What do I need to get started with mini golf? The ultimate beginner's guide
Sarah Petra SchumacherDo you want to take your mini-golf game to the next level? Then it's worth getting your own equipment quickly, instead of using the simple rental club and standard ball from the kiosk.
With the right ball, certain obstacles can be played much more easily. You can develop your own strategies, try out different ball properties, play off the band, and find out which variant gives you the best chance of a hole-in-one. That's what makes mini-golf so exciting: it's not just about hitting straight, but also about getting creative.
In this guide, you'll learn what equipment is useful for you to get started and what you should look for in clubs, balls, and ball bags.
This article was written by One Putt Minigolf.
- The mini-golf outfitter for pros and beginners -
👉 In Brief: Which Mini-Golf Starter Set is Right for You?
To get started with mini-golf, you don't immediately need a huge ball bag. A small basic set of a suitable mini-golf club with a rubber plate, 1 to 5 different mini-golf balls, and a simple ball bag is useful. If you just want to try it out, a small ball set is sufficient. If you want to start properly right away, a complete starter set with a club, balls, and bag is ideal. Suitable starter sets, clubs, and balls can be found at One Putt Minigolf.
Table of Contents
- Why is it worth having your own mini-golf equipment?
- My personal mini-golf starter set story
- What belongs in the basic mini-golf equipment?
- Which mini-golf club is the right one?
- Which mini-golf balls do you need as a beginner?
- Which balls suit which mini-golf system?
- Why temperature and ball care are important
- Which ball bag do you need?
- Which starter set suits you?
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Read more
1. Why is it worth having your own mini-golf equipment?
If you only play mini-golf once a year on vacation, a rental club and a standard ball are usually sufficient. But as soon as you play more often, you'll quickly notice: your own equipment makes a big difference.
Your own club gives you a more consistent hitting feel. You get used to the length, weight, grip, and clubface. This allows you to develop your technique better and become more confident in your stroke.
However, the balls are even more important. A standard ball is usually a simple, basic ball. You can play every hole with it, but not every hole optimally. With different mini-golf balls, you can try out which ball works better for which obstacle. Some balls roll slower, some bounce higher, some balls are better for a direct shot into the hole, others are better for playing off the band or jump ramps.
This is where the real charm of mini-golf begins: you find your own variation, test ball paths, play off one or more bands, and develop strategies that increase your chances of a hole-in-one.
2. My personal mini-golf starter set story as a multiple Mini-Golf World Champion
Today, as a multiple world and European champion, I, Sarah Schumacher, play with many different balls of my own. But it started much more simply: at 6 years old, I got my first mini-golf club, a small ball bag, and initially, one ball of my own.
To get started in mini-golf, a club with a rubber plate, a small selection of balls, and a ball bag are sufficient.
Of course, I was lucky enough to be born into a mini-golf family. This gave me access to hundreds of different balls that my father had already collected during his mini-golf career. At the same time, I also realized very early on how confusing this variety can be.
Different names, colors, surfaces, and properties such as jump height, hardness, weight, size, and material can be quite overwhelming at first. That's why I wrote this guide from over 20 years of competitive mini-golf experience: so that getting started is easier for you and you find more joy in developing your own game faster.
3. What belongs in the basic mini-golf equipment?
If you want to take mini-golf a little more seriously than just with a standard ball and club, you don't need professional equipment at the beginning. A good basic set consists of:
- a suitable mini-golf club with a rubber plate
- 1 to 5 different mini-golf balls
- a small ball bag for transport and organization
In our shop, you can put together your own beginner's set from individual products or choose a ready-made starter set, for example, the Fun-Sports Fun-Set.
In the next chapters, you will learn what you should pay attention to for each component so that you find the best possible start for yourself.
4. Which mini-golf club is the right one?
Unlike golf, you usually only need one club for mini-golf, which you use for all holes. A real mini-golf club has a rubber plate on the striking side. This provides more ball feel, control, and later allows for advanced techniques such as targeted cutting of the ball.
When choosing your first club, four questions are particularly important:
1. What club length suits me?
A simple guideline is: If the club stands vertically next to you on the ground, it should reach approximately to hip height. It's important that you can stand comfortably and stably, without having to bend too much or hold the club awkwardly.
The correct stance in mini-golf: Legs slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, upper body leaning slightly forward over the ball and club head.
Especially for children, the club can be a bit larger at first if they handle it well. They often grow into it quickly. For adults, it's worth choosing a length that is immediately comfortable to play with.
2. Do I play right-handed or left-handed?
Whether you play right-handed or left-handed is primarily a matter of feel. It's best to try both sides and see what feels more natural.
If you don't want to commit yet, a double-sided club can be useful. This allows you to play from both sides and find out which side suits you better.
A double-sided mini-golf club, such as the "Striker", is suitable if you are not yet sure which side you want to play from.
