How To Play Mini Golf for Beginners

WHAT IS MINI GOLF?

Mini golf is an indoor or outdoor low-impact game. Players use a putter to hit a dense, synthetic rubber ball through or around hazards. They try to get the ball into the hole in as few shots as possible.

MINI GOLF 101: HOW IT WORKS 

Wondering how to play and keep score in mini golf? Let’s take a look at the basic rules and what to expect the first time you play.

OBJECTIVE

The object is to get your ball in the hole in as few shots as possible. 

BASIC RULES

• Mini golf is played in groups of up to four people.
• Each player takes a shot from the starting line.
• After each player takes their first shot, the player closest to the hole goes next.

• Unless the other players have completed the hole, players never take two consecutive shots.
• Each player has six shots per hole.

Additionally, players receive a one-stroke penalty if their ball goes off the course. The ball is then placed inside the course at the place closest to where the ball went out of bounds, and the player takes their next shot from there. For example, suppose a player’s second shot goes out of bounds. They will receive a stroke for their third shot as a penalty but will not take another shot until the fourth round.

SCORING

Each shot a player takes is a stroke. Players record the number of strokes at each hole. After the last hole, players total all the strokes they took. The lowest score wins.

TIME

How long does it take to play mini golf? It takes up to an hour to play 18 holes of mini golf. If you’re part of a small party, you could finish the course in 45 minutes. 

THE COURSE

Twilight Zone Mini Golf features an 18 hole glow-in-the-dark indoor course. Each hole is numbered, and the holes are in order. You’ll encounter aliens and spacecraft as you make your way through our sci-fi-themed course.

FIRST-TIME? NO PROBLEM.

There are some simple ways to ensure your first time playing mini golf is a blast.

COME PREPARED

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. You’ll glow in the dark if you wear clothes that are neon green, pink, or yellow.

CHANGE THINGS UP

Make your own rules.

Bringing the family for the first time? Since everyone gets six shots per hole, change the rules so that everyone who gets 108 strokes or fewer wins. That way, everyone feels successful the first time they play mini golf. 

Playing with friends? Have more fun with a friendly competition. Create silly prize categories, so everyone wins something. 

Categories could include:

• Best shot
• Hardest shot
• Softest shot
• Wildest shot

TIPS

Using these tips will help you have a blast the first time you play mini golf:

• Give everyone a test shot: Let each player take a test shot, so they get familiar with the weight of the putter, and learn how hard to hit the ball.
• Have fun: Having a good time is the ultimate reward when you play mini golf.
• Include mulligans: In golf, a mulligan is a do-over. Give everyone a mulligan, so they have a chance to redo a shot.
• Play for progress: Play against yourself instead of others. Don’t worry about the score; you can focus on getting a lower score next time.

You can make mini golf fun for your family or group by playing with one ball. You work together as a team, taking turns, until you get the ball into the hole. With one ball, everybody wins. 

WHAT MAKES TWILIGHT ZONE MINI GOLF PERFECT FOR BEGINNERS?

The following are some of the reasons our Vegas mini golf course is the best place to start playing mini golf:

• Chill vibes: Twilight Zone Mini Golf has a relaxed atmosphere. We want our guests to unwind and have a good time, so you can take your time playing as you learn.
• Climate-controlled course: The weather won’t interfere with your game. 
• Did someone say dark?: Our mini golf course has UV light. Since it’s a low-light area, you have some extra privacy while you play.
• Immersive experience: Our glow-in-the-dark course immerses you in a fun sci-fi world.

We aim to deliver an out-of-this-world experience, perfect for new mini golfers who love sci-fi, and enjoy exploring the thematic hazards throughout the course.

TWILIGHT ZONE MINI GOLF: IT’S MORE THAN JUST GOLF

Mini golf might be part of our name, but we have several other fantastic ways for guests to have fun. These activities include:

• Arcade: Our arcade is filled with classic and contemporary arcade games for players of all ages.
• Mini bowling: Our mini bowling alley is perfect for first-time bowlers, children, and adults. The small bowling balls are easier to hold and throw, and the pins are closer to the players, so they’re easier to knock down.
• Photo fun: Pose for photos with your favorite aliens.
• Special events: We host group events in Las Vegas. Whether you’re looking for a place to host a corporate event, or planning a mini golf birthday party, we have everything you need for a fantastic event.

Our family-friendly venue delivers fun for players of all ages.

GETTING THERE: HORSESHOE HOTEL & CASINO, LAS VEGAS

Twilight Zone Mini Golf is located in the Horseshoe Las Vegas near the Horseshoe/Paris Monorail station. You can also take advantage of nearby parking that’s free for Nevada residents.