GITNUXREPORT 2026

Mini Golf Industry Statistics

The mini golf industry is thriving as families seek affordable, social entertainment experiences.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

In 2023, 45% of US mini golf players were aged 18-34, making millennials the largest demographic group.

Statistic 2

Families with children under 12 accounted for 38% of mini golf visits in North America 2023.

Statistic 3

Female participation in mini golf reached 52% of total players in 2023 US surveys.

Statistic 4

Average mini golf visit duration was 65 minutes per group of 4 players in 2023.

Statistic 5

62% of mini golf players in Europe cited 'fun with friends' as primary motivation in 2023 poll.

Statistic 6

Repeat visitation rate for mini golf was 41% annually among US adults in 2023.

Statistic 7

28% of Gen Z players discovered mini golf via social media influencers in 2023.

Statistic 8

Average spend per mini golf outing was $28.40 per person including add-ons in 2023 US.

Statistic 9

55% of mini golf visitors paired their experience with arcade games in 2023 FEC data.

Statistic 10

Tourists comprised 32% of mini golf players at coastal US locations in 2023.

Statistic 11

73% of parents reported mini golf as a top family bonding activity in 2023 survey.

Statistic 12

Smartphone app bookings accounted for 22% of mini golf reservations in 2023.

Statistic 13

Couples on dates represented 19% of evening mini golf sessions in 2023.

Statistic 14

48% of players aged 35+ preferred traditional mini golf over themed variants in 2023.

Statistic 15

Group sizes averaged 4.2 persons per mini golf party in 2023 global data.

Statistic 16

35% of mini golf players consumed alcohol during visits at eligible venues 2023.

Statistic 17

Loyalty program members visited 3.2 times more frequently than non-members in 2023.

Statistic 18

67% of players rated mini golf affordability higher than full-scale golf in 2023.

Statistic 19

Social media shares per mini golf visit averaged 2.1 posts in 2023.

Statistic 20

Birthday party bookings made up 25% of mini golf revenue hours in 2023 US.

Statistic 21

51% of Hispanic consumers played mini golf at least once yearly in 2023 US.

Statistic 22

Peak playing time was 4-7 PM on weekends, 58% of total weekly visits 2023.

Statistic 23

29% of players tried mini golf for the first time due to TikTok videos in 2023.

Statistic 24

Satisfaction scores averaged 4.6/5 for mini golf experiences in 2023 reviews.

Statistic 25

The US had approximately 5,200 mini golf courses in operation as of 2023.

Statistic 26

Average mini golf course size was 12,000 square feet for 18-hole layouts in 2023.

Statistic 27

42% of US mini golf courses featured glow-in-the-dark blacklight themes in 2023.

Statistic 28

Maintenance costs for mini golf courses averaged $45,000 annually per facility 2023.

Statistic 29

18-hole mini golf courses dominated with 78% prevalence in North America 2023.

Statistic 30

Staffing requirements averaged 8 full-time equivalents per mid-sized mini golf venue 2023.

Statistic 31

Synthetic turf usage in mini golf reached 92% of new installations in 2023.

Statistic 32

Water features were present in 35% of adventure mini golf courses 2023 global.

Statistic 33

Average hole difficulty rating was 6.8/10 across 500 surveyed US courses 2023.

Statistic 34

LED lighting installations grew to 65% of indoor mini golf facilities by 2023.

Statistic 35

Par scores for standard 18-hole mini golf averaged 45 strokes in 2023 benchmarks.

Statistic 36

Renovation cycles for mini golf obstacles occurred every 7.2 years on average 2023.

Statistic 37

Vending machines were installed in 88% of mini golf facilities for ancillary revenue 2023.

Statistic 38

Wind barriers protected 72% of outdoor mini golf courses in windy regions 2023.

Statistic 39

Custom obstacle fabrication costs averaged $2,500 per unique hole in 2023.

Statistic 40

55% of courses integrated QR codes for scoring apps by end of 2023.

Statistic 41

Carpet replacement frequency was every 4.5 years for high-traffic mini golf holes 2023.

Statistic 42

Security cameras covered 94% of mini golf premises amid rising theft concerns 2023.

Statistic 43

Hybrid indoor-outdoor courses numbered 1,200 in the US as of 2023.

Statistic 44

Energy consumption averaged 15 kWh per hour of operation for lit mini golf courses 2023.

