Mini Golf Game Duration: How Long Does It Take?

One common question about mini golf is how much time it will take to play a round. Mini golf courses usually have 18 holes, but there’s often confusion about how long a typical game lasts. Of course, the answer varies based on many factors. A casual round of mini golf might take 30 minutes or less for one player, while a longer group outing might extend beyond an hour. In this article, we’ll break down the typical time it takes to play a round of mini golf and explain what can speed up or slow down play.

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Typical Round Length

For a single player or a very small group, a round of 18 holes at a standard mini golf course often takes around 30 to 45 minutes. This estimate assumes players move briskly between holes and don’t spend extra time. For an average group of 2 to 4 people playing socially, expect 45 minutes to an hour. Some sources suggest 18 holes in mini golf can be completed in about 40 minutes if everything moves along. These times can change if a course is particularly challenging or if players take their time. If the course has long walkways between holes, or if players are new and take multiple swings per hole, that will lengthen the round.

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Factors That Affect Game Time

Several factors can affect how long a round will take:

• Number of players in your group: Larger groups naturally take more time. If you have six people in your group instead of four, that’s two extra players taking turns. Many courses recommend no more than 4 players per group for speed.
• Player skill and style: Beginners or those who take more practice swings will take longer. If players frequently miss and have to re-hit a shot, that adds time. Conversely, experienced putters tend to move more quickly.
• Course design: Some mini golf courses have more elaborate obstacles or larger layouts. A hole with multiple ramps, loops, and tricks can take a few extra minutes if players struggle. Outdoor courses with longer paths between holes also take more time to walk around. A compact indoor glow course might be faster than a sprawling outdoor course with water hazards.
• Crowd and waiting: If the course is busy, you might spend time waiting at each hole for the group ahead to finish. Peak weekends or evenings can see lines, which adds to the total time. Off-peak times (weekdays, early afternoons) usually allow quicker rounds because there’s no waiting.

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Speeding Up the Game

If you want to shorten your mini golf game time, there are a few tips:

• Play during off-peak hours: Going to the course when it’s less crowded reduces wait times.
• Limit practice swings: Encourage players to take one or two focused swings instead of many practice hits before each putt.
• Skip trick shots: Some holes tempt players to attempt complicated bank shots or bounce shots. If time is tight, you can choose a simpler putt to finish the hole more quickly.
• Stay ready: While others are putting, have your next shot lined up. This means picking up distance markers or cleaning your ball as you wait, so you can play immediately when it’s your turn.
• Keep pace: If a group in front is slow, you can politely ask if you can play through once a hole is finished. Staying aware of others helps the game move smoothly.

By staying focused and minimizing downtime, a group can often finish in less time than the maximum estimate.

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Is There a Time Limit?

Unlike some sports, mini golf typically does not have a formal time limit for a round. Most public courses simply let players take their time (within reason). However, if a course is very busy and slow play is noticeable, staff might remind groups to move along or allow another group to play through. In some tournament settings, there might be a time rule, but for casual play, it’s mainly on the players to keep a good pace.

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Conclusion

On average, plan on about 30–45 minutes per player or 45–60 minutes for a small group to complete an 18-hole mini golf course. This can vary based on the number of players, skill level, course design, and wait times, but most casual outings will fall roughly in that range. Knowing this can help you schedule your day and decide when to visit. Remember, the fun of mini golf is in the experience — taking a bit more time can be part of the leisurely enjoyment. If you need to fit it into a schedule, a solid estimate is under an hour for most groups. Now grab your putter and have a great time – and don’t worry too much about the clock!