Can You Play Mini Golf In the Rain? Yes, And Here’s How!

Mini golf is one of the fastest-growing pastimes, as it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. It can be played with family and friends and also doesn’t require much preparation. Most importantly, mini golf offers everyone a challenging and fun experience.

As some mini golf courses are located outdoors, a question that is regularly brought up is if you’re able to enjoy this pastime in the rain. Yes, you can play mini golf in the rain, provided that the mini golf course operator permits it.

However, there are certain things that you’ll need to consider before playing mini golf in the rain, such as bringing the appropriate rain gear, understanding how to play in wet conditions, and most importantly the respective safety implications. 

How Rain & Wet Conditions Affect Playing Mini Golf

Playing mini golf in the rain can affect the fun of the game in a few ways, as the wet course conditions make the game more challenging, but provide a degree of unpredictability. 

Playing on Wet Artificial Surfaces

One of the main factors that affect playing in wet conditions is the surface of the mini golf course. Most outdoor mini golf courses are made of carpets, artificial turf, or other materials that drain relatively well and can be played on even during heavy rain. 

Playing on Wet Hard Surfaces

On the other hand, courses that are made of hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt can prove to be challenging, as these types of surfaces do not absorb water well, causing puddles to form around the course. 

Standing water that accumulates on the course surface during rain makes it difficult to navigate and aim for the hole. Moreover, the ball may not roll as smoothly and it may take more attempts to sink the ball. 

Playing on Natural Surfaces

While only a fraction of mini golf courses are made of natural grass, playing on them in wet conditions is challenging and even poses safety risks. When wet, these mini golf surfaces tend to become muddy and slippery, making them unsafe or even completely unplayable. 

Therefore, we advise against playing mini golf on natural grass during rain, as players may slip and injure themselves. Instead, it’s best to play on artificial surfaces during wet conditions or wait for the rain to subside and the course to dry. 

Considerations of Playing Mini Golf in Rainy Conditions

Players should be aware of the potential challenges and safety hazards when playing in the rain. Playing under these circumstances can also affect the difficulty and the overall enjoyability of your mini golf session. 

• Increased Difficulty – Wet conditions can make playing on a mini golf course more challenging, as it affects the movement of the ball. Moreover, a wet course surface also makes it more difficult to keep a steady footing when putting and also affects the friction of the ball, making it roll less far, which can make it harder to sink it.

• Course Policies – Some mini golf operators may temporarily close the location when it is raining, as wet conditions can make the course unsafe or unplayable. If you’re determined to plain mini golf in the rain, it’s best to check with the mini golf course operator to see if they are open. 

• Safety Concerns – Playing mini golf in the rain can be unsafe, as the wet course surface can be slippery. This increases the risks of slipping and falling, potentially causing serious injury to players. 

• Additional Equipment & Gear – You should also bring rain gear, such as raincoats and umbrellas to keep you dry and comfortable. It’s also important to note that playing mini golf in rain gear may affect your performance and overall maneuverability. 

• Enjoyability – There is an argument to be made that playing in the rain is more fun, as it adds an element of unpredictability to mini golf. Due to these factors, it can pose more of a challenge than playing in dry conditions. 

Before playing mini golf in the rain, it is important to understand the potential challenges and safety hazards that come with it. It’s also important to ensure that you have the appropriate equipment and precautions in place.

How to Play Mini Golf in the Rain

If you’ve decided to go ahead and play a round or two in conditions, you can simply follow the steps that we’ve outlined below.  

1. Check if the Mini Golf Course is Open – Before heading to the mini golf course, you should contact the operator to confirm if it is open and that they allow playing mini golf in the rain.
2. Bring a Rain Coat & An Umbrella – Protect yourself from getting wet by bringing a raincoat, umbrella, or any other gear that can help you stay dry. Take note that any type of rain gear may affect your performance. 
3. Learn to Play in Wet Conditions – Be aware of the potential challenges and hazards that come with wet conditions, such as slippery surfaces, puddles, and unpredictable ball movement. While it is going to be more challenging, it will surely be a unique experience. Just make sure that you’ve taken all the necessary safety precautions.
4. Make Sure That You Have Fun – Remember that the main goal of playing mini golf is to have fun and enjoy the game. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t score as well as you would on dry courses, as wet conditions aren’t easy to play in.