A mini golf course usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes to play if you are on a 9-hole course. If you play all 18 holes, the average mini golf game length is closer to 1 to 1.5 hours. This time can change based on many things, like how many people are playing and how busy the course is. So, how long does putt putt take? It usually falls within this general range.
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How Long Does a Mini Golf Course Take to Play? Find Out!
Mini golf is a fun game for many people. It is a smaller version of regular golf. You hit a small ball with a putter. The goal is to get the ball into a hole in the fewest hits. Each hole has fun obstacles. Think of ramps, tunnels, or windmills. People of all ages can play this game. It is a great way to spend time with family or friends. Many courses have a theme. This makes the game even more fun. You might play in a pirate ship, a jungle, or a castle.
This guide will help you know how much time to set aside. We will look at many things that change how long a game takes. We will also give you tips for a fast and fun game.
Typical Play Times
The time it takes to play mini golf can change a lot. It depends on the number of holes. Most courses have 9 or 18 holes.
For 9 Holes
If you are playing on a 9-hole course, how long for 9 holes mini golf? It often takes about 30 to 45 minutes. This is for a small group of 2 to 4 people. If the course is empty, you might even finish faster. If it is busy, it could take a bit longer. Nine-hole courses are good for quick fun. They are also good for young kids.
For 18 Holes
Most mini golf courses have 18 holes. So, what is the mini golf 18 holes time? For an 18-hole course, expect to play for 1 to 1.5 hours. Again, this is for a group of 2 to 4 players. If your group is bigger, or if there are many people on the course, it might take up to 2 hours. This is the typical mini golf playing time for most people.
Mini Golf Game Pace Per Person
How fast each person plays also matters. A quick player might take less than 2 minutes per hole. Someone who takes their time might take 3 to 4 minutes per hole. This means the mini golf time per hole can be different for everyone. For a group, you must wait for each person to finish.
Expected Time Mini Golf Group
When you play with more people, the game takes longer.
* 2 people: For 18 holes, about 1 hour.
* 4 people: For 18 holes, about 1.5 hours.
* 6 or more people: For 18 holes, it could be 2 hours or more. This is because you have to wait for each person to take their turn. You also wait for them to finish the hole.
The mini golf course completion time is the total time from start to finish. This includes any waiting.
Here is a quick look at expected times:
| Number of Holes | Group Size (2-4 people) | Estimated Play Time |
|---|---|---|
| 9 Holes | Small | 30 – 45 minutes |
| 18 Holes | Small | 1 – 1.5 hours |
| 18 Holes | Large (5+ people) | 1.5 – 2+ hours |
Factors Affecting Mini Golf Duration
Many things can change how long your mini golf game takes. It is not just about the number of holes. These are the factors affecting mini golf duration.
Course Design and Complexity
The way the course is built plays a big part.
* Simple Courses: Some courses are very simple. They have flat greens and easy obstacles. You can finish these quickly.
* Complex Courses: Other courses are very hard. They have many hills, water traps, or tricky turns. These make you take more shots. This adds to the time.
* Course Layout: How far apart are the holes? If you have to walk a long way between holes, it adds time. If holes are close, you move faster.
* Theming: Some courses have big themes. They might have loud sounds, moving parts, or dark tunnels. These can slow down play. People might stop to look. They might take photos.
Group Size and Type
The people you play with change the time.
* Small Groups: 2 to 3 people play much faster. There is less waiting.
* Large Groups: 5 or more people will take longer. You have to wait for everyone to take their turn. Kids in a group might take more time. They might need help. They might get distracted easily.
* Adults vs. Kids: Adults often play faster. Kids might hit the ball many times. They might run around. This adds to the time.
* Competitive vs. Casual Players: Some groups want to win. They might take many practice swings. They might think a lot about each shot. This takes more time. Casual players just want to have fun. They might not care about scores. They play faster.
Player Skill Level
How good you are at mini golf matters.
* Beginners: New players might hit the ball off the course. They might take many shots to get the ball in the hole. This adds time.
* Experienced Players: Good players can often get the ball in the hole in 2 or 3 shots. They play much faster.
* Number of Putts Per Hole: A key part of the mini golf game length is how many putts you take per hole. If everyone takes 5-6 putts per hole, it will be much slower than if everyone takes 2-3 putts.
Crowd Levels and Wait Times
This is one of the biggest factors.
* Busy Times: Weekends, evenings, and holidays are often very busy. You will have to wait for the group in front of you. This means standing around. This adds a lot of time to your game.
* Empty Times: If you go when it is not busy, you can play very fast. There is no one in front of you.
* Line to Start: Sometimes, there is a line just to get onto the first hole. This also adds to the total time.
Rules and Scoring
How you play the game can also change the time.
* Strict Rules: If you follow every rule, like hitting the ball only when it stops, it takes longer.
* Relaxed Play: Some people play more loosely. They might just pick up the ball if it is stuck. They might not count every stroke. This makes the game faster.
* Scorekeeping: If you keep score very carefully, it takes time. You write down each shot. You might add up scores after each hole. If you skip scoring, you play faster.
Weather Conditions
The weather can affect your game.
* Rain: If it rains, the course gets wet. The ball might not roll well. You might play slower to avoid slipping. Some people might stop playing.
* Heat: On a very hot day, you might play slower. You might take breaks to drink water.
