Black Light Mini-Golf

Industry Overview
and
Step-By-Step Guide to
Owning Your Own
Black Light Mini-Golf Business
Industry Information for Business Owners, Contractors, Architects,
Landlords, and Vendors

From

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Table Of Contents
The purpose of this document is to answer many common questions about black light
mini-golf in general and provide you with a step-by-step guide to starting your own black
light mini-golf business.

Part 1: Black Light Mini-Golf Industry Overview

Black Light Mini-Golf: The History...………………………………….…………………………3
Black Light Mini-Golf: Global Success....….………………………………………………..….3
Black Light Mini-Golf: Your Target Audience……………………….…………………..……..4
Black Light Mini-Golf: Industry Statistics…………………………………………………….…4
Black Light Mini-Golf: Choosing the Right Location…………………………………………..5
Black Light Mini-Golf: Maximizing Revenues / Booster Attractions…………………………5
Black Light Mini-Golf: A Proven Track Record of Success…………………………………..6
Black Light Mini-Golf: The Experience………………………………………………………….6
Black Light Mini-Golf: Space Requirements / Construction………………………………….7
Black Light Mini-Golf: General Costs…………………………………………………………...8

Part 2: Owning Your Own Black Light Mini-Golf Business

Making It All Into Reality……………………………………………………...………………....9
Step 1. Discuss Your Requirements…………………………………………………10
Step 2. Financial Review – Revenue Projection Calculator……………………....10
Step 3. Golf Course / Center Design……………………………………………..….11
Step 5. Theme Design and Selection…….……………………………………….…11
Step 6. Fabrication / Construction…..…………………………………………….…12
Step 7. Shipping..…………………………………………………………………...…12
Step 8. On-site Construction and Installation.………………………………………12
Step 9. Site Walkthrough and Training.…………………………………………..…12

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Part 1:
Black Light Mini-Golf Industry
Overview
Black Light Mini-Golf: The History
The first mini-golf courses appeared in Europe almost 100 years ago. The
development of an early artificial green in 1922 led to a boom in mini-golf
courses. By the late 1920s there were over 150 rooftop courses in New York
City alone, and thousands across the United States. Over the years, countless
varieties of courses have been built around the world. Some incorporated
interactive props to challenge players. Others developed elaborate landscaping,
waterfalls, and natural features or built challenging greens to turn the game into a
true sport. And in some cases, it was a matter of slapping together some 2x4’s
and outdoor carpet to cash in on the simple fun of the game.

Today most tourist areas are home to elaborate mini-golf courses and they
continue to attract huge numbers of players. Miniature golf has become a part of
the amusement landscape and in all of its many variations, the fun of the game
and the appeal to all age groups remains.

In the last decade, the biggest development in mini-golf has been the introduction
of black light mini-golf courses (sometimes referred to as “glow golf”).

Black Light Mini-Golf: Global Success

Black light mini-golf is a truly global success. People from many diverse
backgrounds and cultures all love playing mini-golf. Mini-golf courses can be
found throughout North America, South America, Central America, Europe, Asia,
the Middle East, and Australia. It is estimated that over a quarter of a billion mini-
golf games are played every year worldwide and that number continues to grow.
Mini-golf has swept through the entertainment industry like wildfire and can be
found in FECs, bowling centers, shopping malls, tourist attractions, skating rinks,
amusement parks and more.

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Black Light Mini-Golf: Your Target Audience

The target audience for mini-
golf can be very diverse
depending on your location.
Listed below are the three
main target groups:

6–15 year-olds – This is

typically the core of your
business. This will mostly
come from party bookings,
special groups, and walk-ins.

Adults – This includes

corporate parties and adult
group bookings. Often companies will look at mini-golf as a great team building
activity or the perfect location for a year-end party for their staff. There really is
no business or group that cannot be solicited for business. Targeting these
groups can lead to BIG profit!

Members – Some mini-golf players are very competitive and will literally play
hundreds of games in a lifetime. They are very passionate about the game and
their abilities and see mini-golf as more of a sport. Treat these customers right
and they will take care of you. This is a good group to run tournaments with.

