What do you need for mini golf?

Putter, ball, let's go – right? It's not that simple. Anyone going to a mini-golf course for the first time quickly realizes that choosing the right equipment makes a real difference. And those who play regularly or even want to compete in tournaments can't avoid the question: What do you actually need for mini-golf?

In this blog post, you'll get a complete overview – from the putter and the ball to useful accessories. Whether you're a beginner or want to take your game to the next level, you'll find everything you need to know here.

 

This article was written by One Putt Minigolf.
- The mini-golf outfitter for pros and beginners -

 

 

Table of Contents

• In Brief: What do you need for mini-golf?
• In Detail: Overview of the Most Important Equipment
  • The Putter
  • The Ball
  • The Ball Bag
  • Shoes
  • Clothing
  • Further Accessories
• Leisure vs. Tournament Sports: What's the Difference?
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

 

In Detail: Overview of the Most Important Equipment

 

1. The Mini-Golf Putter

The putter is the central tool in mini-golf. While recreational players usually receive a rental putter at most courses, many regular players eventually opt for their own putter. The reason: a suitable putter provides more control, a better feel for the ball, and consistent putting technique.

Unlike many other sports, mini-golf uses only one putter for almost all shots. The correct length is particularly crucial. A putter that is too long or too short can lead to an unnatural posture and make precise putting difficult. As a rule of thumb, the putter's grip should reach approximately to your hip when the putter is held vertically in front of your body.

For beginners, a simple standard putter is perfectly adequate. Ambitious players also pay attention to factors such as weight, balance, and the properties of the rubber plate on the club head. These influence how the ball is struck and how precisely different shot techniques can be executed.

Another important point is handedness. As with golf or hockey, mini-golf also has putters for right- and left-handed players. If you're unsure which variant is right for you, you should try out different putters or feel free to consult us. In our shop – One Putt Minigolf – you will find a selection of putters for various mini-golf systems and player levels.

 

2. The Mini-Golf Ball

While recreational players usually play with the balls provided at the course, for ambitious players, the mini-golf ball is the most important piece of equipment of all. Because unlike what many assume, there isn't one perfect mini-golf ball. Instead, different balls are used depending on the hole, obstacle, and desired rolling behavior.

Mini-golf balls differ, among other things, in their hardness, bounce height, speed, size, and weight. These properties influence how the ball bounces off bumpers, how fast it rolls, and how it reacts on different surfaces. Therefore, tournament players often use dozens or even hundreds of different balls to have the optimal choice for every situation.

Each mini-golf system places different demands on the ball. Concrete, eternit (fiber cement), felt, or artificial turf behave differently, and the type of bumpers – for example, wood or steel – also influences the ball's rolling and bouncing behavior. Choosing the right ball can therefore make a difference of several strokes per round. Experienced players often test various balls during preparation to find the optimal combination for the respective lanes.

For beginners, such a large selection is, of course, not necessary. A small assortment of a few differently playable balls is enough to learn the first differences and significantly improve one's own game. When playing on different courses, ball choice makes a noticeable difference.

Another advantage of owning your own mini-golf balls is consistent quality. Rental balls are frequently used and over time show signs of wear that can affect playing behavior. Your own balls, on the other hand, offer constant properties and allow you to build experience specifically with certain ball types.

In short: The putter gets the ball rolling – the ball often decides how successful the shot ultimately is. Anyone who plays mini-golf regularly particularly benefits from their own ball set that matches their preferred course systems and playing style. In our shop, you'll find system-specific ball material for all common mini-golf variants – feel free to visit One Putt Minigolf.

 

3. Ball Bag 

Especially as your ball collection grows, a ball bag becomes indispensable. It ensures that mini-golf balls are transported safely, organized clearly, and quickly accessible on the course. Depending on the playing level and the size of the ball collection, different solutions are available.

For recreational players and beginners, small ball pouches that offer space for the most important balls are often sufficient. Those who play regularly and use various ball types for different holes often opt for larger ball bags with multiple compartments and additional storage space for accessories.

Tournament players often own dozens or even hundreds of balls. For such extensive collections, in addition to large tournament ball bags, special ball containers are also used. These offer a lot of space, allow for clear sorting, and facilitate the transport of large ball inventories to training sessions and competitions.

Whether it's a small ball pouch or a large ball container: a suitable transport solution protects your balls, keeps them organized, and helps you always have the right ball quickly at hand on the course.

 

4. Shoes 

When it comes to mini-golf, hardly anyone thinks about shoes – yet they can make a bigger difference than many suspect. Since precision and a stable stance are crucial in mini-golf, you should opt for comfortable shoes with good grip.

For most players, regular trainers or sneakers are perfectly adequate. They offer sufficient stability, are comfortable to wear, and ensure that you can stay focused even during longer rounds of play. Especially on uneven paths between the lanes or on damp surfaces, non-slip shoes are an advantage.

