How to Start a Miniature Golf Course

Part 1 - How to start a Miniature Golf Course business - Background

Starting a miniature golf course can be an exciting and rewarding business venture for entrepreneurs who love the game and want to create a fun, family-friendly entertainment destination.

Having said that, you should keep in mind that launching a successful mini-golf business requires careful planning, significant investment, and a wide range of skills.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through all the essential steps you’ll need to take to start your own miniature golf course, from conducting market research and securing funding to designing the course, setting up operations, and attracting customers.

Our guide is in 3 parts:

• Part 1 - How to start a Mini Golf business - Background
• Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
• Part 3 - Action plan to get started

Industry Overview

The miniature golf industry has experienced steady growth in recent years, with a market size of more than $440 million in the U.S. projected for 2024, despite a slight decrease since 2023.

The industry has outpaced the broader U.S. economy, boasting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5% between 2017 and 2022.

The market consists of a combination of independent operators and larger chains, with approximately 919 enterprises operating in the U.S. as of 2024.

Even though miniature golf may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of innovation, the industry as a whole has made significant strides to stay ahead of the curve and keep up with the latest trends.

Traditionally, miniature golf has been, at least in part, a seasonal business, particularly in regions with colder climates where weather restrictions tended to limit operations. In 2026, however, many of these courses have either fully or partially transitioned to indoor facilities, allowing them to operate year-round.

At the same time, the industry has embraced technological advancements to offer a more elevated experience — courses now feature app-based scoring systems, augmented reality, and glow-in-the-dark designs, all of which enhance the gameplay and make it more engaging for players.

This combination of adaptability and innovation has allowed miniature golf to remain a relevant and thriving option in the competitive entertainment market.

Startup Costs

If you’re considering whether a miniature golf course business is right for you, the first thing you’ll need to know is whether it’s a) affordable, and b) worth the investment. I mean, how much can you actually make running your own mini golf course?

Well, it depends. The initial investment for a miniature golf course varies widely based on factors such as location, size, and course complexity:

• Land purchase or lease costs can range anywhere between $50,000 and $300,000, depending on the location. Design and planning fees for professional services typically range from $10,000 to $50,000, while permits and licenses — which are influenced by local, state, and federal regulations — usually cost between $1,000 and $5,000.

• Construction and equipment costs are significant components of the investment. Building the course can cost between $150,000 and $500,000 depending on the size and complexity in question. This figure should be enough to cover a high-quality artificial turf (generally between $20,000 and $50,000), custom obstacles and features (easily between $10,000 to $50,000), and proper lighting and landscaping expenses (ranging between $5,000 and $20,000).

• Operational expenses are ongoing and must be managed effectively. Staffing costs for one to two employees range from $20,000 to $40,000 annually, while utilities (i.e., electricity and water) typically cost between $500 and $1,500 per month. Maintenance expenses for the course and equipment usually range from $5,000 to $10,000 annually, while marketing and advertising can cost between $5,000 and $20,000 per year.

Earning Potential

To understand why mini golf courses tend to be so profitable, you will first need to recognize what they are actually competing against, which is the broader family entertainment sector.

The key difference with other family entertainment options  — such as go-kart racing, arcades, and paintball — lies in both the accessibility and the cost involved.

While the aforementioned activities often target specific age groups or require intense supervision and expensive equipment, mini golf is easy to set up, inexpensive to maintain, and appeals to almost all ages.

Think about it: a go-kart track and a mini golf course might charge customers similar prices, but their operational cost structures are vastly different.

A go-kart business may require up to 10 employees and $300,000 in equipment and maintenance costs, whereas a mini golf course can be run by just one or two employees with simple structures and minimal upkeep.

This stark contrast in operational complexity is what makes mini golf courses far more cost-effective and, ultimately, more profitable than any other attraction in the broader family entertainment sector.

Day-to-Day and Growth

Who is the target market for a mini golf course business?

Generally speaking, your best clients will be families.

This is because the parents will help to control the behavior of children (which will not be true of all your teenage customers), and larger families provide more cash at a time than smaller groups of customers.

These customers will also create lifelong business for you as the children who enjoy the experience will enjoy coming back as they get older and eventually bring their own children.

How much can you charge customers?

The exact cost may vary by region, but it is typical to charge customers between $8 to $15 per person per round.

This pricing is competitive compared to other family entertainment options like go-kart racing, arcades, or paintball, making mini golf a more affordable and accessible choice for families looking for fun activities that don’t break the bank.

How much profit can a miniature golf course make?

The exact amount of profit your business makes greatly depends on the region as well as what the local entertainment competition is.

Having said that, the relatively low ongoing expenses mean that a steady stream of customers can easily make over $100,000 a year, and some mini golf course owners report being able to pay off their initial investment within the first few years of opening this business.

How can I make my golf course business more profitable?

In order to maximize profitability, you will need to have an advertising presence in logical areas for potential customers, including schools, churches, and local entertainment centers.

You should try to stay open as many days as possible, as major holidays often prove to be big business for mini-golf courses, as people have time off from work and school and are happy to come out and play.

Finally, be sure to have a social media presence that heavily features pictures of actual customers and their testimonials, as this will establish the legitimacy of your business within your community.

Part 2 - Is a Miniature Golf Course business the right fit for you?

Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Miniature Golf Course business in 90 days