Black Light Mini-Golf: Industry Statistics

Listed below are some general industry statistics for consideration. Naturally
depending on one’s location, marketing, and business model, these can vary:

• Average Game Price: $6-$9

• ROI: 12-24 months

• Friday, Saturday, Sunday Revenue = 70% of Total Revenue

• Target Market: 50% Birthday Parties / 30% Groups / 10% Corporate / 10%
Walk-in

• Customer Age Groups: 35% under 12 / 35% teenagers / 15% 20-30 year-
olds / 15% 30 and older

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Black Light Mini-Golf: Choosing the Right Location

Black light mini-golf has found success in many different types of locations.
Many of these are stand-alone mini-golf locations where mini-golf is the only or
the primary draw to the business.

The fastest growing segment of new mini-golf sites is found in what we call
complimentary locations. Complimentary locations are sites where mini-golf is
included as one of several attractions in businesses such as bowling centers,
amusement parks, FECs, tourist spots, shopping malls, roller skating centers,
etc.

Black Light Mini-Golf: Maximizing Revenues / Booster

Attractions
Like any business, the goal is to maximize revenues and profits. Often by
offering multiple products or services, a business can increase their customer
base, overall revenue and ultimately their profits. Mini-golf is no different.

By adding booster attractions alongside the mini-golf attraction, business

owners quickly realize benefits including: appealing to more people, more options
for group and party packages, increasing average revenue per visit/per person,
increasing business capacity at peak times, and more.

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Black Light Mini-Golf: A Proven Track Record of Success

For over 10 years, black light miniature golf as an industry has rapidly grown in
popularity and profitability. Black light mini-golf can be found at stand-alone
locations, tourist spots, amusement
parks, FECs bowling centers,
shopping malls, etc. Collectively there
are now over 300 black light mini-golf
locations worldwide, blazing a track
record of success that speaks for
itself.

At the core of mini-golf success is the

simple fact that it is fun to play and
many customers return to play again
and again! People of all ages and
backgrounds play mini-golf. Mini-golf
is a great attraction for birthdays, group events and corporate parties.

Black Light Mini-Golf: The Experience

Black Light Miniature Golf is an out of this world experience that takes classic
mini-golf to a whole new level. With a glowing putter and ball, players enter a
themed world of adventure and compete on black light courses that are generally
either 9 or 18 holes in length. The typical length of a game is approximately 2
minutes per hole or 18 minutes for 9 holes and 36 minutes for 18 holes.

Courses today include a check-in area, a variety of themes, challenging hole

designs, and sometimes interactive and/or moving props.

• Check-In Area – This is where the players check in to pay for and schedule a
time for their game. They usually also get their putter, ball, and scorecard here
as well.

• Mini-Golf / How To Play – The black light mini-golf course is the heart and soul
of the mini-golf experience. Courses today are typically heavily themed with
elaborate 3-D props and vibrant murals on the walls. Pulsating music, moving
props, and sound effects are also sometimes incorporated to further enhance the
experience. A typical mini-golf game can have up to 4 players on each hole at a
time. Players each putt one at a time with the person furthest from the hole
putting next and play proceeds from there. Once each player has managed to
putt their ball into the hole, they all proceed to the next hole together. As in real
golf, basic etiquette is required. If you are a slower playing group, it is proper to
let other groups play through.

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• Course Themes – The Disney parks, Universal Studios, Legoland and others all
enjoy extraordinary success because they go far beyond simply offering rides
and attractions. They know the importance of effective theming for their
businesses. These parks allow guests to suspend disbelief so that they become
involved in the experience. The entertainment goal of a successful black light
miniature golf center is no different. Guests should feel they are in a special
place… a world of fantasy… an out of this world experience. Popular themes
include Outer Space, Aztec Ruins, Jungle Adventure, Pirate, Underwater,
Dinosaur, Circus/Carnival, and Retro (50’s/Rock and Roll).

• Hole Design – Typically each golf hole is designed to be a par 3. Most holes will
give players the opportunity for a hole-in-one with a great shot. A good score is a
2 or 3. The maximum score on each hole is usually capped at 6 to keep speed
of play up. Most golf holes require players to bank their ball off side curbs or
props and/or putt through various obstacles. Mini-golf is a game of skill and
keeps players coming back again and again as they try to master it. No two
games are ever the same.