* Cold: In cold weather, you might want to finish faster. This can speed up play. But cold hands can make putting harder.
Breaks and Distractions
What you do during the game also matters.
* Snacks and Drinks: If you stop for snacks or drinks, it adds time.
* Talking: Chatting with friends is fun, but it slows the game down.
* Phone Use: Taking calls, texting, or using social media takes time away from playing.
* Photos: Many people take photos on fun mini golf courses. This also adds time.
All these things work together. They make the total time for your mini golf course completion time different every time.
Tips for a Smooth and Fast Mini Golf Game
Do you want to play mini golf faster? Here are some simple tips. These can help speed up your game without losing the fun.
1. Play During Off-Peak Hours
This is the best tip to avoid waiting.
* Go on Weekdays: Try to play on a weekday. The course will be less busy.
* Go Early or Late: Go in the morning right when they open. Or go later in the evening. Avoid midday, especially on weekends.
2. Choose Smaller Groups
Play with 2 or 3 people.
* Less Waiting: With fewer people, you spend less time waiting for turns.
* Faster Flow: The game moves more smoothly.
3. Set a Putt Limit
This is a great rule for casual play.
* Limit Shots: Decide on a maximum number of shots per hole. For example, 6 shots.
* Pick Up Ball: If you hit the ball 6 times and it is not in, just pick it up. Mark a score of 7 or 8. This keeps the game moving. It stops anyone from taking 10-15 shots on one hole.
4. Move Quickly Between Holes
Do not spend too much time walking.
* Walk Fast: Once everyone finishes a hole, walk right to the next.
* Be Ready: Have your putter and ball ready when it is your turn.
5. Let Faster Groups Play Through
If a group behind you is playing faster, let them pass.
* Step Aside: When you finish a hole, move to the side. Let the next group play their hole.
* Good Manners: This is good manners. It also keeps the flow of play going for everyone.
6. Focus on the Game
Try not to get too distracted.
* Less Phone Time: Put your phone away while playing.
* Socialize Later: Chatting is fine, but try to keep the game moving.
* Save Snacks: Eat your snacks before or after the game.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a good pace. You can still have fun. But you will finish the game in a good amount of time.
Comparing 9-Hole vs. 18-Hole Games
Most mini golf courses offer 18 holes. But some also have a shorter 9-hole option. Which one should you choose?
When to Choose 9 Holes
- Short on Time: If you only have 30-45 minutes.
- Young Kids: Great for small children who might get tired easily.
- First Timers: Good for people new to mini golf. It gives them a feel for the game.
- Quick Fun: When you just want a fast, fun activity.
- Cost: Sometimes 9 holes costs less.
When to Choose 18 Holes
- More Time: If you have 1 to 2 hours to spare.
- Full Experience: You get to see all the different holes and designs.
- More Challenge: 18 holes offers more chances to improve your score.
- Group Fun: Good for groups who want to spend more time together.
- Value: Often, 18 holes offers better value for the money.
The choice depends on your time, your group, and what you want from the game. Both offer a lot of fun. But the mini golf 18 holes time is double the how long for 9 holes mini golf time.
Is Mini Golf Time Flexible?
Yes, the time you spend on a mini golf course is quite flexible. You can speed it up or slow it down.
* Playing Faster: If you follow the tips above, you can finish quickly. For example, a skilled pair might finish 18 holes in less than an hour if the course is empty.
* Playing Slower: If you want to relax, take photos, or just chat, you can make the game last longer. A large family group with young kids on a busy day might easily spend 2.5 to 3 hours playing 18 holes.
So, while there is an average mini golf game length, you have some control. You can make it fit your plans. The typical mini golf playing time is a guide. It is not a strict rule.
Grasping the Joy of Mini Golf
The most important part of mini golf is having fun. Do not focus too much on speed. While it is good to know the expected time mini golf group, the main goal is enjoyment.
* Enjoy the Course: Look at the fun designs.
* Laugh with Friends: Share good times with the people you are with.
* Make Memories: Take photos. Remember the funny shots.
The mini golf course completion time is just one part of the experience. The memories are what truly matter. Whether your game takes 45 minutes or 2 hours, make sure it is full of laughter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are common questions people ask about mini golf game length.
How long does it take for 2 people to play mini golf?
For 2 people, playing 9 holes will take about 25-35 minutes. Playing 18 holes will take about 50-70 minutes. This assumes no major delays from other groups.
Can you play mini golf in under an hour?
Yes, absolutely. If you are playing 9 holes, you can often finish in under an hour. Even for 18 holes, a small group of quick players on an empty course can sometimes finish in under an hour.
What’s the longest a mini golf game can take?
A mini golf game on an 18-hole course can take 2.5 to 3 hours or even more. This happens with a very large group (e.g., 6-8 people), young kids who need lots of help, a very crowded course with long waits, and if players take many breaks or are easily distracted.
Is mini golf worth the time?
Yes, for many people, mini golf is worth the time. It is a fun, low-stress activity. It lets you enjoy the outdoors. It is great for all ages. It is a good way to bond with family and friends. The cost is also usually fair for the amount of fun you get.
How many holes are usually on a mini golf course?
Most mini golf courses have 18 holes. Some smaller places or amusement parks might have a 9-hole course. Very rarely, you might find a larger course with 27 or even 36 holes, but these are less common.