How to Build a Mini Golf Course on a Desert Island - pt2

Being stranded on an island doesn’t mean you can’t have fun — it just requires some ingenuity. With natural resources and a bit of creativity, you can craft a playable mini golf course that keeps your spirits high.

1. Pick Your Location

Look for a flat or gently sloping area with:

• Stable ground (sand is fine, but packed dirt is better)

• Minimal hazards (avoid rocky cliffs or dense undergrowth)

• Enough space for a series of holes — even a small 5-hole course works

Consider natural “features” like tree roots, rocks, or driftwood as obstacles.

2. Decide on the Course Layout

Plan a sequence of holes that varies in challenge. For each hole:

• Start and end points should be clearly marked (using stones, sticks, or shells)

• Incorporate natural obstacles like logs, rocks, or fallen branches

• Use mounds or slopes to create tricky shots

Remember: creativity matters more than perfection.

3. Make Your “Putter”

A good club is essential. On a desert island, improvise:

• Straight sticks or bamboo stalks — roughly chest-high

• Branches with a thicker end for a hitting surface

• Coconut shells attached to sticks for a rounded striking face

Make sure it’s sturdy enough to push or hit the “ball” without breaking.

4. Craft Your “Golf Balls”

You’ll need something round and hard enough to roll:

• Coconuts are perfect if they’re small enough

• Round stones or tightly packed balls of sand wrapped in leaves

• Large shells for light rolling across flat areas

Test the roll before setting up each hole to ensure playability.

5. Create Obstacles

Use what the island provides:

• Logs or driftwood as bridges or barriers

• Rocks to create tunnels or borders

• Shells or leaves for sloped surfaces

• Coconut halves for “cups” or target zones

The goal is to make each hole fun and slightly challenging.

6. Mark the Holes

Your hole needs to be visible and distinct:

• Dig a small depression in the sand

• Use shells, rocks, or coconut halves to outline the hole

• For a raised cup, a coconut half or hollowed log works well

Make sure the target is clearly marked from the starting point.

7. Keep Score

Even in survival mode, friendly competition adds to the fun:

• Use sticks to carve numbers in the sand

• Keep a simple tally on a piece of bark or flat stone

Scorekeeping motivates and adds replay value to your course.

8. Test and Adjust

Play each hole a few times:

• Move obstacles if the hole is too easy or impossible

• Adjust slopes or angles for a better roll

• Make sure each hole is fair but challenging

Improvisation and trial-and-error are key to building a playable course.

9. Add Optional Features

If you’re feeling creative:

• Use palm fronds or leaves for “ramps”

• Create mini tunnels with bamboo or logs

• Build themed areas (a “cave” with driftwood, a “volcano” from sand)

It keeps each hole unique and entertaining.

10. Enjoy and Have Fun

The main point is to pass the time and keep your spirits up. Mini golf on a desert island is more about fun than perfection — laugh at mishits, get creative with shots, and enjoy the challenge.