Getting Started with Mini Golf

Are you new to mini golf and aren’t sure where to start? Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning for your new mini golf attraction.

How much space is needed?

9-Hole Course

9-hole courses tend to need about 2,500 sqft (762 sqm) of space.

18-Hole Course

18-hole courses tend to need about 3,500 – 4,500 sqft (1,066 – 1,371 sqm) of space.

How much does it cost to build your mini golf course?

When building your course, you have a couple of options. You can work with a theming company for a turnkey solution, or you can work with a local contractor or DIY the project. A theming company will create a higher quality attraction, while saving you time and effort, however it would carry a larger price tag that a self or local build. Typical pricing runs around:

9-Hole Course

Turnkey hole construction via theming company: ~ $110,000 – $120,000

Local build: ~ $70,000

18-Hole Course

Turnkey hole construction via theming company: ~ $180,000 – $190,000

Local build: ~ $120,000

Are there any regulations you should keep in mind?

ADA compliance requires proper spacing between holes to allow wheelchair access. Adjustable-angle clubs can also help allow wheelchair users to access even modern raised holes.

Putt Mania does not require special clubs making it easier to comply with ADA regulation. The accessible route between holes must have a slope of no greater than 1:12 ratio, and allow access to 50% of the holes in a course. These do not have to be consecutive. For example, in an 18-hole course, holes 1-8 could be accessible, and hole 18 as well in order to comply with the 50% rule.

For indoor courses, this is generally not a major challenge. Outdoor courses with waterfall features, caves, and greater elevations tend to present more of an issue.

What should I charge per game?

Mini-Golf pricing varies by local income levels, interactivity/quality of attraction and competitive environment, but an indoor mini-golf attraction typically commands $8-$18 per round.

Due to the low marginal cost per game and high capacity, most centers offer mini-golf as part of an unlimited package with other low-cost attractions like laser tag, adventure parks, and bumper cars.

What should I expect as far as ROI?

Expected ROI on a mini-golf attraction is 12 months. It’s difficult to assign the revenue splits from party packages and wrist bands as many attractions are included in one price point.

Mini-golf is an excellent family friendly attraction that allows players of all ages to have fun together and can fill a missing link in unlimited packages. Maximum capacity is the number of holes multiplied by 6 players per hole (6×9=54, or 6×18=108 for example).