How to play

Mini Golf Rules & Scoring Guide

A quick, family-friendly guide to the rules of miniature golf, scoring etiquette, and how to use the Adventure Cove scorecard for a fair, fun round.

Basic Mini Golf Rules

Each player putts from the tee box until the ball goes in the cup. The goal is simple: finish all 18 holes using the fewest strokes.

  • Start from the tee mat and place your ball behind the marked tee area.
  • One stroke is counted each time the putter contacts the ball.
  • Players take turns until every player has completed the hole.
  • If a ball leaves the green, place it near the exit point and add one penalty stroke.

Scoring

Adventure Cove rounds are easy to score on paper or through the digital scorecard.

  • Most mini golf holes are par 2 or par 3.
  • Use a 6-stroke cap per hole to keep groups moving.
  • Write your strokes after each hole or let the digital scorecard total them automatically.
  • After hole 18, the player with the lowest total score wins.
Open Scorecard

Course Etiquette

Good pace and courtesy make the course better for everyone.

  • Wait until the group ahead clears the hole before putting.
  • Stand clear of another player's line and swing.
  • Let faster groups play through when needed.
  • Return balls and putters after the round and keep trash off the greens.

Using the Digital Scorecard

Adventure Cove's scorecard app makes it easy to track strokes, add multiple players, and see the leaderboard at the end of the round.

  • Open the scorecard on your phone at the start of the round.
  • Add each player by name.
  • Enter strokes after each hole as the group finishes it.
  • Tap the leaderboard at hole 18 to see the winner.

Common Questions

Ties are common in family games. Share the win, compare best single-hole scores, or replay one favorite hole as a sudden-death playoff.

If a ball wedges against a bumper, rock, or obstacle, most players allow one club-head-length of relief with no penalty. For unplayable spots, move the ball to the closest playable area and add one stroke.

Plan Your Round

Adventure Cove is at 3410 E. Rombach Ave in Wilmington, Ohio. Check current hours, call about group play, or open directions before heading over.

Get Directions