Miniature golf is often thought of as being a really fun way to spend an afternoon with friends.
However, more and more couples are finding that mini golf also makes a perfect first date.
Have you thought about choosing mini golf as a first date option?
There are some positives and negatives here that can be looked at, but for the most part, this is becoming quite popular.
Let’s take a look at whether or not mini golf is a good first date and if it could be an option that would work for you.
Is Mini Golf A Good First Date?
Yes, Mini golf is a great first date because it is fun, inexpensive, and takes quite a bit of the awkwardness out of meeting someone for the first time.
Regardless of how well you know the person you are going on a date with, heading to play mini golf can be a great first shared experience.
The great thing about mini golf is that you won’t need to be a skilled golfer to enjoy yourself.
Spending time with your date is easy.
There are very few distractions, but at the same time, there is no pressure for the date to be romantic or serious.
Mini golf is the perfect ice breaker, and let’s face it: if the date doesn’t go well, at least you will have gotten the chance to play some mini golf.
Let’s look at a few of the reasons mini golf makes a great first date.
8 Reasons Why Mini Golf Is A Great First Date
There are many reasons mini golf is a great first date.
In fact, there are very few negatives to mini golf as a first-date option.
Here are a few of the things that you should consider about miniature golf, followed by some tips to make sure your mini golf date experience is a positive one.
1. Removes Some Of The Awkwardness
Playing miniature golf is not awkward.
However, you may find sitting down at a bar or a coffee shop on a first date to be a bit awkward.
This is understandable.
Instead of having to sit face to face with someone and discuss yourself and your partner, you can break the ice on the miniature golf course.
You will be on your feet, moving around, focusing on your golf game, and working to get the golf ball to go in the hole.
Mini golf can give you some insight into your date’s personality, and it will help break the ice without feeling as though you have to come up with a script or set of questions.
Some first dates are even blind dates, and those first few minutes are sometimes a bit difficult to get through.
By removing some of the awkwardness and allowing golfers to focus on their game instead of each other, the date can end up being much more successful.
2. Easy To Find A Location
There are mini golf courses all over the country.
Some are better than others, but chances are you have one in your town.
Even small towns with not too many entertainment options tend to have a mini golf course.
This also helps whoever is planning the date to be under a little less pressure.
Sometimes it can be difficult to choose a location or a venue for a first date without feeling like you are going to upset or disappoint your date.
For instance, you may know of a great sports bar but aren’t sure if it could be too loud for conversations.
You may also have a great Italian restaurant but might feel it is a bit too formal for a first date.
To combat all of these things, meet first at a mini golf course, get a fun round of mini golf in, and then head to whatever spot you will both enjoy.
Finding a location for a first date is made simple with a mini golf course in your neighborhood.
3. Fair Pricing
Most of the time, miniature golf is affordable.
At most locations, two people can play 18 holes of mini golf for around $20, sometimes even less.
Whether you are splitting the costs of your first date or paying the way for someone, mini golf is a fair option to consider.
Indeed, this is less expensive than something more extravagant like going to a theme park, and at times, it can even be cheaper than going to a movie theater.
Some miniature golf courses that offer night golf will increase the price a little, but for the most part, the courses that offer all-day play will have great discounts throughout the day.
Fair pricing is essential if you are going to enjoy your time on your date.
There is no reason to stress about the overall cost of the round and how it will impact your weekly budget.
Instead, focus on having fun and know that this is not going to break the bank.
Some mini golf courses even let you pay once and go around the golf course more than once.
This is a great option for those on a budget.
4. Usually Close To Other Things
Another great benefit of mini golf courses is that they are usually located in city or town centers that are close to other things.
This means that you will be potentially within walking distance to go get something to eat, take a walk to have a drink, or even see a local park or viewing area.
If you have any concerns about what to do after a round of mini golf, the local area may just answer the question for you.
Simply take a look at the area around you and see if there is something that you would both like to do.
Typically, going for some kind of a meal or a snack after a round of mini golf makes a great addition to a date that is going well.
Some mini golf courses even have a snack bar or restaurant attached to them, but most will have one within walking distance or a quick drive away.
5. Can Be Competitive If Desired
When playing mini golf, you will not have to be competitive, but you can be if you want to.
Some people care quite a bit about winning when they play mini golf.
If you are that kind of person, the mini golf experience allows you the opportunity to be competitive in a fun way.
