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Score Big with a Mini Golf Party: Tips and Tricks Inside!

Published by brandonNovember 28, 2023January 16, 2024

When you think of a party, what typically comes to mind? Perhaps it is a lively gathering of friends, delicious food, and some form of entertainment to keep everyone engaged and having fun. While traditional parties at home or in a fancy restaurant have their charm, there is a unique and exciting alternative that is guaranteed to score big on fun: a mini-golf party at Tipsy Putt!

In this article, we will explore how to plan the perfect mini-golf party, offering tips and tricks to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience for all your guests.

Why a Mini-Golf Party for Adults?

Before delving into the nitty-gritty details of planning a mini-golf party at Tipsy Putt, it’s essential to understand why this concept is an excellent choice for adults. Mini golf, also known as miniature golf or putt-putt, is a recreational sport that combines a perfect blend of competition and camaraderie.

There are many reasons why a mini-golf party can be a success. Mini golf is a game that anyone can enjoy, regardless of their skill level. Whether your guests are avid golfers or complete beginners, they can all partake in the fun without feeling left out. Mini golf is known for its relaxed and laid-back environment and is an excellent way to break the ice and encourage your guests to socialize, making it perfect for a mixed group of friends and acquaintances.

Many adults have fond memories of playing mini golf as kids, making it a nostalgic and heartwarming activity that can evoke a sense of joy. It also offers a level playing field, allowing everyone to enjoy some friendly competition, adding an exciting element to your party without making it overly serious.

Planning Your Mini-Golf Party

For all these reasons and more, a mini-golf party can be a resounding hit for any type of gathering, but if you are looking to take your event to the next level, we have gathered some pro tips and tricks to make your evening a smashing success.

Choose a Time and Place

Selecting the perfect mini-golf course is crucial for the outcome of your party. Each of Tipsy Putt’s venues offers a well-maintained course with a range of obstacles and a lively atmosphere. We even offer party packages with reserved spaces and group discounts at our Sacramento, East Bay, Monterey, Silicon Valley, and South Lake Tahoe locations. You can even do a location buyout and have the place to yourself.

Consider the timing of your mini-golf party. Late afternoons or early evenings are usually the best choices, as they allow for the perfect blend of daylight and evening ambiance. Tipsy Putt is all-ages until 8:00 p.m., but check with the venue of your choice for their operating hours to ensure they can accommodate your preferred time and the ages of your party.

Pick a Theme

Set the tone for your mini-golf party with creative and fun invitations. You can opt for golf-themed invites or design ones that reflect the casual, playful nature of the event. Be sure to include all the essential details, such as the date, time, location, and special instructions.

You could choose a dress code to add an extra layer of fun to the event. Golf-themed attire like plaid shorts, visors, or golf-inspired accessories can set the mood and give your guests a chance to embrace their inner golfers. Determine how you will organize the mini-golf games. You can choose a traditional round-robin style, where everyone plays on each hole, or create teams and rotate players on each hold for a more competitive atmosphere. A mix of group and individual play can keep things exciting.

Enhance the party atmosphere with a carefully curated playlist. Choose music that is lively and keeps the energy up but not too loud to disrupt conversations. Depending on the Tipsy Putt location you choose for your mini-golf party, you can also play other games like Duffleboard and 1-2 Putt in your reserved space.

Food and Drinks

While the focus of a mini golf party is fun and camaraderie, food and drink will elevate your party to the next level. Choosing a venue like a Tipsy Putt means access to our bar and full catering for a night of tasty treats and fun drinks, allowing you and your guests to relax knowing that everything is being taken care of.

For an earlier party, take advantage of our bottomless mimosa bar or our continental breakfast spread- for a night of boozy mini golf fun consider options like our taco bar and any of our local craft beers, wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. At Tipsy Putt we have everything you need to make a full night with friends, family, or coworkers.

Add in Some Extras

You could use the photo booth or mobile devices and encourage your guests to take silly and memorable photos as they progress through the course. Remember to create a unique hashtag for your party so everyone can share their mini-golf adventures on social media.

Extend the fun beyond the golf course with party favors. Mini-golf-themed goodies, such as golf balls, tees, personalized scorecards, or individual photo frames featuring pictures taken at the event can be a delightful way to thank your guests for joining the party.

You can give away prizes to your guests. Prizes for winners as well as for those who embrace the challenges can add a layer of friendly competition to the event. Use gift cards, mini-golf-related, or Tipsy Putt merchandise for the lowest scores or even provide humorous awards, such as “worst golfer” or “most likely to get lost at the bar.” For some extra excitement, create unique challenges or obstacles on the mini-golf course. You could introduce a rule where players need to putt blindfolded on a particular hole. You could even have them putt with one hand or behind their back.

