Mini-Golf vs. Putt-Putt

Did you know that there is a difference between mini golf and putt-putt? While miniature golf goes by a lot of different names, including putt-putt, there are fundamental differences between the two.

First, let’s go over basics. Mini golf and putt-putt are both offshoots of golf (duh) that focus on just the putting. In most tourist destinations miniature golf courses are very popular. Why? Because they are fun for the whole family. Door County has five mini-golf courses. Or does Door County have five putt-putt courses? 

The name putt-putt is associated with a chain of family amusement centers, Putt-Putt Fun Center, known for their particular brand of miniature golf.

In putt-putt par for each hole is 2 while in mini golf par can range from 2 to 6. When playing putt-putt the player must finish the hole before the next player putts. In mini golf all the players take their first putt, then the player furthest away from the hole takes his second putt, similar to real golf.

Most putt-putt holes are designed so that a hole-in-one is possible with a well-aligned, skillful putt. Some mini-golf holes on the other hand are impossible to make a hole-in-one on due to the length of holes, random placement of obstacles, and uneven borders made of brick or rocks.

Speaking of obstacles, putt-putt is limited to small hills, pipes and blockers. In mini golf, anything can be an obstacle:  water hazards, windmills, badgers, bridges, you name it!

Lastly, putt-putt courses usually have no overriding theme. Holes are very bare besides the obstacles guarding the hole. Many mini-golf courses have themes or are more complex in their hole structure (putting down hills, through a cave, under a waterfall, etc.).

To answer the question posed at the beginning, Door County does in fact have five mini-golf courses:  Egg Harbor Fun Park, The Red Putter, Pirate’s Cove, Johnson’s Park and Deer Run Golf Course on Washington Island. These Door County mini-golf tracks all have overriding themes and tough obstacles. 

Even with all of these differences the objective is still the same – get the ball in the hole in as few strokes as possible. Oh, and have fun too!

Impress all your friends with the information you learned here today. The next time you are at a miniature golf course are you mini golfing or putt-putting? Either way, be sure to wear two socks, just in case you get a hole in one.