Miniature golf is one of the more popular variations. Essentially, it is a very small 18 hole layout, where only a putter is used. The course usually has some interesting obstacles in the form of themed decorations laid out around the course. You can find miniature golf games in many theme parks.

Some of the leading names in professional golf, such as Arnold Palmer, put their names on miniature golf games, franchised the businesses across the country. Not only did it introduce many people to the game, but also provided additional income. When not playing in tournaments, these players often toured the country appearing at new course openings.

Backyard Golf Games

If you want to play golf at home, but don't have space for a golf course or driving range, then some 'chip and putt' games may be just the thing. These involve fake 'holes' placed on the ground, and plastic golf balls to avoid any damage to nearby vehicles, or your windows!

You can play golf games on the PC, and on many consoles too. Some of these have been endorsed by professional golfers. Electronic golf games vary from very simplistic ones, to full simulations that include weather conditions and realistic physics. You can even get ones where your motion is tracked by a number of sensors, so that you can practice you swing with a fake golf club, making the game as realistic as you can get whilst playing in your own home.

Another variant of golf is 'disk golf' ? this involves throwing a small, circular disk at a basket ? these are located around the course, usually hung from a tree or on the side of a building. Like normal golf, the aim is to get the disk into all of the baskets, whilst taking as few throws as possible.