How to organise a mini golf party

A mini golf party works best when you treat the course booking and playing order as the backbone of the day. Start by confirming the reservation, then manage guest numbers, dietary requirements and travel details before buying food or setting up. On the day, leave time for drinks, coats, scorecards and team assignments, not just decorations. This plan helps you prepare the reception area, buffet and golf equipment so guests can start playing without delays.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Compile guest list
2
Send invitations
3
Process registrations
4
Collect dietary requirements
5
Book a mini golf course reservation
6
Confirm reservation
7
Share transport and route
8
Check the weather forecast
9
Check the shopping list
10
Do the shopping
2 people
11
Pick up birthday cake
12
Chill drinks
2 people
13
Prepare snacks
2 people
14
Set up buffet tables
2 people
15
Set up chairs and standing tables
2 people
16
Hang decorations
2 people
17
Test music and lighting
2 people
18
Lay out scorecards
19
Set out golf clubs and balls
2 people
20
Post the rules visibly
21
Set up the reception table

Event

22
Welcome guests
2 people
23
Supervise coats and bags
24
Serve welcome drinks
2 people
25
Assign teams and start order
2 people
26
Explain the rules
27
Guide mini golf
2 people
28
Collect scorecards
29
Refill drinks
2 people
30
Serve snacks
2 people
31
Restock the buffet
2 people
32
Cut the birthday cake
2 people
33
Serve cake and coffee
2 people
34
Announce the winner
35
Take group photo
36
Collect waste along the way

Aftercare

37
Remove decorations
2 people
38
Put furniture back
2 people
39
Return golf equipment
2 people
40
Wash dishes
2 people
41
Empty coolers
42
Sort and dispose of waste
2 people
43
Clean tables and floor
2 people
44
Check toilets
45
Pack leftover food
46
Return borrowed items

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Buffet tablesqty 3
Folding chairsqty 24
High tablesqty 4
Coat rack

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 30
Reusable cupsqty 40
Wine glassesqty 24
Coffee cupsqty 24
Cutlery setsqty 30
Serving bowlsqty 8
Serving plattersqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 2
Kitchen knivesqty 2
Cake knife
Cake stand
Pliersqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 4
Water carafesqty 4

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 2
Power stripsqty 2

Sports equipment

Mini golf clubsqty 24
Mini golf ballsqty 30
Scorecardsqty 30
Pencilsqty 30
Trophiesqty 3

Decorations

Balloonsqty 40
Balloon pump
Buntingqty 6
Tableclothsqty 4
Napkin holdersqty 4

Lighting

String lightsqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3
Bucketsqty 2
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 8
Dish brushesqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm the course reservation at least 7 days before the party and check the start time, group size, arrival instructions and whether clubs and balls are supplied. If you are bringing your own equipment, count one club and ball per active player plus a few spares.
Set the guest deadline 5 to 7 days before the event. Use the final registration list to assign teams, prepare scorecards and collect dietary requirements; waiting until the day makes the playing order harder to manage.
Plan the first hour separately from the rest of the party: allow 15 minutes for arrivals and welcome drinks, then 5 to 10 minutes for teams, rules and starting order. This prevents late arrivals from holding up every group.
Do the shopping after registrations close, then chill drinks for at least 4 hours and prepare snacks before guests arrive. Keep water carafes available as well as other drinks, especially when guests will be playing for more than an hour.
Set up the reception and buffet areas before laying out clubs, balls and scorecards. Keep a visible copy of the rules, pencils at the scoring point and a clear place for coats and bags so the course entrance does not become congested.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book a mini golf party?: Book the course 3 to 6 weeks ahead, especially for a weekend or a larger group. Confirm the reservation again 7 days before the event once you know the final guest count.
How many mini golf clubs and balls do I need?: Plan one club and one ball for each player who will be on the course at the same time, plus 2 to 4 spare balls. Check with the course first, because some venues provide all playing equipment.
When should I send mini golf party invitations?: Send invitations 3 to 4 weeks before the party and set the RSVP deadline 5 to 7 days before it. That gives you enough time to process registrations, check dietary requirements and assign teams.
How much time should I allow before the mini golf starts?: Allow 15 to 20 minutes for guests to arrive, leave coats and receive a drink, followed by 5 to 10 minutes for rules and team assignments. Start the first group at the reserved time so later groups do not fall behind.

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