People of all ages enjoy playing mini golf, sometimes referred to as miniature golf, because it is entertaining and well-liked. It is a scaled-down variation of golf that is played on a shorter course with different obstacles and difficulties. But did you ever consider the location of the first mini golf course? The earliest mini golf course, which is still in use today, dates to the late 19th century.
Mrs. James Braid, a woman, created the first mini golf course in St. Andrews, Scotland, in 1867. Since learning how to play golf at the time was predominantly a male-dominated activity, the course was created specifically for women. The artificial greens and obstacles on the course were a big success. Mini golf courses quickly spread throughout Europe, and finally even reached the United States.
James Barber created the country’s first mini golf course in Pinehurst, North Carolina, in 1916. The name of the course was “Thistle Dhu,” which translates to “This’ll Do” in Scottish. Thistle Dhu gained popularity right away and gave rise to a mini golf fad in the US. Soon after, mini golf courses spread across the nation and quickly gained popularity as a family and friend pastime.
The “Himalayas” course at the Putting Green in St. Andrews, Scotland, is currently the oldest mini golf course still open for play. Both residents and visitors continue to play on the 1929-built course. The course’s high hills, tough hazards, and difficult greens are a recreation of the Himalayan mountain range. It has developed into a standalone tourism destination and is regarded as a must-see for every mini golf enthusiast.
So, is mini golf still popular? Absolutely! The game of mini golf is still very common everywhere. People of all ages and ability levels may enjoy it, and it is a fun and inexpensive way to spend time with friends and family. Professional mini golfers now compete in tournaments and championships all over the world, making mini golf a competitive sport.
In conclusion, St. Andrews, Scotland, in 1867 is where the earliest mini golf course was first discovered. Since then, mini golf has grown in popularity around the world, with new courses opening up in all regions. The 1929-built “Himalayas” course in St. Andrews, Scotland, is the oldest mini golf course still in use today. So the next time you want to do something enjoyable and reasonably priced with friends and family, think about playing a round of mini golf!