—usually a border wall—to bank your shot from. You'll want to visualize a 90-degree angle where the ball will rebound from. You’ll still need to account for slopes and wobbly grades, which means you'll need to thoroughly inspect the course beforehand to know what to expect before you swing.

If you're ready to test out your mini-golf skills, head out to Etter’s Golf Center in Cincinnati, OH. For over 36 years, this golf center and driving range has catered to families and golfers, offering golf lessons, club repairs, and supplies. They also provide a fun mini golf course that is challenging for all skill levels. Call (513) 563-8661 or visit their website to learn more about their services.