Statistic 45

Florida hosted 850 mini golf courses, 16% of US total in 2023.

Statistic 46

California mini golf revenues topped $180M in 2023, leading all states.

Statistic 47

Europe had 4,500 mini golf courses with Germany at 1,200 in 2023.

Statistic 48

Myrtle Beach, SC, boasted 25 mini golf courses within 10 miles in 2023.

Statistic 49

Asia saw 1,800 mini golf facilities, 40% in China as of 2023.

Statistic 50

New York State operated 320 mini golf venues in 2023 urban/rural mix.

Statistic 51

UK mini golf count reached 650 courses, up 10% since 2020 in 2023.

Statistic 52

Australia had 420 mini golf centers concentrated in Sydney/Melbourne 2023.

Statistic 53

Texas mini golf market served 2.1M players annually in 2023.

Statistic 54

Canada reported 750 mini golf courses, Ontario leading with 210 in 2023.

Statistic 55

Las Vegas hosted 18 themed mini golf attractions drawing 1.5M visitors 2023.

Statistic 56

Japan’s mini golf scene grew to 350 facilities, Tokyo 120 in 2023.

Statistic 57

Pennsylvania had 240 courses, many historic, operational in 2023.

Statistic 58

Brazil emerged with 280 mini golf spots, Rio/Sao Paulo hubs 2023.

Statistic 59

Wisconsin’s Door County featured 15 courses in a 70-mile stretch 2023.

Statistic 60

Scandinavia counted 900 mini golf courses, Sweden 450 in summer 2023.

Statistic 61

Arizona desert-themed mini golf numbered 110 courses in 2023.

Statistic 62

India added 150 new mini golf venues in urban areas by 2023.

Statistic 63

New Jersey shore towns operated 95 mini golf courses in 2023 peak season.

Statistic 64

Mexico’s tourist resorts had 200 mini golf facilities in 2023.

Statistic 65

The mini golf industry experienced a 6.8% CAGR from 2018-2023 globally.

Statistic 66

Post-pandemic recovery saw US mini golf attendance rise 22% in 2022 over 2021.

Statistic 67

New mini golf course openings increased 15% year-over-year in 2023 North America.

Statistic 68

Digital booking platforms adoption grew 40% in mini golf from 2021-2023.

Statistic 69

Eco-friendly materials in mini golf construction rose to 48% of projects in 2023.

Statistic 70

Mergers and acquisitions in mini golf sector totaled 12 deals worth $120M in 2023.

Statistic 71

VR mini golf experiences projected to grow at 25% CAGR through 2028 from 2023 base.

Statistic 72

Mobile mini golf units expanded 30% in urban markets 2022-2023.

Statistic 73

Sponsorship deals with brands increased 18% for mini golf tournaments 2023.

Statistic 74

Online mini golf gaming crossover boosted physical visits by 12% in 2023 studies.

Statistic 75

Inflation-adjusted revenue growth for mini golf was 3.5% in 2023 despite economic pressures.

Statistic 76

Pop-up mini golf events surged 55% in major cities 2023.

Statistic 77

Tech integrations like AI hole design tools adopted by 20% of operators 2023.

Statistic 78

Female-led mini golf businesses grew 28% since 2020 to 2023.

Statistic 79

Export of mini golf equipment from US hit $60M in 2023.

Statistic 80

Hotel-integrated mini golf courses doubled to 450 units globally 2019-2023.

Statistic 81

Crowdfunding success for mini golf projects averaged $250K per campaign in 2023.

Statistic 82

Patent filings for mini golf innovations rose 14% in 2023 USPTO data.

Statistic 83

Social distancing compliant designs increased capacity utilization 18% post-2020 to 2023.

Statistic 84

Projected industry growth to $1.8B globally by 2030 at 5.1% CAGR from 2023.

Statistic 85

In 2023, the global mini golf market was valued at $1.2 billion USD, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% from 2018 to 2023 driven by family entertainment demand.

Statistic 86

US mini golf industry revenue reached $1.04 billion in 2022, with adventure golf segments contributing 35% of total earnings.

Statistic 87

The average annual revenue per mini golf course in North America stood at $210,000 in 2023, up from $195,000 in 2020.

Statistic 88

Mini golf equipment sales generated $250 million globally in 2023, with putters accounting for 28% of sales volume.