3. What club angle suits me?
The club angle depends heavily on your posture. If you stand closer to the ball, a steeper angle usually fits better. If you stand further away from the ball, a shallower angle is more comfortable.
However, for beginners, you don't have to stress too much about this. The important thing at first is that the club feels good in your hand and the bottom of the club head can be aligned as parallel as possible to the lane surface.
4. How important are weight, grip, and shaft?
There are differences in the weight of the club head, the type of shaft, and the grip between different clubs. This is certainly important later, but at the beginning, it's primarily a matter of taste.
For your first club, the main thing is: it should be a comfortable size, have a rubber plate, and give you a good feeling when hitting. Everything else you can adjust to your own playing style over time.
My first club was a Striker with a rubber surface on both sides. It quickly became clear that I played better right-handed, but with my left hand at the bottom of the grip, because that gave me more stability. Later I got the Benny club from my father, which I still play with today.
More important than the perfect model at the beginning is the correct posture: club, ball, and feet should form a stable, isosceles triangle. The clubface should be squarely aligned with the ball and the club head should be moved as parallel as possible to the lane surface.
You can find more about the correct club posture in our separate blog article.
5. Which mini-golf balls do you need as a beginner?
Even more important than the club in mini-golf are the balls. The choice of ball can make a hole much easier or much more difficult for you.
For example: On the miniature golf system, there is the "jump ramp with net" hole. The ball must be played straight over a ramp into a net. Many players find this hole particularly difficult.
For the "Net" hole on the miniature golf system, a hard, rather slow to medium-speed and medium-weight ball with a smooth surface is suitable.
Here, the hardness of the ball plays a big role. A hard, rather slow to medium-speed ball with a smooth surface bounces better off the ramp. This often means you need less force and can execute the shot more controlled.
A very soft, heavy, and slow ball with a raw surface, on the other hand, can make the hole significantly more difficult. You need more force, the shot must be more precise, and small errors have a greater impact.
This means: With the right ball choice, you can achieve better results faster.
The most important ball properties are:
- Jump height: How high does the ball bounce when you drop it?
- Hardness: How soft or hard is the ball?
- Weight: How heavy is the ball?
- Size: What is the diameter of the ball?
- Surface: Is the ball raw, rough, or smoothly painted?
- Material: How does the ball react to temperature, bands, and obstacles?
As a beginner, you don't immediately need 30 balls. A small selection with different properties is useful. This way, you can learn how balls differ and which ball suits which hole.
Which balls suit which mini-golf system?
Which balls are suitable for you largely depends on which system you mainly play on: concrete, miniature golf, felt, adventure golf, or Minigolf Open Standard. You can find an overview of the different systems in our blog article "What variants of mini-golf are there?".
Generally, however, there are ball properties with which you can get started well on the respective systems.
| System | Suitable ball properties for beginners |
| Concrete |
Balls with medium speed, good control, and not too extreme jump height. Several balls are useful for bands, inclines, and target circles.
|
| Miniature Golf |
A mix of slow to medium-speed balls, rather hard balls for jump holes, and controlled balls for technical obstacles like the volcano, pipe, or labyrinth.
|
| Felt Golf |
Controllable, not too fast balls are often needed. Since felt is more braking and longer, slightly faster balls can also be useful depending on the hole.
|
| Adventure Golf |
Robust, easily controllable balls with medium speed. For recreational players, a pleasant ball feel is paramount here.
|
| Minigolf Open Standard |
Since these courses can be very different in construction, versatile all-round balls with medium speed and good control characteristics are suitable.
|
These figures serve as rough guidelines for selecting mini golf balls for beginners on the various mini golf systems.
Especially for beginners, the Fun-Sports series is a good choice. It offers an affordable entry with good ball quality and is ideal for learning the first differences between various balls. In our online shop, you can put together your own selection of Fun-Sports balls with the Fun-Sports 5-piece set and also receive a ball pouch.
- For Miniature Golf courses (Eternit) we recommend the Fun-Sports balls No.:
2KL, 3KR, 4KL, 5KL, 7KL
- For Mini Golf courses (Concrete) we recommend the Fun-Sports balls No.:
2KL, 4KL, 5KL, 6KL, 9KL
- For Felt Golf courses we recommend the Fun-Sports balls No.:
1KL, 2KL, 4KL, 5KL, 7KL - For Adventure Golf and Minigolf Open Standards we recommend the Fun-Sports balls No.:
1KL, 2KL, 4KL, 5KL, 7KL
With the Fun-Sports 5-piece set you can put together your personal selection of Fun-Sports balls at One Putt Minigolf for your mini golf debut.
These are general recommendations for getting started, with the note that every mini golf course is individual and it depends on your own creativity and playing accuracy to find and play the right ball. Often, you can get specific tips on ball selection for the respective courses from the local club players. With our filter function in the shop, you can specifically search by bounce height, hardness, size, weight and surface to find balls with certain characteristics.
