Things You'll Need:
- Land
- Obstacles
- Permits
- Insurance
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Step 1
Visit miniature golf courses in your area, taking note of the clientele, the layout, the design and peak traffic times.
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Step 2
Find your locale. This is probably the most important aspect of your business. You will need at least a half an acre for your course, shop and parking lot. Your location should be relatively convenient and easily accessible, particularly if it will stand alone.
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Step 3
Evaluate the land. The course itself is the most important component. If you intend to stay open in the evenings, determine whether you will be able to provide enough lighting and whether the land is suitable. If you live in a particularly windy or hot area, you may want plenty of trees to block out the wind and offer a reprieve from the sun. In addition, determine how much space you want between each hole. You may have a themed course or a natural course.
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Step 4
Consider hiring a miniature golf specialist to design your course. If you choose to design the course yourself, find ways to create interesting shots. You need to understand undulations, banking and the position of the cup, as well as how to incorporate a mixture of easy and difficult holes. If your holes are too challenging, customers may get backed up. They aren't likely to return if they know they will have to wait 10 minutes for each hole.
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Step 5
Determine how you will provide utilities. You may want to have creeks and miniature waterfalls along your course. In that case, you will need a water pollution permit. Contact your local Environmental Protection Agency office to obtain one.
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Step 6
Read up on building codes and zoning restrictions for your county. Then contact a contractor to help you draw up a site plan and floor plan for your business, including the parking lot, to provide to your county office. Plans should include any architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing and electrical drawings. You may need two to three copies. Prior to submitting, you must get the plans approved by an architect or engineer.
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Step 7
Submit your application to your local building department. Permit approval may take two to four weeks. In addition, register your business and apply for your business permit and federal tax identification number. Once your application is approved, you can begin construction.
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Step 8
Purchase rubber putters, flags, rakes, golf balls and dispensers, carpet, obstacles, benches, score cards, pencils, signs, tee mats, turf, gazebos, sand, and water holes for the course. Purchase vending machines, cash registers, receipt paper, accounting tools, chairs and counters for your shop. Visit a local nursery to purchase trees, shrubs and flowers for your course.
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Step 9
Purchase at least $300,000 in liability insurance. In addition, it is a good idea to contact an attorney to ensure you've covered all your bases.
