Miniature Golf Day is celebrated worldwide on September 21, not to be confused with National Miniature Golf Day celebrated on the second Saturday in May, in the United States. Miniature golf can be traced back to the 19th century. It was originally created in Victorian Scotland to allow women to play golf because, at the time, it was considered unladylike for women to raise a golf club above their shoulder level — this basically meant that regular golf was not an option. Now, miniature golf is played worldwide by women, men, and children.
History of Miniature Golf Day
Though the origins of Miniature Golf Day are not completely known, the origin of miniature golf itself is. Many great ideas came from a lack of inclusion, and mini-golf is no exception.
Before feminism movements took the world by storm, it was deemed “unladylike” for women to participate in many physical activities or sporting activities like golf. In Victorian Scotland, women were not allowed to raise golf clubs above their heads, which took golf off the table. Instead of sulking or giving up on golf, the Ladies’ Putting Club of St. Andrews created a smaller version of the game in 1867. Take that, men!
Up until the late 19th century, very few people outside of Europe had heard of miniature golf, not to mention played it. It was then brought to the United States, after which its popularity skyrocketed.
Although popular in the U.S., miniature golf was originally only available at hotels or lavish private resorts. Games weren’t exactly accessible to the general public. Again, due to the lack of inclusion, a great idea was born. In 1916, a man named James Barber from North Carolina established the first classic miniature golf course, called Thistle Dhu. By the early 1930s, the game of mini golf had grown to become a favored pastime across America.
While still played with a series of nine or 18 holes, miniature golf courses are shorter, usually themed, and have a variety of obstacles that add to the difficulty of the game. Because of a group of brave Scottish women and a North Carolina man, miniature golf is accessible to the general public, and it is played all over the world by people of all ages and denominations.
Miniature Golf Day timeline
The Ladies’ Putting Club of St. Andrews creates the game of miniature golf.
James Barbar opens the first classic miniature golf course, named Thistle Dhu in Pinehurst, NC.
Beginning in 1958, Putt-Putt gains ownership of several federal trademark registrations to own the name ‘Putt-Putt.’
The World Minigolf Sport Federation is founded.
Miniature Golf Day FAQs
Where should I celebrate?
You can celebrate at any of your local miniature golf courses, or you can take it up a step by going to a driving range.
When is Miniature Golf Day?
There are two different holidays — Miniature Golf Day and National Miniature Golf Day. National Miniature Golf Day is celebrated on the second Saturday in May in the U.S., while Miniature Golf Day is on September 21, globally.
What if I don’t know how to play golf?
That’s the best part of miniature golf; you don’t need any skill! You just try to get the golf ball in the hole.
How to Celebrate Miniature Golf Day
Play a few holes
Visit your local mini-golf spot for a few holes of fun. Bring your friends or family and make a night of it. Make it even more exciting by creating a competition.
Visit the Florida Historic Golf Trail
On May 11, 2019, Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee announced the launch of the Florida Historic Mini Golf Trail, which includes six historic miniature golf courses in Florida that are more than 50 years old. The six courses are Putt-Putt Amelia Island in Fernandina Beach, Goofy Golf in Fort Walton Beach, Goofy Golf in Panama City Beach, Goofy Golf in Pensacola, Polynesian Putter in St. Pete Beach, and Ripley’s Bayfront Mini Golf in St. Augustine, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Create a course
Have some fun in your backyard, house, or a public park by creating a course. Incorporate props like your pool, slide, couch, or even the pet. All you need to accomplish this is a few clubs, balls, and your imagination.
5 Facts About Golf That Will Blow Your Mind
Balls were originally made of wood
Some of the first golf balls were purely made of hardwood, such as beech and box trees
It burns calories
According to the health and fitness website ShapeFit.com, your average 190-pound golfer typically burns 431 calories per hour.
It was played on the moon
On February 6, 1967, Alan Bartlett ‘Al’ Shepard, Jr. pulled off a one-handed swing with a six-iron golf club and sent the ball soaring through the moon’s low-gravity atmosphere.
It was banned
The Scottish government banned golf three times for years following its invention because they believed it interfered with military training.
Probability rules
The chances of the average golfer executing a hole-in-one are 12,500 to 1.
Why We Love Miniature Golf Day
It’s a testament to the revolution
Although a fun game, miniature golf is proof that common people can overcome oppression. Women weren’t allowed to go, so they created a mini version. And because non-wealthy people weren’t able to access the game, one man created a course. You can do anything!
It’s a fun bonding activity
Miniature golf is a great way to spend time with friends, family, or a significant other. What better way to bond than talk over a few holes and laugh at yourself for missing one, or a few.
It’s accessible to everyone
Anyone can play miniature golf. It doesn’t require a large amount of money, skill, or physical abilities. It’s a fun game that’s accessible to everyone.
Miniature Golf Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 21 | Saturday |
| 2025 | September 21 | Sunday |
| 2026 | September 21 | Monday |
| 2027 | September 21 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | September 21 | Thursday |
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