How many strokes are allowed in mini golf?
Sarah Petra SchumacherIn minigolf, every stroke counts – in the truest sense of the word. Here, you'll learn what the rules truly mean and how to keep track of your score correctly from the start.
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The most important rule briefly explained
In minigolf, there's a clear international maximum limit: You are allowed a maximum of 6 strokes per hole to get the ball into the cup. If you don't succeed within these 6 strokes, you still mark 6 points on your scorecard – and move on to the next hole.
This rule applies to official competitive sports under the rules of the World Minigolf Sport Federation (WMF) and most national associations. In recreational minigolf at commercial facilities, this limit is sometimes set at 7 or even not at all – it's best to ask beforehand what applies on site.
In short: 6 strokes is your maximum per hole. After that, you take your ball out, write a 6 on your sheet, and move on to the next hole – regardless of whether you missed the hole once or five times.
How do I count correctly – and what counts as a stroke?
A question that many beginners ask seems simple at first glance: What actually counts as a stroke? The answer is clearer than you might think, but there are a few situations that regularly cause confusion.
A stroke is considered any conscious contact where you use the putter to set the ball in motion or intend to set it in motion. This means: Even a missed shot, where you miss the ball or just lightly tap it, counts as a full stroke. The deciding factor is not whether the ball moves far, but whether you actively played.
Conversely, positioning the ball on the teeing area at the start of a hole is not counted as a stroke. You can place the ball there, align it, and re-position yourself without it being counted against you. Also, if the ball is moved by external influences, for example by wind, an uneven surface, or someone accidentally bumping into it, you may replace it without incurring a penalty stroke.
A common situation on the course: The ball rolls back and lands behind the teeing position. Here, it is still considered played; you simply continue to play it from where it came to rest. Only if it leaves the course completely, i.e., goes out of bounds, is it replaced at the edge of the point where it left the playing area. In this case, too, the stroke that sent the ball out of bounds counts.
Particularly important for groups: Each player counts their own strokes and records them on the scorecard after each hole. In recreational play, this is based on trust; in competition, the card is counter-signed by another person at the end. It's worth practicing honest counting from the very first recreational game, as it becomes a good habit and makes the game fairer and more transparent for everyone.
Why a stroke rule at all?
You might wonder: Why can't I just keep playing until the ball is in the hole? There are two practical reasons for this:
A minigolf course often has many groups playing simultaneously. The 6-stroke rule ensures that no one gets stuck on a hole forever.
In sports, every stroke counts. Without an upper limit, the result would hardly be comparable – especially in official tournaments.
Knowing you only have 6 attempts makes every stroke more valuable. That's what makes minigolf so exciting!
What does par mean – and why is it more important than the maximum number?
In minigolf, 6 is the upper limit, but the much more interesting number is the so-called par. Par refers to the number of strokes an averagely good player should need to get the ball into the hole.
On most holes, the par is 2 strokes – you aim, shoot for a good position or directly into the hole with the first stroke, and complete with the second. Some holes also have a par of 3 or even 4 if they are particularly long or challenging. For top players, the par can even be 1, especially on the miniature golf system. It always depends on the difficulty of the course.
| Result | Term | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ace / Hole-in-One | Excellent |
| 2 | Par | Good |
| 3 | One over par | Alright |
| 4 | Two over par | Needs improvement |
| 5 | Three over par | Needs improvement |
| 6 | Four over par (Maximum score) | Just made it |
| 7 | Five over par (if hole not completed) | Hole not completed |
One Putt Tip: Don't just focus on staying under 6 – aim to get as close to par as possible. Players who consistently play at or slightly above par will achieve a really solid score after 18 holes.
How is the total score calculated?
Now that you know how many strokes are allowed per hole and what counts as a stroke, the next logical question is: How is your total score determined at the end?
The principle is quite simple. You usually play 18 holes, you record the number of your strokes on each hole, and at the end, you add up all 18 values. The result is your total score for the round. In minigolf, unlike some other games, the lower the number, the better. The person who used the fewest strokes at the end wins.
A good benchmark: If each hole has a par of 2 and you play all 18 holes at par, you'll get a total score of 36. This is a realistic goal for an experienced hobbyist. Beginners often land between 50 and 70, depending on the course and the difficulty of the holes. Professional players in official tournaments, however, often play significantly below par, i.e., under 36, because they complete many holes in just one stroke.
What many people don't know: If you reach the maximum of 6 strokes on a hole without getting the ball into the cup, you still count 7 points for that hole. This can quickly drive up the total score, which is why it's worth staying calm and focused on particularly difficult holes, rather than getting frantic. Sometimes a controlled 4 is better than three risky attempts at the hole.
At the end of a round, it's worth looking at the score not just as a number, but as a basis for learning. On which holes did you take many strokes? Was it the curve that slowed you down, or the distance to the hole? Those who analyze their score carefully will quickly realize where targeted practice pays off most, and will improve from round to round.
Recreational Play vs. Competition: Where do which rules apply?
Are you playing with friends at a public facility? Then you can relax: many operators adhere to the official rules, but you are free to deviate for your group. Are you making a house rule of 7 or 8 strokes? No problem – as long as everyone plays along and fun is the priority.
It's different for official tournaments – there, the 6-stroke rule is binding. So, if you ever want to participate in a local tournament, it's good to get used to it in advance. With the right equipment and a little practice, you'll get used to this limit faster than you think.
Important for tournament players: In official WMF competitions, you must remove your ball from the playing area yourself after the 6th stroke and record 7 points – even if the ball is not yet in the hole. This makes correct scorecard keeping all the more important.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Stroke Rule
What happens if I forget to count?
In recreational play, honesty is usually the best policy. In competition, recording on the scorecard is mandatory – missing or incorrect entries can lead to disqualification.
Does a stroke that gets stuck on the edge of the hole count?
Yes – every contact between club and ball counts as one stroke, no matter what happens afterward.
What if the ball leaves the course?
That depends on the rules of the respective facility. Generally, the ball is replaced at the point where it went out of bounds – and the stroke still counts.
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If you are looking for high-quality putters, balls, or minigolf accessories, we recommend taking a look at our shop - One Putt Minigolf.