Let’s first figure out what mini golf actually is! Some people call it crazy golf; others call it Adventure Golf. In crazy golf you have lots of obstacles on the playing surface and you have to putt your ball through them or over or under them. In Adventure Golf (like at Hounslow Golf Park) the features are often next to the holes so you have to negotiate humps, bumps and big slopes. Now we get to mini golf – which is . . . the term for the sport as a whole. And there is even a British Minigolf Association, as well as World Crazy Golf Championships!
Should we take it seriously? Reigning champion Marc Chapman in a BBC news article by Kevin Peachey says “it’s crazy golf. Of course it’s not serious”!
Any tips? Keen player Marion suggests: “putt with both hands and bending your knees helps”. Regular player David says “pace control of the ball is just as important, if not more so, than accuracy”.
As far as we’re concerned, mini golf is a great excuse to have some real fun with family and friends. It can be sociable and relaxed or you can get competitive with one another and play to win!
What is the difference between mini golf and regular golf?
Regular golf is played on a full-size golf course characterised by longer holes, each requiring a diverse set of clubs and skills, such as drive and approach shots. Conversely, mini golf is really just for family fun and a great time out with your mates. It is compact, featuring short, themed holes to interest and delight players as they putt their way round in an either relaxed or competitive way.
While regular golf courses are more focused on natural landscapes and obstacles like woods, bunkers and water features, the mini golf course’s design incorporates fun and creative obstacles.
Playing a round of regular golf can be time-consuming and demanding whereas mini golf offers a more manageable and time-efficient experience. This makes it an excellent choice for family outings, as it accommodates the varying skill levels and attention spans of all family members.
Why is mini golf so enjoyable?
Different themes and obstacles
Mini golf is fun because each course offers unique themes and cool challenges. At Hounslow Golf Park, you can choose to play one of the two 18-hole courses themed Cascades and Eruptions – or play both courses for the ultimate fun!
On-site cafe & bar for visitors
Mini-golf sites often have a cafe on site. At Hounslow Golf Park there is a large cafe, outside terrace and bar to enhance the overall experience. It provides an opportunity to savour meals with family and friends, creating memorable moments even off the course. The cafe and bar are open to everyone, irrespective of whether you’re intending to play mini golf or not.
Great opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends
Mini golf is an excellent way to spend quality time with mates and loved ones. It’s essentially a casual, relaxed game which is suitable for different skill levels, making it an inclusive and enjoyable activity for families and friends alike.
Benefits of playing mini golf
Promotes physical activity
Even though mini golf is sometimes considered a leisurely game, it still encourages physical activity. It might not be as physically demanding as some other sports, but it still requires walking, bending and swinging, offering a low-impact workout. It is a great way to get the kids and teenagers off their screens and doing a bit of healthy exercise without them really noticing how far they have walked!
Fresh air
While some mini golf courses are indoors, many, like the Adventure Golf at Hounslow Golf Park, offer the advantage of being outside in the fresh air. This outdoor setting is a welcome break from indoor environments and can provide a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation as players engage in the game.
Break from screen time
In an era where screens dominate our daily lives, engaging in a game of mini golf allows individuals and families to unplug and disconnect from electronic devices. It’s a chance to give our eyes and minds a respite from the constant glare of screens, fostering face-to-face interactions and genuine moments of enjoyment.
Develops social skills
The interaction between players can improve interpersonal connections and communication skills as they chat, laugh and plan together. For those wishing to broaden their social networks and develop their social skills, it offers a casual environment for meeting new people and establishing relationships.
Family bonding
When families play mini golf together, they create shared memories and experiences that strengthen their connections. The lighthearted competition and cooperation required during a round of family golfing promotes communication and teamwork among family members. It’s an activity where people of all ages can participate, making it inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. This shared quality time away from the distractions of daily life strengthens family bonds and creates lasting memories.
Opportunity for kids to learn golf
While it’s not a full-scale golf course, it introduces children to the fundamental concepts of aiming, putting and controlling the ball’s trajectory. The miniature format is less intimidating for youngsters, allowing them to gradually pick up golf’s core principles. This might serve as a stepping stone for kids who may later enjoy the more traditional golf, fostering an early interest in the sport while nurturing their hand-eye coordination and concentration skills.
Where can you find a mini golf course in Hounslow, London?
If you are looking for an enjoyable family activity in West London, then Hounslow Golf Park is the perfect choice. It’s got caves, waterfalls, twists and turns, moving dinosaurs and even a massive erupting volcano! And there’s loads more activities onsite too – like the Footgolf, Pitch & Putt and Games Range. Whether you’re an experienced golfer, completely new to the game or just want a fun activity for you, your family and friends, then you are in for an amazing time!