• Game Results – After each game, the players exit the mini-golf area to return
their putters and balls (sometimes balls are captured in a lockbox on the 18th
hole). Once outside, players can review their scorecards to see how well they
did individually or against other players in their group or tournament.

Black Light Mini-Golf: Space Requirements / Construction

The amount of space required for a mini-golf attraction or mini-golf business will
vary greatly depending on a variety of circumstances and the type of location. If
the mini-golf is a standalone business you will need 3,600 – 5,400 sq. ft for an 18
hole course (1,800 – 2,700 for 9 holes). For a FEC-based business where the
mini-golf is a complimentary attraction, you can have your course on the smaller
side of these space requirements. Ideally you want ceilings 10’-12’ or higher to
accommodate themed props and to keep the black lights out of reach of players’
putters.

Other space considerations include party rooms,

restrooms, a check-in area, other complimentary
attractions, food service, storage, an office, etc.
Every site and location is unique but in general
you will want a space that is 1.5 – 2x the size of
the course to accommodate some of these other
items.

When you do the build out of the mini-golf course area, there are several important
details that must be taken into consideration. The surrounding walls need to reach the

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ceiling to keep any outside light from entering the playing area. You will want the walls
covered with MDF and painted black so that when the murals are painted they will not be
damaged. You will need HVAC for the area. You will also need black lights throughout
the arena and will likely want to install a sound system on the course.

Black Light Mini-Golf: General Costs

When you are in the early stages of planning a mini-golf attraction, you need
some rough numbers for budgeting. Here are some general estimates for your
reference:

1. Black Light Miniature Golf Course + Equipment (18 Hole) – US

$150,000. This would include items such as themed props, wall murals,
themed arches, themed entry façade, hole carpet, glow carpet, balls, putters,
scorecards, hanging props, floor props, etc.

2. Black Light Miniature Golf Options - This can include options like a
sound system, laser lights, motion props and sound effects. If you
budget around 10% of the course/equipment costs you should be close. i.e.
$15,000 for an 18 hole course.

3. Wall Construction – This would include the outside walls and some
dividing walls within the course. This would also include covering them in
MDF and painting them black so they are ready for murals. An estimated
cost for this would be in the $5,000 - $10,000 range.

4. Black Lights – This would include mounting black light bulbs (2x 4’ bulbs
per fixture) approx. every 10’ on a grid system. An estimated cost for this
would be in the $5,000 - $8,000 range.

5. Additional Expenses – You also need to consider costs for room

preparation, electrical, sprinklers, HVAC, and other areas in your lobby or
building.

TOTAL PRICE FOR AN 18-HOLE MINIATURE GOLF PACKAGE (not

including contractor costs): US $160,000 - $200,000

In order to get more exact figures, we suggest contacting us to complete a

course design for you based on the exact measurements of the space available.
We can even provide you with concept drawings and 3-D visual reference.

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Part 2:
Owning Your Own Black Light Mini-
Golf Business
Owning your own black light mini-golf business is like any other business in that
you want to be as successful as you can be. To do that, you need choose
partners, suppliers, and a location that will give you the greatest chance for
success and help you build a clientele base. Working together with a Mini Golf
Ltd Black Light Mini-Golf representative will be the single best decision you ever
make. We understand the mini-golf business and entertainment industry like no
one else. We will work with you to guide you through all the steps to opening
your business and doing so will likely save you thousands of dollars.

Course Playability - We design courses that are challenging and fun and keep
players coming back again and again.

Course Design - We will provide you with complete course and wall drawings
in AutoCAD. You simply hand these to your architect or contractor and you are
ready to go. We can even provide 3-D walkthroughs of the course!

Course Safety - We take safety very seriously. From smooth edges, to durable
construction, to fire rated materials. Whatever is required, we have you covered.

Course Theming - This is where Mini Golf Ltd really sets itself apart. We
create spectacular environments that transform mini-golf from a game into an
adventure. Better murals, better props and better hole design make for course
theming that is better than anything else on the market.

Making it all Into Reality!

We are here to help you make your mini-golf business as successful as it can be.
working with someone that has your best interests in mind and will be there step
by step with you, positioning you for the greatest opportunity for success.

Listed below are some of the primary steps on your road to turning your mini-golf
business idea in to reality!

