Mini golf is always a favourite activity for a get together, whether with family or friends. The game is simple, no two courses are the same and it is an enjoyable way to pass a couple of hours.

Mini golf is fun for all ages, but it can be a sure-fire way to bring out a competitive streak in a lot of us. What is intended to be 9 or 18 holes of fun and laughter can become quite a serious game. So, if you want to play at your best, find out what you need to know to improve your putting.

Terrific Technique

Improving your mini golf skills comes down to knowing the correct technique. Brush up on your technique and your number of hole-in-ones is likely to soar. Here are the things you need to remember for great mini golfing.

Your Stance

Your stance while you’re putting is critical so to get it right:

  • Ensure your feet are shoulder-width apart with your toes pointing forward, not splayed out.
  • Stand in a position so that your ball is very slightly in front of the centre of your stance.
  • When you rest your putter on the ground, the grip is pointed towards your left hip (or your right hip if you are left-handed of course). Your hands will be just a little ahead of the ball.

The Best Grip

When you feel you have your stance correct, take a moment to focus on your grip. The great golfing champions have their own particular grip, holding the club in the way that feels the most comfortable for them. If you are a novice golfer, on your way to becoming a mini golf great, try one of these grips:

Basic Grip

The reverse overlap is the most basic grip for putting. The normal golfing grip is where your dominant hand rests just below your non-dominant hand, so start with that, and move your non-dominant index finger on top of your dominant hand.

Cross Handed Grip

This type of grip is the basic grip, but with your hands in the opposite position. So, your non-dominant hand grips the putter from below your dominant hand. It can assist with better alignment and increased stability.

Pencil Grip

For this grip, your non-dominant hand is at the top of the putter as for the basic grip. However, when you place your dominant hand below, position it as you would if you were holding a pencil. This grip will improve your control while putting.

Master the Aim

Aim is absolutely crucial in mini golf. The quickest way to get the ball in the hole is to hit it in the right direction, but it is often trickier to do that than we think.

Stand at your ball and pick the line where you want the ball to go and position your body so you are standing perpendicular to this line. Keep the obstacles in mind – you may need to line up with a tunnel or find the best path to avoid a bunker. Take a bit of time and plan the best shot you can.

Then look straight down at the ball – directly down so your forehead is level with your chin. Align your putter with the centre of the ball and prepare to hit.

Softly Does It

Always keep in mind you are playing mini golf – ‘mini’ remember, so anything too hard and fast is likely to end up out of bounds or flying through the air. Your ball should always stay on the ground. Your club should guide your ball to the hole with the right amount of power to make it stop where you want it to.

Commit these tips to memory and with a little practice you could easily become the mini golf champion among your group. Hit the holes at What the Putt and experience mini golf like you never have before!

There is another option to try when technique and aim are simply not cutting it.

Up the Antics

You still have a good chance of coming out on top by making sure the others aren’t at the top of their game.

Master of Distraction

There are no rules in mini golf that say you have to be quiet. Become chatty when your friend is getting ready to hit their ball or try to make them laugh. ‘Accidentally’ stand in their line of sight when they are aiming for their shot. If they are unable to concentrate, they won’t hit well. This tactic is likely to go unnoticed and just be seen as friendly banter and excitement for the game.

Give Advice

Be enthusiastic about giving advice to the other players – bad advice that is. Offer ‘assistance’ with where they should aim or how much power they need to give their putt and watch their score creep well over par.

Remain Subtle

If your antics are too over the top or appear out of character for you your mates will figure out what you’re doing. That could really bring the mood down on the game – or even worse, make them more determined to beat you.

If you now feel ready to take on the world, or a mini golf course, test out your new-found skills at Melbourne’s best indoor mini golf venue. What the Putt offers you fun mini golf and is the place to visit for excellent food and drink and brilliant parties. Give them a call or book online for unforgettable mini golfing memories.