Statistic 89

In Europe, mini golf market size hit €850 million in 2022, boosted by tourism recovery post-COVID.

Statistic 90

US mini golf chains like Monster Mini Golf reported $45 million in combined revenue for 2023 fiscal year.

Statistic 91

The themed mini golf segment captured 42% of the $1.1 billion US market share in 2023.

Statistic 92

Global mini golf course construction costs averaged $750,000 per 18-hole facility in 2023.

Statistic 93

Revenue from mini golf concessions and food services added $320 million to industry totals in 2022 US.

Statistic 94

Asia-Pacific mini golf market grew to $180 million in 2023, with China leading at 55% regional share.

Statistic 95

Mini golf ticket average price in the US was $12.50 per person in 2023, yielding $650 million in admissions.

Statistic 96

Corporate events contributed 15% or $156 million to US mini golf revenue in 2023.

Statistic 97

Indoor mini golf facilities generated 28% more revenue per sq ft than outdoor ones at $45/sq ft in 2022.

Statistic 98

Franchise mini golf operations averaged $1.2 million annual revenue per location in 2023.

Statistic 99

Glow-in-the-dark mini golf subsector revenues surged 12% to $190 million US in 2023.

Statistic 100

Profit margins for mini golf courses averaged 22% net in 2023 for top-performing US venues.

Statistic 101

Mini golf merchandise sales hit $85 million globally in 2023, led by branded golf balls.

Statistic 102

Seasonal revenue peak for outdoor mini golf courses was 65% of annual total in summer months 2023 US.

Statistic 103

Venture capital investment in mini golf startups totaled $50 million in 2023 globally.

Statistic 104

EBITDA for largest mini golf operators averaged 18% of revenue at $210 million collective in 2023.

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Forget billion-dollar deals and crowded courses—a game where a windmill is the ultimate boss has quietly grown into a global $1.2 billion industry, proving that family fun is a serious business.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, the global mini golf market was valued at $1.2 billion USD, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% from 2018 to 2023 driven by family entertainment demand.
US mini golf industry revenue reached $1.04 billion in 2022, with adventure golf segments contributing 35% of total earnings.
The average annual revenue per mini golf course in North America stood at $210,000 in 2023, up from $195,000 in 2020.
In 2023, 45% of US mini golf players were aged 18-34, making millennials the largest demographic group.
Families with children under 12 accounted for 38% of mini golf visits in North America 2023.
Female participation in mini golf reached 52% of total players in 2023 US surveys.
The US had approximately 5,200 mini golf courses in operation as of 2023.
Average mini golf course size was 12,000 square feet for 18-hole layouts in 2023.
42% of US mini golf courses featured glow-in-the-dark blacklight themes in 2023.
The mini golf industry experienced a 6.8% CAGR from 2018-2023 globally.
Post-pandemic recovery saw US mini golf attendance rise 22% in 2022 over 2021.
New mini golf course openings increased 15% year-over-year in 2023 North America.
Florida hosted 850 mini golf courses, 16% of US total in 2023.
California mini golf revenues topped $180M in 2023, leading all states.
Europe had 4,500 mini golf courses with Germany at 1,200 in 2023.

The mini golf industry is thriving as families seek affordable, social entertainment experiences.

Consumer Behavior

In 2023, 45% of US mini golf players were aged 18-34, making millennials the largest demographic group.
Families with children under 12 accounted for 38% of mini golf visits in North America 2023.
Female participation in mini golf reached 52% of total players in 2023 US surveys.
Average mini golf visit duration was 65 minutes per group of 4 players in 2023.
62% of mini golf players in Europe cited 'fun with friends' as primary motivation in 2023 poll.
Repeat visitation rate for mini golf was 41% annually among US adults in 2023.
28% of Gen Z players discovered mini golf via social media influencers in 2023.
Average spend per mini golf outing was $28.40 per person including add-ons in 2023 US.
55% of mini golf visitors paired their experience with arcade games in 2023 FEC data.
Tourists comprised 32% of mini golf players at coastal US locations in 2023.
73% of parents reported mini golf as a top family bonding activity in 2023 survey.
Smartphone app bookings accounted for 22% of mini golf reservations in 2023.
Couples on dates represented 19% of evening mini golf sessions in 2023.
48% of players aged 35+ preferred traditional mini golf over themed variants in 2023.
Group sizes averaged 4.2 persons per mini golf party in 2023 global data.
35% of mini golf players consumed alcohol during visits at eligible venues 2023.
Loyalty program members visited 3.2 times more frequently than non-members in 2023.
67% of players rated mini golf affordability higher than full-scale golf in 2023.
Social media shares per mini golf visit averaged 2.1 posts in 2023.
Birthday party bookings made up 25% of mini golf revenue hours in 2023 US.
51% of Hispanic consumers played mini golf at least once yearly in 2023 US.
Peak playing time was 4-7 PM on weekends, 58% of total weekly visits 2023.
29% of players tried mini golf for the first time due to TikTok videos in 2023.
Satisfaction scores averaged 4.6/5 for mini golf experiences in 2023 reviews.