Etiquette and Courtesy

While the focus of a mini-golf party is fun and camaraderie, it’s vital to maintain etiquette and courtesy on the course. Remind your guests to respect the rules, keep up with the pace of play, and avoid distracting other players. This ensures that everyone (even those players not in your party) has a great time with no unnecessary hiccups.

A mini-golf party for adults can be a hole-in-one when it comes to fun and entertainment. The combination of casual competition, socializing, and good food and drinks at a fun venue makes it a fantastic choice for a memorable event. By following these tips and tricks, you can plan a mini-golf party that will be a hit with your friends and create lasting memories.

Mini golf can be the best choice for guests of all ages and can provide a great way to gather your family, friends, or work pals. So, gather your golf-loving people, don your best golf attire, and get ready to score big at your next mini-golf party with TipsyPutt! You can’t go wrong when you putt tipsy at one of our five excellent locations: Sacramento, East Bay, South Lake Tahoe, Monterey, and Silicon Valley.

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Date Night With Mini Golf and Drinks? Yes, Please!

Published by brandonSeptember 8, 2023June 8, 2026

Did you swipe right on your fav dating app and it’s a match made in heaven? Awesome! Now it’s time to impress your romantic interest by planning the perfect date night. But dinner and a movie is so overrated. To kick things off right, come up with something fun and creative instead … like mini golf and drinks! Tipsy Putt has both of these covered and a whole lot more to offer. So let us help you plan a night out your date is sure to remember.

Round 1: Drinks

There’s a reason we’re called Tipsy Putt. Our motto is to drink local, putt tipsy! So we suggest meeting your date at our bar for a round of drinks to start off your evening. If you’re planning a first date, this can be a great icebreaker and an excellent opportunity to get to know each other a little better.

We have a wide selection of local craft beers on tap, as well as wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. Or you can get your night started off with a shooter, like “Tiger’s Wood.” It may not have you playing mini golf like Tiger Woods, but it’s tasty and should have you feeling relaxed when you head onto the course for Round 2 of your evening.

Remember, always drink responsibly, so plan ahead and grab a ride share or cab if you’re here to putt tipsy.

Round 2: Mini Golf

If you’re on a first date, there’s no better way to keep things fun and casual than a game of putt-putt. So hit the links on our mini-golf course and go head-to-head with your date in a round of friendly competition.

Our one-of-a-kind mini-golf course is unique, challenging, and just the sort of spot to set the scene for a memorable evening. Plus, it’s located indoors so you won’t have to worry about the weather putting a damper on your date night. We’re open rain or shine!

After a round on our course, your date is sure to be in full swing, and we bet you’ll work up an appetite. That leads us to Round 3.

Round 3: Dinner

A mini-golf course with drinks and food? You bet! You don’t want to risk getting hangry, so satisfy your cravings with some delicious eats. Our Tipsy Putt menu features Mexican fare with a California flair, of course—including nachos, tacos, quesabirria tacos, pub pretzels, and elote bowls.

If you want a healthier option, try our Mexican chopped salad. We have vegan and vegetarian options too. Order one of our shareable plates to get started then finish off your dinner with a sweet treat like our warm churros.

Once dinner is complete, you’ll be ready to ring in Round 4 of date night—a rematch!

Round 4: Cornhole, 1-2 Putt, and More

Tipsy Putt features more than just mini golf and drinks. We also have a full plate of fun games like Cornhole and 1-2 Putt.

What’s 1-2 Putt, you ask? It’s an original tabletop golf game that provides another opportunity to challenge your date to a little friendly competition. It’s part golf and part shuffleboard, but easy for people of all skill levels. It does require a little strategy, however.

Here’s a breakdown of how it works: Grab your mallet and ball from our beertender, and when you’re ready to play, place the mallet on the table to push your ball forward. The more you go the distance, the more points you’ll score.

Not happy with your first score? You can always push the envelope and try again. This is where strategy comes in—you’re locked into your second score regardless of whether it’s better or worse than the first. The person with the highest score wins!

Whether you decide to try your hand at 1-2 Putt or another fun game, once you’re finished, find your way to our Trophy Club speakeasy for a celebratory nightcap to crown the winner and end your night on a high note.

Round 5: Nightcap

If the night is going well and you really want to impress your date, Trophy Club is the way to go. But first, you have to find your way in. That’s an adventure all on its own!

Our speakeasy is off the beaten path and tucked away for members only. You might find us hidden behind a bookcase or in an old rail car, depending on which of our Northern California locations you visit. But once you do find your way in, we promise it will be well worth the effort.

We like to call Trophy Club a hidden gem hidden in plain sight. Our menu features seasonal cocktails, wine, bubbles, and small bites if you’re in the mood for a late-night snack.

If you want exclusive access that’s sure to impress your date, you can become a member. Imagine your date’s reaction when you take them to a place they wouldn’t otherwise be able to visit.

