Mini Golf Course Design

Indoor or outdoor miniature golf courses ? In the UK there have been some very successful indoor mini golf courses and certainly it would seem we are at the start of a boom in this direction however whether it is indoor or outdoor the design of a course has a direct impact on your costs and profitability. We have played a major part in all of these courses to date.

The following considerations are just some of the important aspects when designing your mini or adventure golf course.

You should match the course to the market. In an area with high-volume potential, your course should be heavily themed to provide strong visual and emotional appeal. This inspires repeat play and high traffic. A unique theme will translate into excellent return on investment.

Beneath the appearance, thoughtfully designed and interesting holes are a foundation of your success. The PLAYABILITY factor requires that the ball rolls true, that it goes where you putt it. It also means that the holes are designed to match the customers in your market. For some, this may mean a course that puts a premium on skill and challenge. For most, this will be a family friendly course that balances skill and novelty, a course that results in players of all ages having a fun experience. All these decisions are addressed during the design phase of your course.

Other details such as signage, landscaping and complimentary facilities such as a retail area or catering, all figure in to what sort of experience your visitors will have. Increase repeat visits by providing an attractive and challenging (but playable!) environment and an eventful final hole that creates a good memory of your course.

Castle Golf and Adventure Golf Developments Ltd know and understand how to design for these and many more important but all too often overlooked details that dramatically affect your revenue. A fun and memorable experience is only delivered through careful and experience-driven design.

Important Design Aspects to Consider

What are the elements that affect the cost of the mini golf course? What are important considerations when designing a course? These answers are based on our experience and approach.

Water Systems. The greater the surface area, the longer the rivers, the higher the costs. Greater length increases not only the concrete requirement, but also the labour to set and remove the forms, and the materials. Mostly it is about the labour. The larger the ponds and rivers, generally the greater the power and size of the pumps required. Pumps should be of commercial quality 5 to 15 hp pumps if you wish to move significant amounts of water as either falls or fountains.
Lighting Systems. It is possible to reduce the cost of lighting the course by use of floodlights on poles. Our own preference whenever possible is to use a combination of high-pressure-sodium lighting on 5 metre poles and metal halide spot lights at key places such as fountains, scenes, waterfalls, and select plants. Sometimes low-level lights are used in conjunction with the 5 metre poles. This combination of lighting has proven to be both a cost effective and visually attractive approach to setting a mood on the course and providing adequate light for play. Themed lighting fixtures may also be appropriate in some settings.
Elevation Change. This can dramatically impact the cost in several ways. First and foremost, the addition of playing levels will typically require retaining walls. The higher the playing level, the higher and thicker must be the wall. There is a cost associated with this. Budgets need to be mindful of this factor as you consider the design of the course. Related to this are wheelchair access issues and the potential need for ramps.
Rockscape. The volume and quality of the artificial rock as well as the amount of natural rock can impact the cost as well. Artificial rock is priced by the square metre and therefore as the surface area grows so does the cost. From an appearance perspective, the challenge is to complete the rock features so that you do not get the “loaf of bread” appearance that is sometimes found as a centrepiece.
Theme Structures, Scenes and Special Effects. This aspect of the course typically has the widest range of costs associated with it… the sky is the limit principle applies here. On the other hand, these can significantly improve your bottom line revenue and set your course apart. Not only can the cost vary, but so can the concepts. The key is to provide themes that are timeless in their interest and that can be embellished over time. You must always ask, “What will the customers like?”

Landscape Plant material and ground cover

This can also vary depending upon your decisions as to maturity of the plants and the style of ground cover material. Your course designer/builder should work with you and your local landscape/nurseryman to address the issues as the course is designed.


Land Area.

There are no absolute minimums and maximums for the area required. In general, an 18-hole outdoor miniature golf course commonly uses about 2,000 square metres or approximately 20,000 square feet. Your costs are affected because of the need to fill the area with “something”, be it landscape, ground cover, concrete or water. Indoor courses are very flexible and our experience at fitting in and working around existing layouts is invaluable. If there is a way to fit it in we will find it! In an Ideal world allow 8,000 to 10.000 sq ft per course.