--- title: What is Adventure Golf? Discover the Fun and Excitement of Smugglers Cove description: The game of miniature golf originated in 1917 and has quickly gained popularity as a fun pastime. But how does it differ from adventure golf? image: https://www.smugglersgolf.com/hubfs/Content%20Update%202023/SCG_Content_Jan_2023_053%20SA.jpg --- [![Smugglers Cove Logo ](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Smugglers%20Cove%20Logo%20-%20updated%202022%20-%20red.png?width=1000&height=564&name=Smugglers%20Cove%20Logo%20-%20updated%202022%20-%20red.png "Smugglers Cove Logo ")](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/) [![Smugglers Cove Logo](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Smugglers%20Cove%20Logo%20-%20updated%202022%20-%20red.png?width=709&name=Smugglers%20Cove%20Logo%20-%20updated%202022%20-%20red.png "Smugglers Cove Logo")](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/) [![Locations and Prices](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/8894448/981807b2-621e-4a2e-ac48-defc9128201d.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/8894448/981807b2-621e-4a2e-ac48-defc9128201d) # What is Adventure Golf? Discover the Fun and Excitement of Smugglers Cove ![feature image](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/hubfs/Content%20Update%202023/SCG_Content_Jan_2023_053%20SA.jpg) What is Adventure Golf? Discover the Fun and Excitement of Smugglers Cove 3:26   The game of miniature golf [originated in 1917](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/blog/the-interesting-history-of-mini-golfs) and has quickly gained popularity as a fun pastime. But how does it differ from adventure golf? ## What is Adventure Golf?     Adventure golf is similar to miniature golf when scoring. You’ll want as few strokes as possible at the end of the 18-hole course to be declared the winner. However, the main difference between the two golf styles is the overall experience. While a run-of-the-mill mini golf course may be mostly flat with few obstacles and an uninspired theme, adventure golf is centered around a thrilling exploration rich in imagination and competition. Flowing water hazards, tricky turns, and other surprises are commonplace on adventure-style golf courses. ## An Award-Winning Pirate Adventure [Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/) provides creative obstacles in a beautifully landscaped paradise. Our interactive, pirate-themed course has plenty of twists and turns that keep the game fun, social, and unpredictable. There are entertaining challenges along the way for everyone, regardless of experience level, and we're proud of being chosen as the "Best Mini Golf in Florida" five years in a row. Golfing at Smugglers Cove is an amazing way to hang out with friends and family outdoors while having a memorable, pirate-themed adventure. There are also excellent photo opportunities throughout each course, so you can create lasting memories and share them with your family and friends! ## How to Play Adventure Golf [Playing at Smugglers Cove](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/blog/how-do-you-play-mini-golf) is easy and fun for everyone. You can take the game seriously and actually play to win or just have some [silly putting fun out on the course](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/blog/5-mini-golf-games-and-challenges-that-will-make-your-next-round-more-exciting). The rules for playing adventure golf at Smugglers Cove are:  - The maximum size for each group is 4. - Once the order is set, each player takes their first shot, then everyone moves to their balls and takes their second shot, and so on. The ball closest to the hole always shoots first. - Keep score by writing down the number of strokes each player takes to get their ball in the hole. - Be strategic! Read the clues and study the layout of each hole for your best chance of scoring a hole-in-one. - If your ball goes out of bounds, pick it up, place it back where it left the course, and add one penalty stroke to your score. - The 18 holes are numbered, so follow the course in order without skipping any. - Have fun! Enjoy the scenery, the challenges, and some friendly competition with the company you're with. ## Playing Adventure Golf...With Alligators?? Alligators are some of Florida's most well-known native residents and also a vital part of the state's ecosystem. Our[ educational alligator exhibit](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/blog/7-fun-facts-about-florida-alligators) is home to 20-25 American alligators, providing a unique opportunity to learn more about this primitive reptile and observe them in a safe environment. Smugglers Cove is one of the few places in the United States in which guests can feed and interact with live alligators, so be sure to take advantage of this rare opportunity.  --- Whether you're looking for a fun family outing, a unique date idea, or just a chance to spend time with friends outside, you'll make amazing memories on every visit to [Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/). Gather your crew and come enjoy a swashbuckling pirate adventure under the sunshine at one of our five adventure golf courses in West Florida.  [![Gift Card](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/8894448/interactive-183562992394.png) ](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJ%2BfW7pqk08Lpyc0AGBELGIJ%2B1kIrNxHzuuKpa%2B%2FzCtWR%2FVMaGYddsve3XTHYIWk7AzevAOVBXk2hqwcYAkdexEkDpkpWWgGDkG4ThSRHUlu8R%2F69cPHd93QmtLF7ezrodId2gPlrGEdiINbLQhRUwwN7kLDMdgNFkQOnpWyU1x2vl5MFA%3D&webInteractiveContentId=183562992394&portalId=8894448) Topics: [family fun](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/blog/tag/family-fun), [mini golf](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/blog/tag/mini-golf), [things to do](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/blog/tag/things-to-do) ### Subscribe to our blog ### Recent Posts ![feature image](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/hubfs/bigstock-Colorful-fireworks-of-various--14753303.jpg) [ Unique Locations to See Fireworks for the Fourth of July in Southwest Florida ](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/blog/unique-locations-to-see-fireworks-for-the-fourth-of-july-in-southwest-florida) Jul 1, 2026 3:18:00 AM ![feature image](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/hubfs/vitolda-klein-Nru3PmN8TjI-unsplash.jpg) [ Top Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Florida for Your Family’s Spring Break ](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/blog/top-kid-friendly-things-to-do-in-florida-for-your-familys-spring-break) Mar 15, 2026 5:59:40 PM ![feature image](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/hubfs/bigstock-Portrait-of-man-stealing-base--402311708.jpg) [ Your Guide to Making the Most of Spring Training in Florida ](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/blog/your-guide-to-making-the-most-of-spring-training-in-florida) Feb 24, 2026 5:58:59 PM ### Ultimate Florida Packing List ![SCG Packing Guide Fan Graphic-1](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SCG%20Packing%20Guide%20Fan%20Graphic-1.png?width=250&height=205&name=SCG%20Packing%20Guide%20Fan%20Graphic-1.png) [![DOWNLOAD NOW](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/8894448/45123f8f-4eca-4e28-a26a-67013c33f304.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/8894448/45123f8f-4eca-4e28-a26a-67013c33f304)   [![Smugglers Cove Logo - updated 2022 - red](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Smugglers%20Cove%20Logo%20-%20updated%202022%20-%20red.png?width=1000&name=Smugglers%20Cove%20Logo%20-%20updated%202022%20-%20red.png "Smugglers Cove Logo - updated 2022 - red")](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/) Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf courses feature 18 Holes of adventure style golf in which you’ll navigate through caves, pirate ships, waterfalls and live alligators. Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf | Fla Golf West Florida Inc. - [**](https://www.facebook.com/SmugglersCoveAdventureGolf) - [**](https://twitter.com/SmugglersCove) - [**](https://www.instagram.com/smugglersgolf/) #### QUICK LINKS [Group Outings](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/group-outings)[Discounts](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/subscribe)[Gift Cards](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/shop)[Blog](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/blog)[Store](https://smugglersgolf.shop/)[Golf for Good](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/golf-for-good)[Ultimate Florida Packing List](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/packing-guide) #### LOCATIONS [Fort Myers](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/fort-myers) [Madeira Beach](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/madeira-beach) [Indian Shores](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/indian-shores) [Sarasota](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/sarasota) [Bradenton](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/bradenton) [(239) 466-5855](tel:+12394665855) [(727) 398-7008](tel:+17273987008) [(727) 517-7664](tel:+17275177664) [(941) 351-6620](tel:+19413516620) [(941) 756-0043](tel:+19417560043) #### CONTACT US - [Send Us A Message](https://www.smugglersgolf.com/contact-us)Corporate Office P.O. Box 20055 Bradenton, FL 34204 - [info@smugglersgolf.com](mailto:info@smugglersgolf.com) - Open 365 days a year 9:00 AM-11:00 PM [Web Design](https://www.nextinymarketing.com/website-design) and [Inbound Marketing by Nextiny ](https://www.nextinymarketing.com/inbound) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Smugglers Cove", "url" : "https://www.smugglersgolf.com/blog/author/smugglers-cove" }, "dateModified" : "2025-01-20T16:03:15.585Z", "datePublished" : "2023-10-23T13:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "What is Adventure Golf? 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