Why temperature and ball care are important
The properties of mini golf balls are usually specified at 20 °C. In practice, however, a ball changes significantly depending on the temperature.
When a ball gets warmer, it generally becomes livelier and bounces more. It can seem faster, roll further, and react differently to bands or obstacles. When a ball gets colder, it usually becomes sluggish, bounces less, and runs more controllably, but also more heavily.
Precisely for this reason, many club players consciously temper their balls. Some balls are brought to temperature in their trouser pocket, in their hand or in special warming bags. Others are deliberately kept cooler if they are to bounce less.
The ball's surface is also important. Dirt, dust, moisture or small grains of sand can change its rolling behavior. A dirty ball rolls more unevenly, can brake more strongly and reacts less well to bands. Therefore, you should keep your balls clean regularly when playing.
8. Which ball bag do you need?
A ball bag is practical because you can transport your balls in an organized and safe manner. For starters, a small ball pouch is perfectly sufficient. It is minimalistic, easy to carry and offers enough space for your first ball selection.
Fun-Sports Ball Pouch with capacity for approx. 15 mini golf balls for starting mini golf. (Also available in a set with mini golf balls and club).
If you later own more balls, a larger ball bag can be useful. Some models offer additional insulation, more storage space, compartments for valuables or even space for a water bottle.
Fun-Sports Tournament Ball Bag with more space and thermal insulation.
For beginners, however: You don't need a large tournament bag right away. A small bag with space for a few balls is perfectly sufficient to start with.
9. Which starter set is right for you?
Depending on how intensely you want to start, there are various options.
Option 1: A small ball set
If you already enjoy going to the mini golf course but don't want to buy your own club yet, a small ball set is a good start. You can simply bring your own balls and play with the rental club from the course.
For this purpose, for example, the Fun-Sports - 5-piece set with a small ball bag is suitable. This way you have several balls to choose from and can test initial differences.
Option 2: Complete starter set
If you want to get started right away, a set consisting of a club, balls and a ball bag is ideal. With this, you have everything you need to play regularly and develop your own game.
The Fun-Sports Fun-Set is a good option for this. It combines a club, ball selection and ball pouch in one set and is particularly suitable for beginners and hobby players.
Option 3: Put together your own beginner set
If you already know which system you mainly play on or want to try out certain ball characteristics, you can put together your own set.
At One Putt Minigolf you will find mini golf clubs, mini golf balls and accessories. You can use the filters to specifically search for your desired properties.
👉 Conclusion
The right mini golf starter set depends on how intensely you want to get started. For beginners, a small selection of 1 to 5 balls and a simple ball bag is often sufficient. If you want to play regularly, a complete start with your own club, ball set, and bag is worthwhile. The important thing is not to have professional equipment right away, but to develop enjoyment of the game with suitable basic equipment, try out different ball paths, and find your own strategy for the ace.
If you need support in choosing your first mini golf starter set, please contact us. We will help you with your decision and advise you according to your playing level, your course and your goals.
Frequently asked questions: Mini Golf Starter Set
What do beginners need to play mini golf?
To get started, you need a mini golf club with a rubber face, 1-5 different balls and a small ball bag. If you only play occasionally, you can also start with your own balls and use the rental club from the course.
Is a mini golf starter set worth it?
Yes, if you play more often. Your own equipment gives you more control, a more consistent playing feel and more opportunities to try out different strategies and ball paths.
How many mini golf balls do you need to start with?
1 to 5 balls are sufficient for the beginning. It is important that the balls have different characteristics so that you can learn the first differences in speed, hardness, bounce height and surface.
Which mini golf club is suitable for beginners?
A good beginner's club should match your height, feel comfortable in your hand and have a rubber face. Details such as weight, special grip or shaft type are less important at the beginning.
How do I find the right club length?
As a guide, the club should reach approximately your hip when it stands vertically next to you on the ground. The crucial thing is that you can swing comfortably and stably.
Which balls are suitable for miniature golf?
For miniature golf, different balls are suitable depending on the course. A small mix of slow to medium-speed, controllable and sometimes harder balls for technical obstacles is useful.
Which balls are suitable for concrete?
On concrete, controllable all-round balls with medium speed are a good start. Since many lanes are played off the band, up inclines or into large target circles, a small selection of different characteristics is worthwhile.
Do I have to clean my mini golf balls?
Yes, dust, moisture and dirt can change the rolling behavior. A clean ball feel makes your game more controlled and consistent.
Read more
- What are the variants of mini golf?
- What do you need for mini golf?
- The most important mini golf rules explained
- Which mini golf balls are allowed in tournaments?
- Discover mini golf balls
- Discover mini golf clubs
This article was written by One Putt Minigolf.
- The mini golf outfitter for professionals and beginners -