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Step 1. Discuss Your Requirements

This is a brief review of where you are at now in your mini-golf plans, a look at
whether or not it is feasible, and what you have to do to make it a reality. Listed
below are some topics of discussion:

• Your goals and objectives for your mini-golf attraction

• Business plan review

• Financing review

• Site selection review

• Construction / permit review

• Timeline review – funding secure / lease

signing?

• General questions and answers

Step 2. Financial Review – Revenue Projection Calculator

Our Revenue Projection Calculator is available for your use to adjust the
variables to best reflect your circumstances. Just give us a call and we will
email this information to you.

Step 3. Black Light Mini-Golf Course / Center Design

At this stage, we will create a preliminary center design layout for the space you
have selected. The goal here is to create the best all-around mini-golf attraction
or mini-golf center possible when considering use of space, budget, traffic flow,
visual appeal, etc.

We will list all attractions and services including the mini-golf course, other
attractions, storage, offices, check-in counter, arcade/redemption games, party
rooms, restrooms, kitchen area, tables, common area, traffic flow, capacity, etc.
This will assist you, your contractors, architect, investors, bankers, landlord and
everyone involved to understand exactly what needs to be done. This process
also helps you to ensure there are no unexpected expenses when you start the
build out phase.

Once we come to a point where everything looks right, the next step would be to
secure a local architect or contractor to address any mechanical, plumbing,
structural, or electrical needs. In addition, they will be able to walk you through
local codes and permit requirements as this is their area of expertise. We will of

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course work closely with them to make this process as smooth as possible and
provide them with any information they require.

When you are complete this stage you should basically have a solid
understanding as to the feasibility of the entire project and if you want to move
forward.

Step 4. Mini Golf Ltd Black Light Mini-Golf Course Contract / Equipment
Selection / Other Attractions / Theming

This is probably the most important step to date and your decisions here will
affect your business for years to come. The important thing here is you choose
the right companies and products and to understand your responsibilities in each
agreement.

Step 5 – Detailed Course Design / Center Design / Theming

This is really a fun stage. This is where things start to come together visually
and people start getting excited.

For the mini-golf course, we will create a thematic package for you that can
consist of conceptual drawings, photos, and sometimes 3-D imaging, videos, etc.
as we create the ultimate themed course.

We cover all themed elements from your entry façade, to the course murals,
props, final hole lock box, hanging props and floor obstacles, etc. Listed below
are some additional elements we will address at this stage:

• Player Capacity

• Traffic Flow

• ADA Requirements

• Prop Layout

• Wall Layout

• Electrical Layout – Sound System, Black Lights, Clean-Up Lights, Outlets,

Special Effect Lighting, etc.

• Course Playability

• Emergency Exits

• Theme Décor

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• Wall Specifications

• Paint and Color Specifications

• Flooring Specifications

For center designs, we can offer many of the same services. However, if you
require architectural drawings for permitting (as most larger entertainment
centers do) you will have to secure a local architect. We will though of course
provide you with our CAD files to assist with these efforts.

If you are interested in theming for the rest of your business we will also come up
with some conceptual proposals for your review.

Step 6 – Fabrication / Construction

Depending on the scope of the project, fabrication of the arena and components
typically takes 4-8 weeks. This is the exciting part of the project for our artisans
as they see the creations come to life. Also during this time, the customer is
preparing the site for installation: electrical wiring, installing walls and flooring,
prepping walls in black paint, etc.

Step 7 – Shipping

We can handle all shipping requirements from door to door and are familiar with
international shipping requirements for packaging, paperwork, customs, and
duty.

Step 8 – Onsite Construction and Installation

Prior to our arrival we will have provided you with wall and electrical layouts for
the course. Assuming that is completed, the actual mini-golf installation and
theming process typically takes 1-2 weeks for most courses. Larger ones may
take a little longer.

The main steps involved in installing a Mini Golf Lts course include the painting of
murals, installation of wall barriers, installation of props and floor obstacles,
installation of any electrical components (sound system, effect lighting, etc.),
followed by a general cleanup and testing.

Step 9 – Site Walkthrough & Training

This is it! This is where you can finally experience your mini-golf course first-
hand and play a round. We will also show you how to maintain and service any
items we provide and answer any questions you might have. The next step is
open your business and start making money!

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