Mini golf, with its whimsical courses and playful obstacles, is much more than just a smaller version of traditional golf. It’s a game that invites creativity, laughter, and a fair bit of light-hearted competition. Along with the unique designs and themed settings, mini golf has developed its own set of fun and quirky terms that players use to describe different shots, situations, and experiences on the course.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the most entertaining mini golf terms that add to the charm of the game. Whether you’re a casual player or a mini golf enthusiast, these terms will help you navigate the course with a bit more flair.
1. Ace
An “ace” is the mini golf equivalent of a hole-in-one. It’s when you manage to sink the ball with a single stroke, which is usually the dream of any mini golfer. Achieving an ace can be especially tricky given the wild array of obstacles that mini golf courses typically present. A well-timed shot through a spinning windmill or a lucky bounce off a banked wall can turn into an ace, earning you major bragging rights.
2. Clown’s Mouth
The “clown’s mouth” is one of the classic obstacles found on many mini golf courses. It refers to a large, clown-shaped structure with an opening at the mouth, where players aim to shoot their ball. Successfully getting the ball into the mouth often leads to a reward—such as the ball being directed straight towards the hole—but missing it can cause unpredictable detours. The clown’s mouth is the epitome of mini golf’s quirky charm, and it’s become a symbol of the fun challenges that the game presents.
3. Through the Windmill
“Through the windmill” is another iconic mini golf phrase that has become synonymous with the game. Many courses feature a windmill obstacle, with blades spinning around its centre. The challenge is to time your shot perfectly so that the ball passes through the moving blades and lands on the other side, ideally close to the hole. Getting the ball “through the windmill” is a moment of satisfaction for any mini golfer and can often be the highlight of a round.
4. Bank Shot
A “bank shot” refers to using the edge of the course to bounce the ball towards the hole. This strategy is essential in mini golf, as many courses are designed with walls that players can use to their advantage. A well-placed bank shot can help you avoid tricky obstacles or position the ball perfectly for a better follow-up stroke. It’s a term borrowed from pool or snooker, but in mini golf, it adds a touch of finesse to your game.
5. Loop-de-Loop
A “loop-de-loop” is one of the most thrilling obstacles in mini golf. It involves a circular ramp or track that loops the ball around before sending it towards the hole. The key to mastering the loop-de-loop is hitting the ball with just the right amount of speed—too little and the ball won’t make it through the loop, too much and it might fly off course. The loop-de-loop is both fun and nerve-wracking, and successfully navigating it feels like a mini victory in itself.
6. The Volcano
The “volcano” is a common obstacle in mini golf, where the hole is placed at the top of a small, cone-shaped mound. Getting the ball up the incline and into the hole can be surprisingly challenging. Players often find their ball rolling back down the slope if they don’t hit it with enough power or precision. The volcano requires a delicate balance of force and accuracy, and sinking the ball feels like an accomplishment worthy of celebration.
7. Lip-Out
A “lip-out” occurs when the ball hits the edge (or “lip”) of the hole but fails to go in, often rolling tantalisingly close before stopping just outside. It’s one of the most frustrating experiences in mini golf, especially when you feel you’ve made the perfect shot. Players often use the term with a mix of humour and exasperation, as lip-outs are an inevitable part of the game’s unpredictable nature.
8. Zigzag Shot
A “zigzag shot” refers to a situation where the ball bounces back and forth between obstacles or walls as it makes its way towards the hole. This term is often used when a player’s shot takes an unexpected path, ricocheting in all directions before (hopefully) finding its way to the hole. While zigzag shots are rarely intentional, they can sometimes result in surprisingly good outcomes, making them one of the more amusing aspects of mini golf.
9. Goofy Golf
“Goofy golf” is a playful way to describe the more eccentric and whimsical aspects of mini golf. It’s often used to refer to courses that are particularly imaginative, featuring oversized cartoonish obstacles, bright colours, and fun themes. Goofy golf courses are a reminder that mini golf is all about having fun and not taking the game too seriously. The term highlights the spirit of the game—light-hearted, creative, and designed for everyone to enjoy.
10. Tap-In
A “tap-in” is a shot that’s so close to the hole that it requires only a gentle tap to finish it off. Tap-ins are common in mini golf after a player has successfully navigated a tricky obstacle or positioned their ball perfectly near the hole. While not as exciting as an ace, the tap-in offers a sense of relief after a challenging hole and is often accompanied by a sense of accomplishment.
11. Six-Putt
In mini golf, most players try to complete a hole in as few strokes as possible, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. A “six-putt” refers to taking six strokes to sink the ball on a single hole, usually due to a combination of bad luck and tricky obstacles. While it’s not a term anyone wants to hear, it’s often used in good humour and can become part of the fun, especially in casual games with friends or family.
Mini golf is a game where creativity, fun, and unpredictability reign supreme, and the terms used within it reflect that playful spirit. Whether you’re hitting a perfect bank shot, navigating the loop-de-loop, or suffering through a frustrating lip-out, these terms help bring the game to life. They capture the essence of what makes mini golf such an enjoyable pastime—one that’s filled with laughter, a bit of skill, and plenty of unexpected moments.
So next time you’re on the course, embrace the fun lingo, and use these mini golf terms to enhance your experience. After all, it’s all part of the game!
