Golf Glossary
Adventure Golf
In short
Adventure golf is a form of minigolf with elaborately designed courses. Instead of simple obstacles there are hills, water, wood, stone and themed worlds, often on artificial turf. Players use a putter, and at many venues a normal golf ball. The player who finishes a round in the fewest strokes wins. Adventure golf suits families, friends and groups.
Adventure golf: what is it?
Adventure golf is a leisure game between minigolf and real golf. The idea: you play a round of usually 18 holes, but the venue is built like a small landscape. There are hills and hollows, streams, bridges, rocks and wooden elements. Many venues follow a theme, for example pirates, jungle or wild west.
Play is often with a real putter and a normal golf ball. The feel is therefore similar to putting on a golf green. The surface is often artificial turf at different heights. Individual holes are longer than in classic minigolf, and the terrain is varied.
The name is not a protected term. Operators use it for very different venues. Some are large theme parks, others are minigolf courses with somewhat more elaborate design. Check before your visit what the venue actually offers: number of holes, playing time, clubs and rules.
Adventure golf and minigolf: the difference
Both games have the same aim: ball in the hole, as few strokes as possible. In detail there are differences that show at most venues:
- Design: adventure golf relies on landscape and theme. Classic minigolf often has standardised lanes with fixed obstacles such as a tunnel, ramp or windmill.
- Surface: adventure golf often uses artificial turf with changes in height. Classic minigolf uses concrete, Eternit, felt or plastic.
- Length: the holes are often longer and run through hilly ground.
- Material: obstacles are often made of wood, stone, water and sand.
- Equipment: many venues hand out real golf putters and golf balls.
- Rules: some venues follow the Rules of Golf. It is usual for all players in a group to tee off one after another.
For scoring, usually each stroke counts one point and the lowest total wins. Each operator sets the details. A notice at the entrance or on the scorecard usually states the maximum number of strokes per hole.
How a round of adventure golf works
The routine is simple and well suited to groups. You check in, receive putters, balls and a scorecard and start at hole 1.
On each hole the first player tees off first, then the second and so on. Then everybody plays their ball from where it lies. Whoever has reached the hole writes down the strokes. After that the group moves to the next hole together.
Typical rules at venues:
- The ball is played from the starting area.
- It is played from where it comes to rest.
- If it leaves the course or falls into water, it is replaced at the marked spot. Often a penalty stroke is added.
- After a maximum number of strokes, often six, the hole is stopped.
The playing time depends on the venue and group size. Allow somewhat more time than for simple minigolf, especially when children play or the venue is busy. A round works well as an afternoon activity and combines nicely with a visit to a café.
Origin: from minigolf to theme parks
Golf in miniature has a long history. Early precursors include putting courses such as The Himalayas in St Andrews from 1867, laid out for the local ladies club. In the early 20th century the first venues for a wide public appeared in the USA, for example Thistle Dhu in Pinehurst (1916). Garnet Carter patented his Tom Thumb Golf in 1927. His courses had fairy-tale figures and artificial obstacles.
From this tradition large theme parks developed in the USA that scored with elaborate design. Adventure golf in this sense has a long tradition there. In Germany the number of venues is smaller, but they exist in different places, for example at leisure parks, lakes and holiday resorts.
One point for context: the term adventure golf is not used consistently. It sometimes stands for a whole resort with several courses and sometimes for a smaller venue. Crazy golf also means similar games, above all in Britain.
Tips for your adventure golf round
A few tips make the round more relaxed and more successful:
- Look at the hole before you play. Walk the slope and look for the best line.
- Hit softly and evenly. Too much force sends the ball past the target.
- Adjust your speed to the surface. Artificial turf is often faster or slower than expected.
- Play off walls and slopes when the direct line is difficult. A detour often saves strokes.
- Stay behind the player who is hitting and do not keep the group behind you waiting.
- For children it is worth choosing shorter clubs, if the venue has some available.
Think about the weather too. In rain the roll changes, and outdoor venues close during thunderstorms. If you are unsure, call ahead or check the operator's website. Comfortable shoes and a hat make sense at outdoor venues.
Who is adventure golf suited to?
Adventure golf appeals above all to groups who want to do something together. These include families with children, circles of friends, couples and colleagues. The game is simple and has hardly any entry requirements: you need no previous experience, no membership and no Platzreife.
Mixed groups play well together because the result does not depend only on strength. A skilful putt, a good eye for the line and some patience count for more than hitting distance. That is why children and adults can play on equal terms.
If you want to use adventure golf as an introduction, you can take first enjoyment of golf from it. Putting is a real part of the game of golf. If you want more afterwards, the next steps follow: an introductory lesson, a short course without the Platzreife or later the Platzreife course. Adventure golf is not the same as golf on a course, but it can be a good reason to get to know the game.
Adventure golf, minigolf and putt course: the terms at a glance
There are several names for the same thing, and that causes confusion in searches:
- Minigolf: the general term for golf on short courses with obstacles. In the sport there are standardised course systems.
- Adventure golf: minigolf with elaborate design, landscape and often real golf putters.
- Crazy golf: the British term, mostly for minigolf with playful obstacles.
- Putt course: a facility for putting, often with nine holes. In the golf world the term is used for a facility with short holes.
The boundaries are fluid. A venue may call itself adventure golf and still be simple. Another calls itself minigolf and offers hills, water and themed holes. What matters for your visit is therefore less the name than the questions: how many holes? How long does it take? Who may play? And are clubs available on site?
If you are looking for a variant in Hamburg, you will find the putt course as an example in the Golf Lounge block below.
Try it at Golf Lounge
If you are looking for a minigolf variant in Hamburg, you can play the 9-hole putt course, the Blue Course, at Golf Lounge Resort Hamburg. It offers nine short holes with manageable distances and clear lines, for all age groups and up to four people per booking. Clubs are provided, and neither previous experience nor the Platzreife is needed. As the next step into golf there is the 6-hole short course, the Red Course, also without the Platzreife.
Frequently asked questions
What is adventure golf?
Adventure golf is a form of minigolf with elaborately designed courses. There are hills, water, wood, stone and often a theme. Players use a putter, frequently a normal golf ball, and often play on artificial turf. The aim is to finish a round in the fewest strokes.
What is the difference between adventure golf and minigolf?
Adventure golf is designed more as a landscape and often uses artificial turf with changes in height, longer holes and real golf putters. Classic minigolf usually has short, standardised lanes with fixed obstacles. The boundaries are fluid, because the term is not protected.
How many holes does an adventure golf venue have?
Usually 18, but there are also smaller venues with fewer holes. The operator sets the number. It is usually stated on the venue's website or at the entrance. Check the playing time before your visit as well.
Do you need experience or a Platzreife for adventure golf?
No. Adventure golf is meant for all age groups and needs no previous experience, membership or Platzreife. The club is usually handed out on site. This makes the game a good first contact with golf.
Is there adventure golf in Hamburg?
Venues with this name exist in different places. Check opening times and offer with the respective operator. As a minigolf variant in Hamburg-Moorfleet, the 9-hole putt course, the Blue Course, at Golf Lounge Resort Hamburg is available, with nine short holes for all age groups.
As of: October 2026