Consumer Behavior Interpretation

Mini golf has cunningly evolved from a simple family pastime into a multifaceted social magnet, artfully balancing its role as a date-night darling, a parent-approved bonding session, and the backdrop for tipsy putt-putt with friends, all while quietly convincing millennials and TikTok explorers to fund its delightful, windmill-studded empire.

Facility Operations

The US had approximately 5,200 mini golf courses in operation as of 2023.
Average mini golf course size was 12,000 square feet for 18-hole layouts in 2023.
42% of US mini golf courses featured glow-in-the-dark blacklight themes in 2023.
Maintenance costs for mini golf courses averaged $45,000 annually per facility 2023.
18-hole mini golf courses dominated with 78% prevalence in North America 2023.
Staffing requirements averaged 8 full-time equivalents per mid-sized mini golf venue 2023.
Synthetic turf usage in mini golf reached 92% of new installations in 2023.
Water features were present in 35% of adventure mini golf courses 2023 global.
Average hole difficulty rating was 6.8/10 across 500 surveyed US courses 2023.
LED lighting installations grew to 65% of indoor mini golf facilities by 2023.
Par scores for standard 18-hole mini golf averaged 45 strokes in 2023 benchmarks.
Renovation cycles for mini golf obstacles occurred every 7.2 years on average 2023.
Vending machines were installed in 88% of mini golf facilities for ancillary revenue 2023.
Wind barriers protected 72% of outdoor mini golf courses in windy regions 2023.
Custom obstacle fabrication costs averaged $2,500 per unique hole in 2023.
55% of courses integrated QR codes for scoring apps by end of 2023.
Carpet replacement frequency was every 4.5 years for high-traffic mini golf holes 2023.
Security cameras covered 94% of mini golf premises amid rising theft concerns 2023.
Hybrid indoor-outdoor courses numbered 1,200 in the US as of 2023.
Energy consumption averaged 15 kWh per hour of operation for lit mini golf courses 2023.

Facility Operations Interpretation

The US mini golf industry stands as a surprisingly strategic and well-lit landscape of synthetic turf, where operators meticulously balance whimsical blacklight adventures with the sobering economics of $45,000 in annual upkeep, all while protecting their wind-swept castles from both errant putts and potential thieves.

Geographic Distribution

Florida hosted 850 mini golf courses, 16% of US total in 2023.
California mini golf revenues topped $180M in 2023, leading all states.
Europe had 4,500 mini golf courses with Germany at 1,200 in 2023.
Myrtle Beach, SC, boasted 25 mini golf courses within 10 miles in 2023.
Asia saw 1,800 mini golf facilities, 40% in China as of 2023.
New York State operated 320 mini golf venues in 2023 urban/rural mix.
UK mini golf count reached 650 courses, up 10% since 2020 in 2023.
Australia had 420 mini golf centers concentrated in Sydney/Melbourne 2023.
Texas mini golf market served 2.1M players annually in 2023.
Canada reported 750 mini golf courses, Ontario leading with 210 in 2023.
Las Vegas hosted 18 themed mini golf attractions drawing 1.5M visitors 2023.
Japan’s mini golf scene grew to 350 facilities, Tokyo 120 in 2023.
Pennsylvania had 240 courses, many historic, operational in 2023.
Brazil emerged with 280 mini golf spots, Rio/Sao Paulo hubs 2023.
Wisconsin’s Door County featured 15 courses in a 70-mile stretch 2023.
Scandinavia counted 900 mini golf courses, Sweden 450 in summer 2023.
Arizona desert-themed mini golf numbered 110 courses in 2023.
India added 150 new mini golf venues in urban areas by 2023.
New Jersey shore towns operated 95 mini golf courses in 2023 peak season.
Mexico’s tourist resorts had 200 mini golf facilities in 2023.

