Crazy golf, also known as mini-golf, is one of those wonderfully quirky pastimes that almost everyone has tried at some point. Whether it’s at a seaside resort or a pop-up course in the middle of a city, it’s all about having fun – but let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to win? Despite the silliness of obstacles like windmills, loop-the-loops, and pirate ships, getting good at crazy golf requires a bit more skill and strategy than you might think. So, how do you master the art of crazy golf and improve your game? Let’s break it down step by step.
1. Master Your Putting Technique
The key to crazy golf, like regular golf, is in your putting technique. Don’t worry – you don’t need to be a professional golfer to get this right! But improving your grip and stance can make a big difference. Here’s how to start:
- Grip: Hold the putter with both hands, placing your dominant hand lower down the grip. Your hands should feel comfortable and relaxed, not too tight.
- Stance: Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart, slightly bending your knees. Your shoulders should be parallel to your target line (the direction you want the ball to go).
- Swing: The key is to keep your swing controlled. You’re not taking a big whack at the ball like you would in regular golf. Crazy golf is all about finesse, so focus on making a smooth, gentle swing, moving your arms like a pendulum.
Getting the right balance of power and control is essential. Hitting the ball too hard can send it bouncing off walls or, worse, over the course. Too soft, and it might not get past that windmill!
2. Focus on Accuracy, Not Power
One of the most common mistakes in crazy golf is thinking that the harder you hit the ball, the better your chances are of sinking it in the hole. In reality, crazy golf rewards accuracy over power. Because the courses are designed with obstacles that require precision – whether you’re trying to get through a narrow gap or avoid a tricky curve – it’s much more effective to focus on gentle, controlled shots.
A great tip is to practice lining up your shots. Before hitting the ball, take a moment to visualise the path you want the ball to follow. This is especially important when navigating obstacles. Look at the angles – can you bounce the ball off a wall to get a better position, or do you need to aim directly for the hole? Being deliberate with your shots will help you get past those frustrating obstacles much more smoothly.
3. Learn to Read the Course
Crazy golf courses are designed to be tricky and unpredictable, but they also follow certain patterns. Being able to read the course is one of the best ways to get ahead of your competitors. Pay attention to the slopes, the obstacles, and any potential shortcuts.
- Slopes and curves: Many crazy golf courses have subtle slopes or curves that can send your ball in an unexpected direction. Before you take your shot, observe how the ball behaves when it rolls, and try to use any slopes to your advantage. You might be able to let gravity do some of the work for you!
- Obstacles: Obstacles are what make crazy golf, well, crazy! Whether it’s a rotating windmill blade, a tunnel, or a water hazard, the key is figuring out how to work around (or with) them. Don’t rush into your shot; take your time to assess the obstacle and plan your approach.
- Angles: Crazy golf is often about bouncing the ball off the course walls to position it better. If you’ve played pool or snooker, you’ll know that bank shots can be extremely useful. Practice hitting the ball at different angles against the walls to see how it rebounds – this can help you bypass obstacles or line up your next shot.
4. Stay Calm and Have Patience
One of the most important aspects of getting good at crazy golf is staying calm and not letting frustration get the better of you. It’s easy to become irritated when the ball just won’t go through that windmill for the tenth time, but losing your cool will only make your game worse.
Take a deep breath, laugh it off, and approach each shot with a fresh mindset. If you make a mistake, learn from it rather than rushing your next shot in frustration. Crazy golf is meant to be fun, after all, and a calm approach will help you play better in the long run.
5. Practice Makes Perfect
Like any other skill, the more you play, the better you’ll get. If you really want to improve, it’s a good idea to practice regularly. Fortunately, crazy golf courses are popping up everywhere – from seaside towns to shopping centres, and even in bars. Each course will present different challenges, so the more variety you can experience, the more you’ll learn.
Consider playing with different groups of people as well. Watching how others approach the game can give you ideas and strategies you might not have thought of yourself. Plus, a bit of friendly competition is always a great motivator to improve your skills!
6. Have Fun!
Ultimately, the most important thing about crazy golf is to enjoy yourself. It’s a game designed for all ages, with the emphasis on having fun rather than being overly competitive. So even if you don’t sink every ball in one shot, remember to enjoy the experience, laugh at the unpredictable obstacles, and share the fun with those you’re playing with.
With a bit of practice, some patience, and these handy tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a crazy golf pro in no time. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or just looking to beat your friends, getting good at crazy golf is all about mastering the basics and enjoying the ride.
