Ratings Criteria
Difficulty
Ironically, this is the hardest metric to rate. It relies on a player's individual skill level, major design flaws that artificially inflate difficulty, and the true baseline design of the course itself.
A "1" means you have a decent shot of getting a hole-in-one on a majority of the holes. A "10" means you will need to execute some truly great shots to even get close to the cup.
Creativity
This metric relates to the individual holes. We constantly ask ourselves: "Have we seen this type of hole before?" and "How interesting is this design?"
Courses score highly here if they use objects and slopes in unique ways, incorporate engaging local color, or commit completely to an overarching theme that ties the course together.
Atmosphere
The most important rating of the three. Atmosphere looks at the totality of the experience: well-swept carpets, friendly staff, intact obstacles, beautiful landscaping, and overall value.
You can have a wonderfully creative course, but if it's run down, the staff is rude, and you aren't having fun, it simply isn't worth the money.
Favorite Things
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Maintained Carpets & Obstacles
They make the course look better and provide for much better play.
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Proper Landscaping
It's nice not to have to putt out of a bush, and to have breathing room between holes.
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Local Color
Using the history and attractions of an area shows creativity and makes the round fun.
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Things to do while waiting
Signposts with interesting facts or local trivia give you something to read while in a crowd.
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Anything out of the ordinary
Use your knowledge to make a course that isn't cookie-cutter!
Pet Peeves
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Metal cups in the holes
They provide no leeway for any putter, as even great putts can go sliding by.
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Raised tee-mats
It's impossible to get a good shot off a raised mat because the ball will always bounce on its way off.
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Rubber putters
They don't give any feel to the putt and tend to drag on the carpets.
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Stagnant water
It just looks disgusting and breeds bugs.
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Flags in the holes
While they may look nice for a photo, they can absolutely ruin a good putt.
What Do You Look For?
Every mini golfer has their own unique preferences, pet peeves, and standards for what makes a round of mini golf truly great. While the criteria above represent the core of the Putting Penguin rating system, we want to hear how you rate the courses you visit. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just looking for a fun family outing, your perspective matters to the community.
Submit a Guest Review