This is also a good thing because it shows your date the type of person that you are.
However, if you are not a competitive person, and you don’t care if you win or lose, you can choose to just have fun.
Sometimes it makes sense to keep score when playing mini golf, but other times, it’s best to put the scorecard away.
Try to scope out how your date feels about scoring and whether or not they are concerned with this concept.
If they are worried about the scoring and their ability to play well, you could tell them it’s just about having fun, and you can save the scoring for another day.
If you end up going on the date with a golfer who really loves the sport, you may get yourself involved in a much more competitive event.
6. Will Force Phones To Be Put Away
When playing miniature golf, it is really difficult to also be talking on your phone.
Not that you should be on your phone when you are on a first date, but you don’t need to be looking at your phone as you get to know another person.
However, when playing mini golf, you will need to have both hands on the putter and, of course, to think about your game and try and play well.
This will force everyone to put away their phones and enable more effective conversations to happen.
If the date starts at a bar or a restaurant instead, and the conversation slows down, most people reach for their phones.
They may check social media or text a friend, and it’s usually a sign that the date is headed in the wrong direction.
The concept of mini golf and how it must be played encourages a bit more human interaction, which helps increase the amount of fun you can have.
7. Focus On The Game Instead Of So Much On Each Other
Going on a first date can make you feel like you are under a microscope.
When this happens, it is best to add in an activity such as mini golf.
The mini golf takes the focus off of the other person and puts it on the game of mini golf as well.
You will be happy when your date is trying to line up their putt and make it because it takes just a little of the pressure and attention off of you.
For those who are worried about everything they say and do on a first date, the focus on the game instead of the individual makes the entire experience much more enjoyable.
8. Unique Golf Courses
If you haven’t played mini golf in a while, chances are you are not all that aware of how much the sport has changed.
Miniature golf courses today have much more detail and unique features than they ever had.
You will find waterfalls, up and down slopes, trick holes, and even themes.
The layout of the golf course, as well as any unique features that it has, will be something you can talk about on the first date.
Although you may find that a unique golf course is nothing new for you, the person you are on the date with may find it to be really special.
Sometimes the discussion of the golf course itself can spark other topics of conversation and make it easier to find connections between you and your date.
Is The Driving Range A Good First Date?
Now that we have covered the fact that mini golf is a great first date, you might be wondering if the driving range could also work.
The driving range is a bit different simply because it is typically used as a practice facility for golfers.
However, in addition to the driving range, you can also find places like Top Golf that allow for some competitive games.
The driving range can be a good first date, but it’s best if your date is also interested in golf.
If there is no common golf interest, it may not make much sense to play golf.
Golf is a tough game to learn, and to have fun at Top Golf or the driving range, you must also know how to make contact with the golf ball.
If your date has never even held a golf club, try taking them to mini golf instead of the driving range.
You may end up having more fun.
Tips For A Great First Mini Golf Date
If you decided that mini golf is the perfect thing to do for your first date, here are a few tips to make sure you enjoy your round.
1. Go At A Slow Time
Mini golf is a bit annoying when the golf course is filled with people.
If you don’t want to deal with a lot of other people, try to go at a time of the day when the course is known to be slower.
You can even call the mini golf course ahead of time and check to see what times are the busiest.
They are usually happy to share and can fill you in on any specials they may have.
Some mini golf courses have food and drink specials or times when they will allow you to play an additional round of golf free of charge.
2. Keep It Fun
We get it. It’s fun to win when you play mini golf.
However, if you are a bit too serious, it could scare your date off.
Try to make it as fun as possible, and you will all benefit from it.
Mini golf is not the same as playing at Augusta National.
Try to have fun.
If you get a second date, you can break out all those impressive mini golf skills.
3. Only Give Advice If Asked
Typically speaking, your date is not going to want information about their putting stroke and whether or not it is ideal.
The fact is, mini golf is much different from regular golf.
If they happen to take the club a little inside on their putting stroke, just let it be.
Don’t worry about squaring up the clubface or a good follow-through.
Chances are this will be more information than your date needs.
Instead, focus on getting to know the type of person they are, listen to them, and you can give them a golf lesson at a later date.
Conclusion
Mini golf is a lot of fun, and it’s a great solution for a first date.
However, it does help to scope out the facility ahead of time and ensure that it is a good fit for you and your date.
Most facilities offer specials that are well worth taking advantage of, and you can enjoy your time and feel like you got a great value.
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