Golf doesn’t always have to be about scores, rules, and quiet courses. For many people, it’s about sharing laughs, having fun, and creating memories with others. Whether you’re out with family, close friends, or even coworkers, a casual round of golf—traditional or mini—can turn into a great bonding activity.
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is one of those places where fun and golf come together in the best way. This mountain town is filled with attractions, restaurants, and interactive experiences. It also happens to be a hotspot for mini golf fans.
Themed Mini Golf and Group Fun in Pigeon Forge
From indoor setups to rooftop courses with scenic views, there’s no shortage of places to swing a club and compete with a smile. Themed mini golf spots are big here. You’ll find candy-themed holes, tropical setups, and spooky courses with glowing lights and sound effects. It’s not about serious play—it’s about doing something different and having a good time.
If you want to add a twist to your golf day, there are a bunch of fun challenges you can try. These ideas work well with mini golf or backyard setups and are perfect for breaking the routine. They’re also easy to adjust depending on the group’s age and skill level.
That said, if you’re looking to play some mini golf Pigeon Forge offers one of the most colorful and entertaining spots around. Crave Golf Club is a standout. It features both indoor and rooftop courses filled with candy-themed decor, creative hole designs, and added game elements like spinners that change the rules each round. It’s more than just a course—it’s part game, part dessert adventure. This place turns a basic game into a memory-making event.
Now that we’ve covered where to go, let’s talk about how to turn a simple round of golf into something fun and competitive.
One-Club Challenge
This is one of the simplest ways to make your round more interesting. Everyone in your group picks one club at the start of the game—and that’s the only one they’re allowed to use. Most people choose a putter or wedge, but any club works as long as they stick to it.
This challenge pushes you to get creative with your shots. You’ll have to adjust your stance, swing differently, and sometimes rethink your whole approach. It’s a great way to level the playing field, too, especially if you have a mix of beginners and regular players.
You can use this challenge during a round of mini golf or even on a practice green. It’s low-stress, easy to set up, and usually leads to some surprising shots.
Speed Golf
If your group likes fast-paced activities, Speed Golf might be the perfect twist. The idea is simple: each person plays their ball like usual, but the clock is running. You’re racing against time, not just strokes. You can play this in two ways—everyone plays individually with a timer, or the whole group plays at once in a timed round.
Speed Golf works well on short courses or practice areas. On mini golf courses, it adds excitement and movement, especially for kids or teens who get restless waiting their turn. Just make sure everyone plays safely and gives space when needed. You can set fun rules like time penalties for missed shots or out-of-bounds strokes. The game becomes less about perfection and more about energy and quick thinking.
Blindfold Putting
This one is bound to get laughs. In Blindfold Putting, one player wears a blindfold while another gives them directions. The goal is to sink the putt with guidance only—no peeking.
It’s a great game for building trust and communication. Friends or family have to work together, give clear tips, and try not to mislead each other. It works best on short putting areas or mini golf holes where the layout isn’t too complex.
You can play this challenge in teams and rotate roles, switching the blindfold between each hole. It’s a lighthearted way to make putting more social and unpredictable.
Trick Shot Round
This is where creativity takes over. In a Trick Shot Round, players try out shots with a twist. That could mean bouncing the ball off a wall, hitting through a tunnel, launching over a slope, or even playing backwards.
You can make a list of challenges ahead of time or let each player invent their own trick as the game goes. Score based on style, difficulty, or successful execution. This challenge works best at mini golf courses with themed holes and obstacles.
It’s also a great game to film. People love sharing trick shots on social media, and this adds a bit of flair to a regular game. Plus, it’s easy to adapt for different ages and skill levels.
Opposite-Hand Round
Golf feels completely different when you switch hands. In this challenge, everyone has to play with their non-dominant hand. Right-handed players use their left hand, and vice versa.
It’s harder than it sounds—but that’s the fun. Even experienced players struggle to control their shots, making the round more relaxed and balanced for groups with mixed skills. It’s a fun way to test coordination and patience, and it often leads to unexpected wins.
You can use this challenge on just a few holes or make it the rule for the whole round. Either way, it adds something new and silly to the game.
Golf doesn’t have to follow the same pattern every time. With just a few small changes, you can turn a simple game into something more fun, active, and social. These golf challenges are easy to try and perfect for group outings.
Next time you’re planning a golf day—whether it’s at a big course, your local driving range, or a themed mini golf spot—bring a few of these ideas along. They might just make the game a little more exciting and the time together more memorable.