Mini golf is one of those rare pastimes that’s stood the test of time. It’s quirky, nostalgic, and just challenging enough to bring out everyone’s competitive side — from kids to grandparents. But where did this miniature version of golf actually come from? How did it evolve from a novelty into one of America’s favorite family-friendly activities?
Let’s take a quick trip through time to explore the surprising and fun history of mini golf — starting all the way back in 1916.
Believe it or not, mini golf got its start thanks to a woman named Elsie Thompson and her husband, James Barber, in Pinehurst, North Carolina. James, a prominent steamship executive, wanted a golf course that his wife and her friends could enjoy — one that didn’t require the strength or power of full-scale golf.
The result? A backyard course called “Thistle Dhu” (pronounced “This’ll Do”). It was a beautifully landscaped putting course filled with curves, slopes, and small obstacles. Many consider it to be the first mini golf course in the U.S.
Though it was privately built, word spread quickly, and the idea of “miniature golf” began to catch on with the public.
By the 1920s, mini golf was exploding in popularity, especially in big cities like New York and Chicago. Rooftop mini golf courses were all the rage — yes, actual putting greens on top of buildings. Materials like sand, oilcloth, and cottonseed hulls were used to create cheap, makeshift greens that could fit in tight urban spaces.
At one point, there were an estimated 30,000 mini golf courses across the U.S. during the late 1920s. People couldn’t get enough of the fast-paced, low-cost entertainment.
But just as quickly as it rose, the Great Depression hit, and many of those courses closed. Still, the love for mini golf never fully went away — it just needed to evolve.
After World War II, American families were traveling more, taking road trips, and spending time in new roadside attractions. That’s when mini golf got its second wind.
Enter the themed courses — pirate ships, dinosaurs, castles, windmills, waterfalls — all built to attract drivers and families along highways and tourist towns. These courses were no longer just about the game; they were about the experience.
One of the most famous brands to emerge during this time was Putt-Putt Golf, which opened its first location in 1954. Unlike many novelty courses, Putt-Putt emphasized skill and competition with clean, uniform holes and official rules. Tournaments became popular, and Putt-Putt even aired professional events on ESPN in the 1980s.
As indoor entertainment centers became more common in the 1990s and early 2000s, mini golf found new life in glow-in-the-dark form. Neon paint, black lights, and space or jungle themes made indoor mini golf a year-round activity.
These courses became a hit for birthday parties, date nights, and rainy-day entertainment. You could now find mini golf inside malls, arcades, and even cruise ships.
The best part? You didn’t have to worry about the weather.
Today’s mini golf courses are more creative than ever. From rooftop bars with mini golf lanes to high-tech courses with digital scoring and motion sensors, the game keeps evolving.
Cities like Austin, Brooklyn, and Los Angeles now feature "art mini golf" installations and pop-up experiences that mix sculpture, storytelling, and gameplay. Meanwhile, companies like PopStroke (partnered with Tiger Woods) and Swingers in London and the U.S. are bringing an upscale, adult-friendly vibe to mini golf.
Social media has also played a big role. Courses are being designed with Instagram in mind — think giant neon signs, oversized props, and custom-themed holes that double as photo ops.
Mini golf has survived for over a century because it’s simple, silly, and social. You don’t need to be athletic or rich to enjoy it. You can play with friends, coworkers, or your kids. It’s one of the few games where skill doesn’t always win — sometimes luck (and laughter) do.
And as long as people enjoy shared experiences, mini golf will keep rolling forward.
Whether you're looking for a pirate-themed outdoor course or a glow-in-the-dark indoor spot, MiniGolfList.com helps you find the best places to play near you. Search by location, theme, or course type and start your own mini golf tradition today.
Search for Mini Golf
