How to Design a Mini Golf Course
Miniature golf offers tremendous opportunities for an individual to create a profitable as a small business. While many business skills combine to produce a successful mini-golf park, the look and feel of the golf course itself is critical to the success of the venture. The course layout and its "playability," and the implementation of that design, will determine the profitability of the business.
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Instructions
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Determine the suitability of your target location. A successful mini-golf course requires enough real estate for the course itself, a pro shop and concession stand, picnic areas for group parties and adequate parking. The park needs to be located in a safe neighborhood and preferably close to other tourist attractions and hotels.
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Check with local zoning laws. Most communities tightly control signage, parking, and landscaping of parking lots. Since a profitable park needs to be open for evening golf, find out about any lighting and noise ordinances in effect at night.
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Choose the number of holes for the course. Most mini-golf parks feature 18, 27 or 36 holes. A 27-hole course is a combination of an 18-hole course and a separate nine-hole course for guests who do not have time to play 18 holes. Large parks sometimes offer two separate 18-hole courses, each rated for difficulty so that guests can choose their skill level. Having two courses also eases bottlenecks and reduces waiting times.
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Design the course with good golf in mind. Mini-golf is not about windmills and other "theme" features, according to the expert designers at Castle Golf and Harris Golf. While themes are interesting, the playability of the game is more important. Holes have to be designed to allow casual players a reasonable chance of success of hitting the cup within the par allowance. Very difficult hazards will cause frustration, especially among small children. If players get hung up on holes that are too difficult, bottlenecks will occur and players will not enjoy the game as much.
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Consider privacy in design. Design your course so that players can enjoy their game in privacy, without distractions or too much interaction with other guests. Berms and landscaping screens can provide privacy control.
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Select construction materials and designs that are low-maintenance. The artificial turf playing surface needs to be of a very high quality to withstand the elements for several years before needing a change. Reinforce the concrete edgings around the holes so they will not require replacement too often. Avoid landscaping materials that require a lot of grooming. Use water features sparingly since they require much regular maintenance.
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Select a design that appeals to all ages. While amusing themes may appeal to children, they might not appeal to adults as much. You need both audiences for your business bottom line, so find a combination of themes that will amuse kids and please adults as well. Beautiful landscaping usually appeals to all ages.
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Provide benches at every hole for elderly guests to sit down while waiting to play. Make accommodations for wheelchairs by installing level, wide pathways and holes.
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Remember to include food and beverage services on site. Create semi-private picnic areas for group events, such as birthday parties. This extra revenue stream will be important to your bottom line.
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