Sports similar to golf include disc golf, footgolf, mini golf, croquet, and lawn bowls. Each rewards accuracy and planning, but they differ in equipment, physical effort, and how closely they resemble a traditional golf round.
If you enjoy choosing a target, judging distance, and improving through practice, you have several options beyond a golf course. Compare the sports below to find one that matches your budget, available space, and preferred pace.
Which sports similar to golf are worth trying?
Disc golf is the closest match for many golfers because you play a course, choose shots, and try to finish each hole in as few throws as possible. Footgolf follows a similar course format, but you kick a soccer ball toward oversized holes. Mini golf, croquet, and lawn bowls offer related challenges in smaller or less formal settings.
The right choice depends on what you like about golf. If you value full-course strategy, start with disc golf or footgolf. If you want a short social activity, try mini golf or croquet. If you prefer a precise aim and a slower pace, lawn bowls may suit you.
How the main golf alternatives compare
| Sport | What you aim to do | Equipment | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disc golf | Throw a disc into a target basket in as few throws as possible | Flying discs | Golf-like course strategy and outdoor play |
| Footgolf | Kick a soccer ball into a large hole in as few kicks as possible | Soccer ball | Golf structure with soccer skills |
| Mini golf | Put a ball through a short course in as few strokes as possible | Putter and small ball | Casual outings and short games |
| Croquet | Strike balls through a series of hoops in order | Mallets, balls, and hoops | Social play and careful shot placement |
| Lawn bowls | Roll biased balls as close as possible to a small target ball | Bowls and a target ball | Low-impact precision and tactical play |
| Pitch-and-putt | Play short golf holes using a small set of clubs | Golf clubs and balls | Practicing golf with shorter holes |
Rules, course layouts, and equipment can vary by venue. Ask about local rules before starting, especially if you are joining a group or using shared equipment.
Disc golf: the closest alternative for course strategy
Disc golf uses many of the same broad ideas as golf: each hole has a starting area and a target, and the goal is to complete the hole with as few attempts as possible. Instead of striking a ball, you throw a disc into a metal basket. A typical hole involves several throws, with the next throw taken from where the disc landed.
Different discs are designed for different flights, but a new player does not need a large collection. Start with one versatile disc or borrow a beginner set. Learning control matters more than carrying specialized gear.
Disc golf can be a strong fit if you want outdoor exercise and decisions about route, distance, and risk. Trees, slopes, and wind can affect a throw, so a safe, controlled shot may be better than trying for maximum distance. Follow posted course rules and give other players space before throwing.
Footgolf: golf rules with a soccer ball
Footgolf combines a golf-style course with soccer-style kicking. Players move a soccer ball from a starting area toward a much larger hole, aiming to use as few kicks as possible. Because the ball is kicked rather than hit with a club, soccer players may feel comfortable quickly, but distance control still takes practice.
It suits groups with mixed golf experience. You can use familiar golf-course strategy—such as planning a safe route around an obstacle—without needing clubs or a strong golf swing. Venues may have specific dress codes or require play on designated footgolf areas, so check before arriving.
Mini golf: an easy way to practice touch and aim
Mini golf keeps the putting part of golf and places it on a compact course with obstacles. Players usually take turns putting a ball toward a hole, and each stroke counts toward the score. The short holes make it accessible, while ramps, corners, and barriers reward careful speed and direction.
This is a good choice for a quick game or a first introduction to golf-like scoring. It is less like a full round because there is no long-distance driving or club selection. Still, the ability to judge pace and choose a line carries over to putting on a regular green.
Croquet and lawn bowls: precision without a golf swing
Croquet
In croquet, players strike balls with mallets and guide them through hoops in a set sequence. The game rewards accuracy, but it also includes tactical choices: a player may position a ball to make the next shot easier or complicate an opponent’s turn. It works well in a yard or on a suitable lawn, provided there is enough clear space.
Lawn bowls
Lawn bowls is a target game played by rolling weighted, slightly biased balls toward a smaller target ball. The curve of a bowl affects where it finishes, so players must account for direction and distance. It is typically slower and lower impact than a full golf round, making it appealing if you enjoy thoughtful play without walking a large course.
These games resemble golf most in their emphasis on aim, touch, and choosing a shot. They do not copy golf’s full course format, so they are better alternatives if precision matters more to you than club-based play.
Pitch-and-putt: a shorter form of golf
Pitch-and-putt uses short golf holes and usually calls for shorter shots than a full-length course. It preserves familiar golf skills, including selecting a club, controlling a swing, and putting, while reducing the distance and time involved. Many facilities provide clubs, but availability and rules differ by location.
Choose pitch-and-putt if you want to keep playing golf rather than switch to a different sport. It can also help you practice short shots and putting without committing to a long round. Do not assume that every short course has the same club limits or format; check the venue’s instructions.
How to choose the right golf-like sport
Start with the part of golf you enjoy most, then match it to a sport’s main challenge. Use these steps to narrow down your options:
- Pick your favorite skill. For course planning, try disc golf or footgolf. For putting and touch, try mini golf. For target accuracy, consider croquet or lawn bowls.
- Think about the setting. Disc golf and footgolf generally involve moving around a course. Croquet needs an open lawn, while lawn bowls and mini golf use more contained playing areas.
- Check what you need to bring. Some venues lend or rent equipment; others expect you to bring your own. Confirm before making plans.
- Consider the group. Footgolf can appeal to soccer fans, while mini golf often works well for mixed ages and skill levels. For a more deliberate game, try lawn bowls or croquet.
- Try a beginner session or short game. A brief first visit shows whether you enjoy the pace and movement before you buy equipment or commit to regular play.
What new players often get wrong
A common mistake is assuming that every golf-like sport depends on a powerful swing. Most rely more on control and decision-making than strength. In disc golf, for example, a smooth throw with a sensible route can be more useful than a hard throw that lands in trouble.
Another misconception is that the closest-looking sport must be the best substitute. Pitch-and-putt is the nearest option if you want to keep using golf clubs, but it may not be the best choice if you want a low-cost group activity or a game in a small space. Match the alternative to the experience you want, not just to the equipment you recognize.
Before playing, ask about footwear, safety rules, and the space other players need. In particular, never throw or strike while someone is in the likely path of a disc or ball. A brief safety check makes a casual game more comfortable for everyone.
Several sports similar to golf share its focus on accuracy, patience, and smart shot choices, but they offer different ways to play. Disc golf and footgolf provide course-based challenges, while mini golf, croquet, lawn bowls, and pitch-and-putt each suit a different pace or setting.
For a practical next step, choose the option that best matches your favorite part of golf and look for a nearby venue or beginner-friendly session. Borrow equipment if possible, then see which game you want to play again.