The game of golf is not everyone’s cup of tea. It’s a serious pursuit with heavy bags of equipment, stuffy dress codes and long arduous walks. There is, however, an alternative in the form of mini golf – a more accessible, some would say enjoyable little cousin of golf which has been a staple of parks and coastline resorts since the late 1800s.
From the humble beginnings of The Ladies Putting Club of St Andrews in 1867, which was widely considered the first incarnation of the smaller game, mini golf evolved and transformed into a more irreverent, creative and decorative game, with obstacles such as castles, loops and windmills adorning the courses. It moved away from being tucked on the side of existing golf courses too, popping up in beachfront resorts and in heavy foot traffic areas next to arcades. Today, mini golf is enjoying somewhat of a renaissance, where courses brimming with creativity and clever design are dotted about some of the liveliest London boroughs. Nowhere is this more evident than in London’s southwest, where some of the coolest and creative courses reside.
Putt in The Park, Battersea
Located just a wedge chipping distance from the Thames within the tranquil grounds of Battersea Park, Putt in the Park Battersea offers a 12-hole outdoor course that really is a masterclass in blending leisure and landscape. Surrounded by mature trees, colourful flowerbeds and accompanied by the gentle tumult of Riverside life, this course oozes understated elegance, no windmills or gimmicks here. The fairways are crafted in the highest quality synthetic turf, meandering around boulders, water features and wooden bridges that would not look out of place in a decorative Japanese garden. Each hole is designed to offer a challenge to everyone that takes part, from the first-time short game player, to the “Sunday is mini-golf day” putt-smith.
The real draw here is the clubhouse café, a sociable space where woodfired pizzas and refreshing beers can be sunk just as easily as that winning putt on the 12th hole. Outdoor seating grasps the afternoon light, making it a perfect spot to remain long after the last flag has been placed back into the hole. Your furry family members are also welcome, as Putt in the Park (or is that mutt in the park?) is completely dog-friendly.
Birdies – Battersea Power Station
Whilst Battersea Park instils feelings of peace and serenity, Birdies, which can be found under the iconic arches of the refurbished power station, provides a spectacular, sensory rush of colour and creativity that pushes the boundaries of what has been previously expected from a trip to mini golf. Gone are the harsh ceiling lights more akin to the office, and in crashes a neon-lit spectacle that will take your breath away. The course features 9 of the most inventive holes you will see, featuring various textures, elevations, changes in light and even some optical illusions. There are glowing tunnels, whirling vortexes and ramps that vary from the straight up-and-down to the gyrating – all of which will increase the satisfaction levels when they are navigated properly. There is method to the madness however, despite all the pomp, the course is still cleverly designed to reward good play and precision as well as the novelty value of feeling like you are golfing in a piece of ‘Escher’ artwork. It perfectly combines playfulness and golfing completion, meaning people can still choose to get serious, or just putt about, marvelling at the visual spectacle that the course designers have artistically produced.
It is not just on the course where the vibes are immaculate. Birdies has food offerings and cocktails that really mean business. The menu refuses to be left out, bursting with flavours and brimming with invention. The burgers are the standout item, juicy and loaded with options to embellish them however you wish. The cocktail list is a fine example of high-end mixology, jalapeno margaritas, smoky negronis and Birdie’s signature “Gin and Tee” underline how this selection is far from run of the mill.
Putt in the Park, Wandsworth
Nestled into King George’s Park in Wandsworth, the riverside counterpart to the Putt in the Park, Battersea, Wandsworth, offers a similarly polished experience whilst still retaining its own distinct personality. From a visual perspective, Battersea leans towards the picturesque, whereas Wandsworth feels more serene and secluded. A triumph in course design, it is mere steps away from the hubbub of Southside Shopping Centre.
The course itself is a beauty. It meanders around babbling water features, through arches, under bridges, and alongside rock-lined sand traps. It is great for the seasoned mini golfer, as it offers a tad more bite, whilst still retaining all its charming fun for the uninitiated. This is an intimate course to its absolute credit. It feels compact and manageable but never constricted, and the parkland that surrounds the course almost makes it feel like there is infinite countryside around you. The adjoining clubhouse is a great supporting cast member. It boasts a beautiful open terrace serving great coffee, light bites and wine by the glass. The perfect complimentary blend of sport and social makes Putt in the Park Wandsworth feel akin to a commuting hub, as opposed to a run-of-the-mill activity spot.
Puttshack – White City & Bank
Although Puttshack is not explicitly within Southwest London’s borders, it deserves an honourable mention for offering more, as it pushes the game of mini golf squarely into the digital age. With dual locations in both Bank and White City, this high-concept golfing experience perfectly mixes cutting-edge technology with stylish socialising. Puttshack feels like it has been plucked straight from the mind of one of Silicon Valley’s most innovative thinkers, and then brought to life with some added mood lighting and martinis just for good measure. At Puttshack, the golf balls are trackable. Sensors will log every swing, every shank, clunking overhit and every triumphant hole in one. There’s no scrawling with a blunt pencil here, scores are automatically tallied and displayed, allowing you to focus on clawing back that deficit or maintaining your lead. For players who like to cheat, this technology provides no opportunity to change someone’s 1 to a 4. The hospitality is not left out either. Expect premium cocktails, modern fusion food and striking interiors that are as comfortable to look at as they are to relax in.
The mini golf scene in South West London is a serious pursuit and no novelty act. Whether you prefer the gentle serenity and park atmosphere of Putt in The Park Battersea, the theatrical flair of Birdies, or the more secluded riverside setting of Putt in the Park Wandsworth, each venue offers something distinctly unique and satisfying. All of them however share the same mission statement – this isn’t just functional golf. The afternoon tees are just as satisfying as the afternoon teas. Whether you're out to impress or unwind, one thing's for certain - South West London’s putting playgrounds are well and truly under par… In the very best way.