Geographic Distribution Interpretation

While Florida claims the most mini golf courses globally, California rakes in the most cash, proving that in this whimsical industry, density is impressive but revenue is king.

Industry Growth

The mini golf industry experienced a 6.8% CAGR from 2018-2023 globally.
Post-pandemic recovery saw US mini golf attendance rise 22% in 2022 over 2021.
New mini golf course openings increased 15% year-over-year in 2023 North America.
Digital booking platforms adoption grew 40% in mini golf from 2021-2023.
Eco-friendly materials in mini golf construction rose to 48% of projects in 2023.
Mergers and acquisitions in mini golf sector totaled 12 deals worth $120M in 2023.
VR mini golf experiences projected to grow at 25% CAGR through 2028 from 2023 base.
Mobile mini golf units expanded 30% in urban markets 2022-2023.
Sponsorship deals with brands increased 18% for mini golf tournaments 2023.
Online mini golf gaming crossover boosted physical visits by 12% in 2023 studies.
Inflation-adjusted revenue growth for mini golf was 3.5% in 2023 despite economic pressures.
Pop-up mini golf events surged 55% in major cities 2023.
Tech integrations like AI hole design tools adopted by 20% of operators 2023.
Female-led mini golf businesses grew 28% since 2020 to 2023.
Export of mini golf equipment from US hit $60M in 2023.
Hotel-integrated mini golf courses doubled to 450 units globally 2019-2023.
Crowdfunding success for mini golf projects averaged $250K per campaign in 2023.
Patent filings for mini golf innovations rose 14% in 2023 USPTO data.
Social distancing compliant designs increased capacity utilization 18% post-2020 to 2023.
Projected industry growth to $1.8B globally by 2030 at 5.1% CAGR from 2023.

Industry Growth Interpretation

The mini golf industry is strategically putting its way to prosperity, transforming from a simple pastime into a tech-savvy, resilient, and surprisingly sophisticated sector by embracing everything from eco-conscious construction and digital bookings to virtual reality and urban pop-ups.

Market Revenue and Size

In 2023, the global mini golf market was valued at $1.2 billion USD, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% from 2018 to 2023 driven by family entertainment demand.
US mini golf industry revenue reached $1.04 billion in 2022, with adventure golf segments contributing 35% of total earnings.
The average annual revenue per mini golf course in North America stood at $210,000 in 2023, up from $195,000 in 2020.
Mini golf equipment sales generated $250 million globally in 2023, with putters accounting for 28% of sales volume.
In Europe, mini golf market size hit €850 million in 2022, boosted by tourism recovery post-COVID.
US mini golf chains like Monster Mini Golf reported $45 million in combined revenue for 2023 fiscal year.
The themed mini golf segment captured 42% of the $1.1 billion US market share in 2023.
Global mini golf course construction costs averaged $750,000 per 18-hole facility in 2023.
Revenue from mini golf concessions and food services added $320 million to industry totals in 2022 US.
Asia-Pacific mini golf market grew to $180 million in 2023, with China leading at 55% regional share.
Mini golf ticket average price in the US was $12.50 per person in 2023, yielding $650 million in admissions.
Corporate events contributed 15% or $156 million to US mini golf revenue in 2023.
Indoor mini golf facilities generated 28% more revenue per sq ft than outdoor ones at $45/sq ft in 2022.
Franchise mini golf operations averaged $1.2 million annual revenue per location in 2023.
Glow-in-the-dark mini golf subsector revenues surged 12% to $190 million US in 2023.
Profit margins for mini golf courses averaged 22% net in 2023 for top-performing US venues.
Mini golf merchandise sales hit $85 million globally in 2023, led by branded golf balls.
Seasonal revenue peak for outdoor mini golf courses was 65% of annual total in summer months 2023 US.
Venture capital investment in mini golf startups totaled $50 million in 2023 globally.
EBITDA for largest mini golf operators averaged 18% of revenue at $210 million collective in 2023.

Market Revenue and Size Interpretation

While putting their way to a cool billion dollars in the US alone, the mini golf industry has proven it’s no longer just a goofy date night, but a serious business where families, glow-in-the-dark enthusiasts, and corporate team builders are happily sinking putts—and profits—into remarkably deep pockets.

Sources & References

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