Mini Golf Rules & Scoring Guide

Basic Mini Golf Rules

Mini golf is played one hole at a time. 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. Place your ball behind the marked tee area on each hole.
• One stroke per swing. Every time you hit the ball counts as one stroke, even if it rolls back or hits an obstacle.
• Wait your turn. The player with the lowest score on the previous hole putts first. In groups, keep the pace moving so everyone behind you can play.
• Play the ball as it lies. You may not move the ball to a better spot unless a local rule or the course allows it.
• Out of bounds. If a ball leaves the playing green or gets stuck in an unplayable spot, replace it at the nearest point of entry and add one penalty stroke.

How Scoring Works

Mini golf scoring is the same as regular golf: each swing is a stroke, and the player with the lowest total score after 18 holes wins.

• Par per hole. Most mini golf holes are par 2 or par 3. A hole par is the expected number of strokes to get the ball in the cup.
• Stroke limit. At Adventure Cove, the common cap is 6 strokes per hole. Once you reach the cap, record 6 and move to the next tee.
• Scorecards. Write your strokes after each hole. Adventure Cove's digital scorecard adds them automatically and keeps a running leaderboard.

Mini Golf Etiquette

Good etiquette keeps the course moving and makes the game more enjoyable for everyone.

• Stay behind the putter. Stand clear of anyone's putting line and do not distract players during their stroke.
• One ball on the green at a time. Wait until the previous player's ball has stopped or been holed before putting yours.
• Keep the course clean. Return rented putters and balls, throw away trash, and leave hazards and props where they are.
• Let faster groups play through. If a group is waiting behind you, invite them to take the next hole ahead of you.

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.

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