Putt Your Best Foot Forward: What to Wear to Mini Golf

Mini golf season is upon us!

As a former mini golf course operator, this is one of my favorite times of year.

Whether you’re going on a date, hanging out with friends, or spending time with family, you may be wondering…

What to Wear to Mini Golf

That’s a great question, and I’m here to help. Over the years, I’ve seen almost every outfit imaginable at our local mini golf course.

From high heels and designer sneakers to long pants and flowing dresses – our guests never left me disappointed.

Regardless of your location or circumstances, here’s my advice:

For mini golf, wear an outfit that is comfortable and practical.

That’s it. 

Mic drop.

Now I realize that you arrived at this post hoping for more specific advice – which I fully intend to give – but if you let comfort and practicality guide your decision making, you’ll land in a good place.

Now let’s get into it.

Do mini golf courses have a dress code?

I do not know of a single mini golf course with a dress code (and if there is one, I’m not sure I want to play it).

After all, these aren’t real golf courses that cater to high society clientele.

Mini golf is meant to be fun for all ages and skill levels, so you don’t need to worry about a specific dress code.

However, most courses do require that you wear a shirt (nobody wants to see your hairy chest) and shoes (so your toe fungus doesn’t get all over the turf).

You don’t need to wear a polo shirt or anything like that (but you certainly could).

Planning Your Outfit for a Mini Golf Date

If you’re getting all amped up for a special mini golf date, you should choose an outfit that follows the guidelines that I mentioned above: make comfort and practicality your top priorities.

For women, shoot for cute and comfortable. A sundress or jeans will serve you well. A t-shirt or halter top is completely appropriate. Wear fun casual shoes or sneakers.

For guys, don’t try too hard. A pair of jeans or khakis work fine. A cool t-shirt or casual collared shirt will add a nice touch. Wear tennis shoes or sneakers.

Things You Probably Shouldn’t Wear to Mini Golf

A Bathing Suit / Bikini

If you’re playing in a tourist area or beach resort, a bathing suit may be a fine outfit choice. But if you’re playing at a local, residential mini golf course, you probably shouldn’t be wearing a bikini or playing shirtless (unless you’re a person who craves that extra attention).

Again, this assumes you aren’t playing at a beach course. If you’re walking straight from the beach to a fun miniature golf course, a bathing suit may be perfectly acceptable.

Assess your surroundings and dress for the occasion.

High Heels or Uncomfortable Shoes

Most mini golf courses have undulations (that’s a big fancy word for rolling hills…try saying it 5 times fast). These uneven surfaces are designed to challenge the golfer during their 18 holes.

However, these undulations make it easy to trip and fall, especially if you’re wearing shoes that require extra balance. 

Style matters (of course), but you’ll enjoy your round more with sneakers or tennis shoes on your feet. 

Do not wear golf shoes. Someone will make fun of you (privately or publicly).

A Really Short Skirt or Super-Tight Pants

At the end of each mini golf hole, you’re going to need to pick up your golf ball. 

If you’re wearing a really short skirt or skin tight pants, there is some potential for awkwardness (especially if those pants rip).

If you have your heart set of one of these outfit choices, there is a potential workaround: Ask a mini golf partner to pick up your ball for you.

Things You Probably Should Wear to Mini Golf

A Layered Outfit

Plan for everything. Rain, snow, hail – you gotta be ready for the Apocalypse. 

I suggest an umbrella, pepper spray, a fire starter, and a backup battery.

I’m joking. 

My real advice is to plan for temperature changes during your round. A round of 18 holes on busy miniature golf course can take 90 minutes. The temperature and conditions are likely to change during that time.

My suggestion is to “layer” your outfit. My go-to approach is usually:

• T-shirt (my favorite pictured below)
• Light jacket or hoodie
• Flexible pants or breathable shorts (depending on the time of year and weather forecast)

Comfortable Shoes

I already mentioned this earlier, but I’m mentioning it again. Wear shoes that feel good on your feet.

A Practical Accessory or Two

Sunglasses or a hat may serve you well during a daytime round. 

As a true competitor, you’ll need to read those greens even when the sun is shining right in your eyes.

A few strategic accessories may give you an advantage over your competition.

Consider the Weather

This goes without saying, but I’m saying it.

Take 60 seconds to pull up the weather forecast on your phone so you can plan your outfit accordingly.

Mini Golf Outfits for Hot Weather

Playing mini golf in hot weather can be exhausting and uncomfortable, especially if you’re wearing heavy or tight clothing. It’s crucial to wear lightweight, breathable fabrics that allow air to circulate and keep you cool. 

Choose moisture-wicking materials and loose-fitting clothes. Avoid dark colors that absorb heat and opt for light-colored clothing that reflects the sun’s rays.

Consider wearing a hat so the sun isn’t beating down on that giant head of yours.

Mini Golf Outfits for Cooler Weather

If you’re playing mini golf in cooler weather, it’s important to dress appropriately to stay warm. Wear layers that you can easily remove or add as needed. Hoodies, long-sleeved shirts, and jackets are all great options for cooler weather.

Avoid wearing sandals or open-toed shoes that can make your feet cold and uncomfortable.

Choosing darker colors may help pull in some of the heat from the sun.

Mini Golf Outfits for Winter

Mini golfing in the winter can actually be quite fun, but make sure you have the essentials.

Nobody is too cool (pun intended) to wear gloves. Bring a pair. You may lose some of your grip on the golf club, but you won’t lose a finger to frostbite.

Make sure you have a jacket and several warmer layers underneath. Avoid shorts, skirts, etc. Wear a pair of pants that will help hold in your body heat.

Pack a beanie or a scarf in case the course is surprisingly windy.

What do you wear to glow in the dark mini golf?

The answer to this question depends on whether or not the glow in the dark mini golf is inside or outside. Assuming the glow in the dark mini golf is inside, you should wear bright colors.

Tacki-mac, an industry leader in the mini golf space, has this to say about your outfit choice:

…the wall and floor of these courses are usually decorated with neon paints. The clothes you wear will glow according to their color and patterns. The chances clothes will glow will increase with the brightness of the neon color.

Leather and dark-colored clothes must be avoided as they don’t pick up the black light. The best colors to wear are fluorescent green, pink, orange, and yellow.

– Tackimac.com

Got Some Tips on What to Wear to Mini Golf?

I think I covered most of the bases, but if you have some suggestions of your own, please drop a line in the comments below.

Also, if you have questions about your outfit choice, you may have questions about mini golf rules. Check out the handy guide that I created.