Miniature Golf
Miniature golf is basically a smaller form of golf. It is played on small golf courses which are specially designed for miniature golf. It is a sport which is less popular as compared to the other main stream sports. The golf courses which are used to play miniature golf are complete in themselves with proper water features, colorful mini buildings and moving targets!
The miniature golf began in 1867, when a small 18 holes golf course was designed for women to play golf without any restrictions. Such small versions of the main game gradually started to be designed. In 1916, the first miniature golf course in a compact and classical design was created. By 1926, miniature golf courses were set up on the roof tops of the high rise buildings. In 1929, the individual designs were replaced by new static designs! These static designs were cheap and easy to set up. By the last few years of the 20th century, miniature golf courses came to be set up along highways since the usage of cars had increased considerably!
Miniature golf is an excellent sport for the not-so-rich countries since they do not have to invest so much for a full fledged golf course; yet could enjoy the sport. There are many types of golf courses that can be built for miniature golf but currently there are four which are approved by World Minigolfsport Federation. They are beton, eternite, felt and Minigolf Open System. Not only as an outdoor sport but miniature golf has also increased in popularity due to its indoor golf courses. In cold countries where the climate does not allow golf to be played outdoors, miniature golf courses are being constructed indoors. Indoor ‘glow in the dark’ miniature golf is increasing in popularity!
There are many championships held for miniature golf. The World Minigolfsport Federation holds bi-annual championships in every odd year while the ones in Asia and Europe are held every even year. Such championships are held on two courses of 18 holes, out of which one is ethernite while the other is concrete. The Minigolf Open Systems have still not been used for international championships but WMF is expected to host miniature golf games on MOS courses as well since it is well suited for American and British players!
US Masters, British Open, Irish Open etc are some MOS miniature golf championships held every year. The Harris Cup tournament of USA is also an important tournament for miniature golf players. About $10,000 USD are spent for prizes in Harris Cup! The M.C. Mini Masters is another miniature golf tournament.
Although miniature golf is not much popular in the countries of the East yet if developed properly, there is a good possibility that it might come up to the level of any other national sport!
- P. Asha Ritu.
Tags: golf, golfing, mini golf, miniature, miniature golf
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