Your membership also includes incredible perks and discounts, including unlimited mini golf for life and drink upgrades. So if this date is a hit, you can start planning a second one!

We have high hopes for your date night because we think mini golf and drinks are the perfect pairing. We’re rooting for you and your date to pair together just as well!

Hit up a few rounds of our suggested date night adventure or do them all. You can customize your date night any way you’d like. But after an evening like this one, we think the odds are that you’ll be seeing your date (and Tipsy Putt) again real soon!

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5 Tips for Your Most Tee-riffic Mini Golf Game Ever

Published by brandonJuly 18, 2023July 21, 2023

There’s nothing like playing a game of mini golf in the East Bay with your buddies. The camaraderie is unmatched when you put a handful of friends, a beloved game, and local alcohol together. Tipsy Putt combines all of these things along with an exciting atmosphere to create an experience you won’t soon forget. It’s no wonder so many people are looking to up their game for their next visit.

If you’re someone who likes to play to win, you may want to prepare a bit for your next mini golf game. Luckily, there are a few tips and tricks you can incorporate that may give you an edge over your opponents. Things like loosening up beforehand, keeping a watchful eye on your opponents, and practicing more often can really contribute to the results you’re looking for. With these tips and a little confidence, you could find yourself on the winning side of things more often.

So, if you want to become a better mini golf player, we have you covered. Here are a few tips to help you have an un-fore-gettable golf game.

1. Take the Edge Off

When you arrive to play mini golf in the East Bay, you’re playing to win. The feeling of beating your friends and family in a fun game of mini golf can bring true joy to any player. While you should definitely play to win, you don’t want to take yourself too seriously. Too much focus on winning could mess up your game and throw you off. It can pay off to play it cool in these sometimes-tense situations. We suggest taking the edge off by enjoying some local beer, wine, or a draft cocktail while you play.

They don’t call us Tipsy Putt for nothing. With a wide selection of alcoholic beverages to choose from it won’t be hard to find a drink that catches your eye, and you can find comfort in knowing that we only serve local beer, local wine, and locally-owned spirits for our cocktails at our East Bay location. Enjoy a drink or two with your fellow players to loosen yourself up for an epic game of mini golf. Or you can increase the stakes by making the loser pay for the next round. You may even find that you’re having such a good time that you no longer care about who wins or loses.

2. Observe Your Opponents

It may be tempting to offer to go first when playing mini golf. It’s such a fun game that many people are chomping at the bit to get started, and if you’ve been practicing, you’ll likely be ready to show off your progress. Resist the urge, though. There are a few benefits that come with not going first that can really increase your chances of having your most tee-riffic game ever.

One of the benefits of not going first is having the opportunity to observe your opponents. If you’re on a course that you haven’t played before, you can take the time to watch for any mistakes that your opponents are making and avoid them. You also might find that a player is using a technique that is securing them the lead, and you can copy it to make your big comeback. Use this strategy to your advantage to increase your chances of winning.

3. Focus on How You Hit the Ball

When it comes to mini golf, the goal is pretty simple: you want to hit the ball into the hole. The closer to the hole, the better, but the way you hit the ball matters, as does the position of the club when you do it. Focusing on these things could be helpful when you’re trying to become a better mini golf player.

You can put more focus into how you hit the ball by considering where you want the ball to hit the putter. Ideally, you’ll want the ball to hit directly in the middle of your putter. This can give you more control over the direction the ball goes. Hitting the ball primarily with the top or bottom of your putter could cause it to hit the ball diagonally so that you miss your target completely.

4. Take Advantage of Obstacles

Scoping out the course is a wise decision for any mini-golfer and should definitely be done before every game. Getting a look at the lay of the land could help you to come up with strategies to incorporate. Every hole is different, and you may find that there are a few obstacles and roadblocks in your path to a hole-in-one. For most players, this will be seen as a hurdle you’ll have to overcome, but with a change of mindset, you may find yourself in a winning position.

Instead of looking at these obstacles with fear, try to consider how they can work in your favor. You may find that aiming for an obstacle in your path can allow you to bounce into a clearer path to your target. Use the obstacles to your advantage by thinking outside of the box and not trying too hard to only avoid them.

5. Practice Makes Progress

As with most activities, the only way to get really good is to practice. It takes time and determination to truly become good at golf. When you put in the work, you’ll notice that some things start to come easier than they did before. You may begin to develop a technique that carries you through to win after win.

The nice thing about practicing mini golf at Tipsy Putt is that you can have fun and enjoy a great atmosphere doing it. Mini golf is a game that’s meant to be enjoyed with a group, making it the perfect opportunity to gather your friends together for a good time. Starting a biweekly or monthly tradition of mini golf can help you up your game and stay closer to your friends and family. Adults can have fun too, and Tipsy Putt in Emeryville is the perfect way to do just that. Stop by Tipsy Putt for a tee-rific time!