Mini Golf vs. Putt-Putt: What's the Difference?
Putt-Putt is a trademarked brand; mini golf is the general game. Here's where the two actually differ — par, obstacles, and turn order — and why people use the names interchangeably today.
People say "mini golf" and "Putt-Putt" interchangeably, and most of the time that's perfectly fine. But the two words don't mean exactly the same thing: one is a general game, and the other is a specific brand. Here's the actual difference.
Putt-Putt is a brand, not a generic term
Putt-Putt is a trademarked brand of miniature golf. It was founded in 1954 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and grew into a recognizable franchise. Its name became so common that many people now use "Putt-Putt" to describe any miniature golf course — much like "Band-Aid" gets used for any adhesive bandage. "Mini golf," by contrast, is the general name for the whole category of the game.
How the games differ on the course
- Par. On a traditional Putt-Putt course, every hole is par-2. General mini golf mixes things up, with holes ranging from par 2 to par 6 depending on the layout.
- Obstacles. Putt-Putt is built around clean, precise geometric holes that reward accuracy. General mini golf is famous for its themed obstacles — windmills, ramps, loops, water hazards, and decorative props.
- Turn order. The order of play can differ between the two styles, so it's worth checking the house rules wherever you play.
So which should you say?
In practice, the distinction has mostly faded. Today the terms are used interchangeably — if you tell someone you're going to play Putt-Putt, they'll picture mini golf, and vice versa. Whichever name you use, you're talking about grabbing a putter, rolling a colored ball, and trying to beat your friends over 18 holes.
Find a course to play
Whether you call it mini golf or Putt-Putt, you can browse courses by state and city to find one near you, with hours, ratings, and directions for every course.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Putt-Putt the same as mini golf?
- Not technically. Putt-Putt is a specific trademarked brand of miniature golf, while "mini golf" is the general term for the whole game. In everyday conversation, though, most people use the two names to mean the same thing.
- When and where did Putt-Putt start?
- Putt-Putt was founded in 1954 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, by Don Clayton. It grew into a well-known franchise and the name became almost a generic stand-in for miniature golf.
- What is par on a Putt-Putt course?
- On a traditional Putt-Putt course, every hole is par-2. General mini golf courses vary the difficulty more, with holes ranging from par 2 up to par 6.
- Do mini golf and Putt-Putt use different obstacles?
- Classic Putt-Putt leans on precise geometric layouts, while general mini golf is known for elaborate themed obstacles — windmills, loops, water features, and props. Both are putting games played with a putter and a golf ball.
Find mini golf near you
Browse mini golf courses across the United States by state and city — hours, ratings, photos, and directions for every course.