There are no special mini-golf shoes. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable in your shoes and have a stable stance when striking. Open shoes like flip-flops or sandals are often seen at recreational facilities but offer significantly less stability and are therefore not recommended for ambitious players.

In tournament sports, official dress codes also apply. Here, sports shoes or trainers are mandatory. They ensure a stable stance and allow for a consistent striking motion throughout the entire tournament round.

In short: Comfortable trainers with good grip are the best choice for most mini-golfers – whether for leisure play or in tournament sports.

 

5. Clothing

For recreational mini-golf, clothing usually doesn't play a big role. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and have enough freedom of movement to play relaxed. Comfortable sports or casual wear is perfectly sufficient for this.

However, those who play mini-golf regularly or participate in tournaments often pay closer attention to their clothing. Since tournaments often last a whole day and temperatures can fluctuate significantly between morning, noon, and evening, the so-called layering principle has proven effective. With multiple layers of clothing, players can react flexibly to changing weather conditions while also being able to temper their mini-golf balls specifically.

Especially when it comes to trousers, many tournament players opt for long sports trousers over short sports trousers with pockets. This allows balls to be stored in different pockets depending on the desired temperature. Balls in the pockets of the short trousers are closer to the body and are warmed more by body heat. If a ball needs to be even warmer, it is sometimes even worn in a sock under the short trousers. Since the playing properties of many mini-golf balls are highly dependent on temperature, the correct ball temperature can have a significant impact on the game.

In addition, tournament players use special heated bags or heated cases. These allow multiple balls to be kept at a constant temperature simultaneously and specifically prepared for certain holes. Especially during longer tournaments or changing weather conditions, they offer a convenient way to always have access to optimally tempered ball material.

Multiple layers are also useful for tops. This allows players to quickly switch between T-shirts, sweaters, jackets, or rain gear depending on the weather, without sacrificing comfort or freedom of movement.

In tournament sports, official dress codes also apply. In team competitions and many official tournaments, club clothing must be worn so that affiliation with a club or team is clearly recognizable.

In short: While comfortable clothing is perfectly adequate for recreational mini-golf, tournament players rely on well-thought-out layers of clothing to optimally prepare both themselves and their mini-golf balls for changing conditions.

6. Further Accessories

Besides the basics, there are some useful extras that enhance the mini-golf experience:

• Putter bag or putter cover: If you own your own putter, you should protect it – a simple cover is perfectly sufficient for transport.
• Scorecard and pencil: These are provided at many courses, but those who play regularly often bring their own.
• Towel or long-handled brush: The ball rolls better on a cleaner lane. Especially on outdoor courses, dirt and moisture quickly accumulate. With a towel or brush, you can quickly and easily clean the lane before playing. 
• Heated pouches and heated cases: For hobby and tournament players who want to keep their balls at a specific temperature. 

You can find all this and more with us – One Putt Minigolf – your online shop for mini-golf equipment.

Leisure vs. Tournament Sports: What's the Difference in Equipment?

For a relaxed leisure outing, the rental equipment at the course is perfectly sufficient. But if you want to play more often or even register for tournaments, investing in your own equipment is worthwhile.

Category	Leisure	Tournament Sports
Putter	Rental putter on site is sufficient	Own putter
Ball	Rental ball on site is sufficient	Approved, system-specific ball material
Shoes	Completely individual	Trainers with good grip
Clothing	Completely individual	Various layers of sportswear for different weather temperatures

The biggest difference lies in the balls and the putter: In tournament sports, only certain balls approved by the WMF (World Minigolf Sport Federation) are allowed. The right ball material directly influences the rolling behavior and thus your result.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions: What do you need for mini-golf?

Do I need to bring my own equipment?
No, for a normal leisure visit to a mini-golf course, you can rent a putter and ball on site. Your own equipment is worthwhile from the moment you play regularly or want to participate in tournaments.

Which ball do you need for mini-golf?
Which mini-golf ball you need depends on the specific mini-golf system, the lane, and the desired playing characteristics. Concrete, Eternit, felt, or artificial turf react differently to various balls, which is why experienced players use different types of balls depending on the situation. For beginners, a handful of all-round balls is sufficient initially.

What is the right club length?
For adults, the optimal club length is usually between 85 and 95 cm. As a rule of thumb, the grip of the club should reach approximately to your hip when the club is standing vertically in front of you. However, the optimal length also depends on your height, arm position, and personal preferences.

Do you need special shoes for mini golf?
No, normal sneakers are sufficient for recreational play. Those who frequently play on outdoor courses or participate in tournaments will benefit from athletic shoes with good grip and cushioning.

Are there equipment regulations for tournaments?
Yes, at least concerning the ball. Tournament balls must be licensed by the WMF (World Minigolf Sport Federation) to be approved for tournaments.

This article was written by One Putt Minigolf.
- The minigolf outfitter for professionals and beginners -